VACON® NXP Grid Converter

  • Overview
  • Documents
  • Software
  • Related applications
  • Case studies
  • Contact us
  • Troubleshooting

Energy storage and power conversion enabler

The VACON® NXP Grid Converter plays a key role in supporting clean power conversion in distributed networks with or without energy storage.

By enabling connection of energy storage to AC grids, and facilitating AC grids onboard vessels or island applications in remote areas, it fulfils a unique function. Without the grid converter none of these would be possible. 

The grid converter facilitates load sharing and is highly versatile, for easy integration into diverse networks. Its importance cannot be overstated; use of a grid converter is a must in reaching emission targets.

Smart grid converter

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.

Shore supply power conversion

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.

Shaft generator

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.

Support for system integrators

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.

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

Supply voltages and power range

Air cooled:

  • 3 x 380-500 V...180-1100 kW
  • 3 x 525-690 V...200-1200 kW

Liquid cooled:

  • 3 x 400-500 V...160-1800 kW
  • 3 x 525-690 V...210-1800 kW

Features and benefits

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

Reducing port emissions

Discover how shore supply systems equipped with VACON® NXP Grid Converter help port authorities meet emission targets.

Documents

Documents
Type Name Language Valid for Updated Download File type
Case story Future of the Fjords catamaran English Multiple 09 Apr, 2019 482.1 KB PDF
Certificate ISO 9001 Drives BV 500F1065en English Multiple 01 Jan, 2019 627.9 KB PDF
Case story QINOUS energy storage English Multiple 16 Jul, 2019 699.3 KB PDF
Brochure VACON NXP Grid Converter Selection Guide English Multiple 01 Mar, 2016 639.2 KB PDF
Design guide VACON® Hybridization Design Guide English Multiple 01 Jan, 2017 3.8 MB PDF
Application guide VACON® NXP GridConvert ARFIFF03V133 AppM English Multiple 01 May, 2019 0.0 B PDF
Application guide VACON® NXP GridConvert ARFIFF03V164 AppM English Multiple 01 Jun, 2021 1.6 MB PDF
Application guide VACON® NXP GridConvGGC ARFIF106V128 AppM English Multiple 01 Jun, 2021 2.6 MB PDF
User guide VACON® NXP Liquid Cooled Dr. User Manual English Multiple 14 Feb, 2023 22.3 MB PDF
Application guide VACON® NXP Power Gener ARFIFF08V040 AppM English Multiple 01 Aug, 2019 1.4 MB PDF

Software

Software
Type Name Language Updated Version Status Download File type
Fieldbus Firmware VACON® Advanced Safety Option Firmware 16 Dec, 2019 004 RL 3.1 MB ZIP
Software Tools VACON® NCDrive 08 Mar, 2022 2.0.42 RL 5.0 MB ZIP
Software Tools VACON® NCIPConfig 19 Dec, 2018 1.6.5.7 RL 672.6 KB ZIP
Software Tools VACON® NCLoad 04 Dec, 2020 1.0.34 RL 3.6 MB ZIP
Fieldbus Configuration Files VACON® NX OPTC3/C5 PROFIBUS GSD 11 Jan, 2016 RL 748.0 B ZIP
Fieldbus Configuration Files VACON® NX OPTC4 LonWorks XIF 11 Jan, 2016 RL 1.3 KB ZIP
Fieldbus Configuration Files VACON® NX OPTC6 CANopen EDS 27 Feb, 2018 RL 2.7 KB ZIP
Fieldbus Configuration Files VACON® NX OPTC7 DeviceNet EDS 01 Jan, 2012 RL 3.5 KB ZIP
VACON® NX OPTCP PROFINET GSDML 19 Feb, 2015 RL 7.4 KB ZIP
Application Software VACON® NXP Grid Converter Application 11 Nov, 2022 182 RL 2.7 MB ZIP
VACON® OPTCQ EtherNet/IP EDS 08 Jan, 2015 RL 13.2 KB ZIP
Fieldbus Configuration Files VACON® OPTE3/E5 PROFIBUS GSD 08 Jun, 2022 RL 13.4 KB ZIP
PLC LIBRARIES VACON® OPTE3/E5 TIA Portal Library 08 Jul, 2020 014 RL 3.6 MB ZIP
Fieldbus Configuration Files VACON® OPTE9 EtherNet/IP EDS 03 Sep, 2020 RL 72.1 KB ZIP
Fieldbus Configuration Files VACON® OPTE9 PROFINET IO GSDML 03 Apr, 2020 RL 204.3 KB ZIP
Fieldbus Configuration Files VACON® OPTE9 SIMATIC PDM EDD 16 Dec, 2019 RL 667.4 KB ZIP
PLC LIBRARIES VACON® OPTE9/EA EtherNet/IP AOI 16 Feb, 2018 RL 531.9 KB ZIP
PLC LIBRARIES VACON® OPTE9-EA TIA Portal Library 16 Feb, 2018 RL 2.9 MB ZIP
Fieldbus Firmware VACON® OPTEA Adv. DualPort Eth. Firmware 03 Apr, 2023 007 RL 7.2 MB ZIP
Fieldbus Configuration Files VACON® OPTEA EtherNet/IP EDS 13 Nov, 2018 RL 54.0 KB ZIP
Fieldbus Configuration Files VACON® OPTEA PROFINET IO GSDML 08 Feb, 2021 RL 209.2 KB ZIP
Fieldbus Configuration Files VACON® OPTEA SIMATIC PDM EDD 13 Nov, 2018 RL 461.7 KB ZIP
Fieldbus Configuration Files VACON® OPTEC EtherCAT ESI 20 Feb, 2020 RL 381.4 KB ZIP
Software Tools VACON® Safe 25 Jan, 2021 1.0.4.0 RL 3.8 MB ZIP
Software Tools VACON® Safe 24 Jun, 2019 1.0.2.0 RL 3.8 MB ZIP

Related applications

Shaft generators and shore-supply systems.

Case studies

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    Unique heat recovery for geothermal power using VACON® drives

    AUSTRALIA: In arid outback Australia the borewater pumped up from underground is so hot, it needs cooling before you can drink it. The town of Winton in Queensland has turned this to its advantage by converting heat from the bore water to electricity. A geothermal power station recovers energy during the borewater cooling process then uses it to generate power for the local community, with the help of VACON®drives.

  • if (isSmallPicture) { Zygfryd Glaeser, Professor in Theology at the University of Opole in front of solar panels; } else if (isBigColumns) { Zygfryd Glaeser, Professor in Theology at the University of Opole in front of solar panels } else { Zygfryd Glaeser, Professor in Theology at the University of Opole in front of solar panels }
    Kneipp-Institute leads the way in storing renewable energy

    An institute in Kamień Śląski, Poland, is pioneering climate neutral energy consumption. Danfoss helps store electricity from the sun. Savings on electricity bill and CO2 emissions are the main drivers.

  • if (isSmallPicture) {  Alfen energy storage enables the energy grid of the future; } else if (isBigColumns) {  Alfen energy storage enables the energy grid of the future } else {  Alfen energy storage enables the energy grid of the future }
    Alfen energy storage enables the energy grid of the future

    Electrification and hybrid solutions are now booming. One of the first pioneers was the Dutch based energy storage manufacturer Alfen B.V., which has used Danfoss power conversion equipment since the early days.

  • if (isSmallPicture) { QINOUS energy storage optimizes co-generation globally; } else if (isBigColumns) { QINOUS energy storage optimizes co-generation globally } else { QINOUS energy storage optimizes co-generation globally }
    QINOUS energy storage optimizes co-generation globally

    Electrification and hybrid solutions are now booming. The German energy storage manufacturer QINOUS GmbH was one of the first Danfoss customers developing these solutions long ago, before this was a “hot topic” in the energy industry.

  • if (isSmallPicture) { Future of the Fjords meets 2026 emission targets, today; } else if (isBigColumns) { Future of the Fjords meets 2026 emission targets, today } else { Future of the Fjords meets 2026 emission targets, today }
    Future of the Fjords meets 2026 emission targets, today

    This world-first fully-electric carbon fiber vessel safeguards the pristine Norwegian fjord environment, ensuring zero emissions.

  • if (isSmallPicture) { VACON® drives power hybrid ferries 24/7; } else if (isBigColumns) { VACON® drives power hybrid ferries 24/7 } else { VACON® drives power hybrid ferries 24/7 }
    VACON® drives power hybrid ferries 24/7

    Passenger ferries bridge Amsterdam’s IJ River, keeping the city connected around the clock. Hybrid propulsion powered by VACON® drives ensures 24/7 uptime, smaller generator size, better air quality, less noise and easy maneuverability of the vessels.

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