The VACON® NXP Grid Converter is an alternative source of marine power technology that plays a key role in reducing fuel intake and improving efficiency. It can be applied to power generation for ship engines and harbor power supplies to meet the demands of governments and port authorities.
When used with a shore-supply solution, VACON NXP Grid Converter allows electrical power to be sourced from the local grid via a set of cables, rather than the ship’s main engine or generators. This process, sometimes known as ‘cold ironing’, has a significantly positive impact on fuel economy. It causes reductions in CO2, NOx and SOx emissions, as well as noise and vibration levels.
VACON NXP Grid Converter can also be applied to shaft-generator solutions, ensuring that propulsion machinery is able to operate at various speeds. The shaft generator decouples shaft RPMs from the electricity (frequency) which allows better electrical quality and improved fuel economy. Additionally, power can either be taken from or entered into the propeller shaft. This is particularly useful for ships that often alternate their speeds as it creates fuel savings and minimizes exhaust emissions by up to 15%. It also creates an emergency mode meaning that the vessel can operate even if the main engine fails.
VACON NXP Grid Converter for smart grids improves stability in the grid by supporting a diverse range of energy generators and energy storage systems. By enabling peak shaving, it in turn reduces the capital investment required for grid infrastructure. It is certified for grid code compliance in a wide range of countries, for fast system certification for system integrators.
Power networks which include intelligent energy storage offer us highly sustainable solutions for the future
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When used with a shore-supply solution, VACON NXP Grid Converter allows electrical power to be sourced from the local grid, rather than the ship’s main engine or generators. This process, sometimes known as ‘cold ironing’, has a significantly positive impact on fuel economy. It causes reductions in CO2, NOx and SOx emissions, as well as noise and vibration levels.
VACON NXP Grid Converter can also be applied to shaft-generator solutions, ensuring that propulsion machinery is able to operate at various speeds. The shaft generator decouples the shaft from the mains, which allows better electrical quality and improved fuel economy. Additionally, power can either be taken from or entered into the propeller shaft. This is particularly useful for ships that often alternate their speeds as it creates fuel savings and minimizes exhaust emissions by up to 15%. It also creates an emergency mode meaning that the vessel can operate even if the main engine fails.
Danfoss supports system integrators (SI) in designing their systems to bid on projects. Our aim is to help customers by providing tools and reference designs to make their system design easier. For instance, Danfoss can provide configurable 3D models as well as 2D general arrangement drawings from our product offering.
Endorsed by the World Alliance for Efficient Solutions as a Solar Impulse Efficient Solution.
The 1000 Efficient Solutions comprise the very best the world has to offer in clean and profitable solutions to protect the environment. VACON® NXP Grid Converter was assessed on the criteria of viability, deployability, and sustainability.
Read about Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions
Read about the VACON® NXP Grid Converter endorsement
Reduced fuel consumption as electrical power can be sourced from the grid
Lower CO2, NOx and SOx emissions as the main engine can be shut down
Conforms to ABS and DNV standards
Improved energy efficiency as engine speed can be optimized
Liquid and air cooled solutions available
Facilitates fast system certification for distributed smart grids, thanks to compliance with global grid codes
Protects critical industrial processes with Intelligent DC backup
Simplified logistics and good protection with containerized solutions
Faster, more cost effective engineering thanks to reference designs
Facilitates active and reactive load sharing via droop function
Supply voltages and power range
Air cooled:
Liquid cooled:
Discover how shore supply systems equipped with VACON® NXP Grid Converter help port authorities meet emission targets
Read the application paper
Shaft generators and shore-supply systems.
Draw upon expertise from Danfoss to optimize energy storage solutions on board vessels, and shore power supplies for quieter and cleaner harbors.
Balancing supply and consumption is a complex task in a distributed smart grid, and this is where Danfoss supports you with certified power conversion solutions, saving you time, cost and effort in testing and certification.
Natel Energy brings state-of-the-art technology to the renewable energy market with an environmentally friendly and widely distributable hydropower generation system featuring an innovative new turbine design—Danfoss technology helps bring it to commercialization.
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In 2009, Viking River Cruises commissioned the MV Viking Legend, the world’s first river cruiser with an energy and drive system based on a highly efficient DC bus. Since then they have built up a fleet of more than 50 hybrid ships.
Attica Group use VACON® generator and grid converters as part of a sophisticated and energy-efficient solution for energy production on its Ro-Pax vessels.
Main propulsion machinery optimized using VACON® AC-drive technology improves efficiency.