Yaskawa Environmental Energy / The Switch provides the marine industry with the smartest solution for a multi-megawatt DC power system with The Switch DC-Hub. What it delivers is fuel and cost savings and reliability. Its offering comprises of power generation, energy storage, charging, propulsion power and clean power — How is this done?
The Switch DC-Hub is made up of several independent Power Drive units. These are in effect frequency converters, which can be installed onboard as either a retrofit or as an original design. The frequency converters are connected to the ship’s DC link, with each being assigned a separate load or source function. This means that one can carry the DC voltage, and another can run different connected loads. Batteries can also serve in source or load mode depending on whether the system is draining the batteries or charging them. The DC-Hub ensures that the change between different modes is seamless and without requiring any action from the crew.
The versatile possibilities and the immense fuel and cost savings of the DC-Hub make it an attractive choice for any vessel’s power distribution.
Numerous benefits create smooth sailing
The Switch DC-Hub creates unprecedented benefits for vessels, especially with the tightening emissions regulations. With the DC-Hub, dual fuel vessels can cut down fuel consumption and emissions through peak shaving by stabilizing the loads in rough seas. The DC-Hub also makes it possible to run on only one genset and batteries, further slashing fuel consumption and emissions. To take things further, ships that sail in emission regulated harbors can sail on only batteries for a period of time, until they’re far out at sea, and only then start their engines.
Another benefit for ship owners is cost savings, both in initial system installment and in the long run. By not having to install a lot of auxiliary equipment, like transformers and AC switchboards, and also through the reduced fuel consumption, space onboard and money is saved. The lengthened maintenance intervals on rotating equipment made possible by peak shaving also reduces long-term costs.
The Switch DC-Hub solution creates longevity for vessels because any power source can be connected to the system. This means that in the future, as new power sources become more efficient and are installed, they too, can be connected the DC-Hub and enjoy its benefits.
DC-Hub design and possibilities
The DC-Hub consists of inverters, which feed or drain the DC link based on demand and available power. Any type of electrical energy source, including permanent magnet generators, solar panels, fuel cells, batteries, induction generators and synchronous generators, can be connected. Also, when connected to the DC-Hub, batteries can be utilized as stand-by or active power sources. This enables silent operations and cuts down emissions. Furthermore, connector charging as well as wireless charging, and also hotel load supply is made possible with the DC-Hub.
Safe redundancy with the Electronic Bus Link
We are now entering the DP3 market for a pure DC distribution system, which means we will fulfill the highest redundancy requirements.
– Harald Lønn, Product Manager, The Switch Norway.
Pairing The Switch DC-Hub with our unique Electronic Bus Link (EBL) allows each DC-Hub to work independently. This piece ultra-rapidly, in only 10 microseconds, cuts and isolates any possible error in the system, creating safe redundancy for the vessel.
Are you ready for the future? We are!