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Scalable, Plug & Play and Modular DC Power Systems for low-emission Large Vessels

Project description

Powering the future of green shipping

The maritime sector faces challenges in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with the need to transition from fossil fuels to low-carbon power sources for a climate-neutral society by 2050. Central to this goal is the development of efficient energy systems for ships, that have a higher degree of electrification and incorporate advanced storage solutions. However, while DC primary grids have been implemented on vessels, secondary grids largely remain based on traditional AC systems. This limits the potential for enhanced safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. In this context, the EU-funded ALL-DC-SHIPS project focuses on modular DC/DC power converters, innovative solid-state protection systems, and advanced energy management algorithms, all designed to improve shipboard power efficiency and reliability. Overall, ALL-DC-SHIPS will support the transition to low- and zero-emission waterborne transport.

Objective

The use of fossil fuels and emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) from waterborne must be minimised as fast as possible to reach a climate-neutral society by 2050. A vital prerequisite of the decarbonisation is the rapid growth of low-carbon power sources and energy storage. To achieve this, the efficient integration in the shipboard power system requires the development of high-power components and protections, and more specifically DC-DC power converters and DC switchgear. Albeit DC primary grids have been deployed for several vessels, the secondary grid has remained substantially identical to traditional solution based on AC. There is an opportunity to unlock the capabilities and functionalities of novel components for secondary grids that can improve the safety and the operations on the vessel. These components, integrated with the power converters and the protections of the primary grids, will reduce the risks of blackouts connected to faults and improve the reliability of the power supply.
ALL-DC-SHIPS has devised a comprehensive strategy to address the challenges faced by shipowners, systems integrators and ship operators that includes:
1) development of new modular power converters with wide bandgap devices for primary DC grids
2) high-density power converters for secondary DC grids
3) innovative DC protection systems for primary and secondary DC grids
4) implementation of advanced algorithms for real-time ship energy management
5) rigorous testing and validation methodologies for the vessel demonstrator
6) providing recommendations for relevant use cases above 5,000 GT.
ALL-DC-SHIPS will contribute to enable low-emission waterborne transport and technology transition for a resilient and sustainable future of the maritime sector.

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HORIZON-IA - HORIZON Innovation Actions

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-CL5-2024-D5-01

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Coordinator

THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 1 218 385,00
Address
Edgbaston
B15 2TT Birmingham
United Kingdom

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Region
West Midlands (England) West Midlands Birmingham
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 1 218 385,00

Participants (11)

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