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.
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
Type | Name | Language | Valid for | Updated | Download | File type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Case story | Future of the Fjords catamaran | English | Multiple | 09 Apr, 2019 | 482.1 KB | |
Certificate | ISO 9001 Drives BV 500F1065en | English | Multiple | 01 Jan, 2019 | 627.9 KB | |
Case story | QINOUS energy storage | English | Multiple | 16 Jul, 2019 | 699.3 KB | |
Brochure | VACON NXP Grid Converter Selection Guide | English | Multiple | 01 Mar, 2016 | 639.2 KB | |
Design guide | VACON® Hybridization Design Guide | English | Multiple | 01 Jan, 2017 | 3.8 MB | |
Application guide | VACON® NXP GridConvert ARFIFF03V133 AppM | English | Multiple | 01 May, 2019 | 0.0 B | |
Application guide | VACON® NXP GridConvert ARFIFF03V164 AppM | English | Multiple | 01 Jun, 2021 | 1.6 MB | |
Application guide | VACON® NXP GridConvGGC ARFIF106V128 AppM | English | Multiple | 01 Jun, 2021 | 2.6 MB | |
User guide | VACON® NXP Liquid Cooled Dr. User Manual | English | Multiple | 14 Feb, 2023 | 22.3 MB | |
Application guide | VACON® NXP Power Gener ARFIFF08V040 AppM | English | Multiple | 01 Aug, 2019 | 1.4 MB |
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.
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; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Drives for marine power conversion and generationDraw upon expertise from Danfoss to optimize energy storage solutions on board vessels, and shore power supplies for quieter and cleaner harbours.
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; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Drives for marine propulsion and thrustersFor more efficient operation and greater freedom in ship design, consider an electric-based main propulsion with engineering from Danfoss.
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Case studies
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if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Unique heat recovery for geothermal power using VACON® drivesAUSTRALIA: 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.
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if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Kneipp-Institute leads the way in storing renewable energyAn 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.
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if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Alfen energy storage enables the energy grid of the futureElectrification 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.
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if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }QINOUS energy storage optimizes co-generation globallyElectrification 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.
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if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Future of the Fjords meets 2026 emission targets, todayThis world-first fully-electric carbon fiber vessel safeguards the pristine Norwegian fjord environment, ensuring zero emissions.
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if (isSmallPicture) {
; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }VACON® drives power hybrid ferries 24/7Passenger 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.
Contact us
For further information or to get a quote for this drive please contact us
Troubleshooting
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