Cleaner power for ships and ports
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.
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.
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
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
Reducing port emissions
Discover how shore supply systems equipped with VACON® NXP Grid Converter help port authorities meet emission targets
Order VACON® NXP literature
Documents
Type | Name | Language | Valid for | Updated | Download | File type |
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Case story | Abeking and Rasmussen WSV | English | Multiple | 03 May, 2023 | 4.5 MB | |
Case story | Alfen | English | Multiple | 20 Mar, 2023 | 5.1 MB | |
Case story | Astrid Helene | English | Multiple | 20 Mar, 2023 | 2.9 MB | |
Case story | Bore Sea RoFlex | English | Multiple | 15 Mar, 2023 | 2.7 MB | |
Case story | Bore Sea RoFlex - US English | English | United States | 15 Mar, 2023 | 2.6 MB | |
Case story | CCB Bergen | English | Multiple | 16 Mar, 2023 | 3.1 MB | |
Case story | Electrosteel Castings Ltd | English | Multiple | 03 May, 2023 | 1.7 MB | |
Brochure | Engineering - Chemical and Pharma | English | Multiple | 18 May, 2022 | 37.7 MB | |
Case story | Future of the Fjords | English | Multiple | 20 Mar, 2023 | 2.2 MB | |
Case story | Geothermal Winton | English | Multiple | 20 Mar, 2023 | 5.9 MB | |
Case story | Grotte electric ferry - Full case | English | Multiple | 15 Dec, 2021 | 1.1 MB | |
Case story | Grotte electric ferry - Mobile case | English | English | Multiple | 15 Dec, 2021 | 916.2 KB | |
Case story | Grotte electric ferry - Short case | English | Multiple | 15 Dec, 2021 | 3.9 MB | |
Case story | JeffriesGroup EfW plant - Full case | English | Multiple | 04 Apr, 2022 | 5.0 MB | |
Case story | JeffriesGroup EfW plant - Mobile case | English | Multiple | 05 Apr, 2022 | 3.4 MB | |
Case story | JeffriesGroup EfW plant - Short case | English | Multiple | 04 Apr, 2022 | 3.8 MB | |
Case story | NES Ferry Norway - Full case | English | Multiple | 09 Mar, 2022 | 608.5 KB | |
Case story | NES Ferry Norway - Mobile case | English | Multiple | 16 Mar, 2022 | 8.0 MB | |
Case story | NES Ferry Norway - Short case | English | Multiple | 16 Mar, 2022 | 1.9 MB | |
Case story | Nuvera Fuel Cells | English | Multiple | 11 Jan, 2022 | 2.9 MB | |
Case story | Nuvera Fuel Cells - Mobile case | English | Multiple | 10 Jan, 2022 | 1.4 MB | |
Brochure | Product Overview | English | Multiple | 16 Mar, 2023 | 9.8 MB | |
Case story | Qinous | English | Multiple | 22 Mar, 2023 | 4.2 MB | |
Case story | Quintex | English | Multiple | 17 Mar, 2023 | 1.0 MB | |
Case story | Ro-Pax vessels | English | Multiple | 17 Mar, 2023 | 2.1 MB | |
Brochure | Shore Supply Flyer | English | Multiple | 11 Mar, 2022 | 2.2 MB | |
Case story | STX Engine SKorea | English | Multiple | 22 Mar, 2023 | 5.1 MB | |
Application guide | The new network - smart grids | English | Multiple | 15 Apr, 2019 | 2.4 MB | |
Fact sheet | VACON NXP drive anti-sway functionality | English | Multiple | 27 Feb, 2023 | 569.0 KB | |
Fact sheet | VACON NXP drive anti-sway functionality - US English | English | United States | 27 Feb, 2023 | 595.3 KB | |
Brochure | VACON NXP Grid Converter for Smart Grids | English | Multiple | 22 Nov, 2021 | 10.7 MB | |
Brochure | VACON NXP Grid Converter Selection Guide | English | Multiple | 16 Mar, 2023 | 12.9 MB | |
Brochure | VACON NXP Grid Converter Selection Guide - US English | English | United States | 16 Mar, 2023 | 12.9 MB | |
Operating guide | VACON-NX-Line-Voltage-Measurement-OG | English | Multiple | 28 Mar, 2023 | 13.0 MB | |
Design guide | VACON® Hybridization Design Guide | English | Multiple | 15 Jan, 2017 | 3.8 MB | |
Application guide | VACON® NXP GridConvert ARFIFF03V190 AppM | English | Multiple | 28 Nov, 2023 | 1.9 MB | |
Application guide | VACON® NXP GridConvGGC ARFIF106V160 AppM | English | Multiple | 24 Nov, 2023 | 2.9 MB | |
Application guide | VACON® NXP Power Gener ARFIFF08V040 AppM | English | Multiple | 15 Aug, 2019 | 1.4 MB | |
White paper | Why supply land-based power | English | Multiple | 28 Feb, 2023 | 10.6 MB |
Software
Type | Software Characteristic | Name | Version | Language | Released | Status | Download | File type |
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System software | Option and fieldbus firmware | VACON® Advanced Safety Option Firmware | 004 | English | 16 Dec, 2019 | Released | 3.1 MB | .zip |
Software tools | VACON® NCDrive | 2.0.42 | English | 08 Mar, 2022 | Released | 5.0 MB | .zip | |
Software tools | VACON® NCLoad | 1.0.34 | English | 04 Dec, 2020 | Released | 3.6 MB | .zip | |
System software | Fieldbus configuration file | VACON® NX OPTC3/C5 PROFIBUS GSD | 01 | English | 11 Jan, 2016 | Released | 748.0 B | .zip |
System software | Fieldbus configuration file | VACON® NX OPTC4 LonWorks XIF | 01 | English | 11 Jan, 2016 | Released | 1.3 KB | .zip |
System software | Fieldbus configuration file | VACON® NX OPTC6 CANopen EDS | 01 | English | 27 Feb, 2018 | Released | 2.7 KB | .zip |
System software | Fieldbus configuration file | VACON® NX OPTC7 DeviceNet EDS | 01 | English | 01 Jan, 2012 | Released | 3.5 KB | .zip |
System software | Fieldbus configuration file | VACON® NX OPTCP PROFINET GSDML | 01 | English | 19 Feb, 2015 | Released | 7.4 KB | .zip |
Application software | VACON® NXP Grid Converter Application | 192 | English | 29 Jan, 2024 | Released | 2.7 MB | .zip | |
System software | Fieldbus configuration file | VACON® OPTCQ EtherNet/IP EDS | 01 | English | 08 Jan, 2015 | Released | 13.2 KB | .zip |
System software | Fieldbus configuration file | VACON® OPTE3/E5 PROFIBUS GSD | 01 | English | 08 Jun, 2022 | Released | 13.4 KB | .zip |
System software | Library | VACON® OPTE3/E5 TIA Portal Library | 014 | English | 08 Jul, 2020 | Released | 3.6 MB | .zip |
System software | Fieldbus configuration file | VACON® OPTE9 EtherNet/IP EDS | 01 | English | 03 Sep, 2020 | Released | 72.1 KB | .zip |
System software | Fieldbus configuration file | VACON® OPTE9 PROFINET IO GSDML | 01 | English | 03 Apr, 2020 | Released | 204.3 KB | .zip |
System software | Fieldbus configuration file | VACON® OPTE9 SIMATIC PDM EDD | 01 | English | 16 Dec, 2019 | Released | 667.4 KB | .zip |
System software | Library | VACON® OPTE9-EA TIA Portal Library | 01 | English | 16 Feb, 2018 | Released | 2.9 MB | .zip |
System software | Library | VACON® OPTE9/EA EtherNet/IP Add-on Instructions | 01 | English | 16 Feb, 2018 | Released | 531.9 KB | .zip |
System software | Option and fieldbus firmware | VACON® OPTEA Advanced Dual Port Ethernet Firmware | 007 | English | 03 Apr, 2023 | Released | 7.2 MB | .zip |
System software | Option and fieldbus firmware | VACON® OPTEA PROFINET IO GSDML | 01 | English | 08 Feb, 2021 | Released | 209.2 KB | .zip |
System software | Fieldbus configuration file | VACON® OPTEA SIMATIC PDM EDD | 01 | English | 13 Nov, 2018 | Released | 461.7 KB | .zip |
System software | Fieldbus configuration file | VACON® OPTEC EtherCAT ESI | 01 | English | 20 Feb, 2020 | Released | 381.4 KB | .zip |
Software tools | VACON® Safe | 1.0.4.0 | English | 25 Jan, 2021 | Released | 3.8 MB | .zip |
Related applications
Shaft generators and shore-supply systems.
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if (isSmallPicture) { ; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Drives for marine power conversion and generation
Draw upon expertise from Danfoss to optimize energy storage solutions on board vessels, and shore power supplies for quieter and cleaner harbors.
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if (isSmallPicture) { ; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Intelligent power conversion for smart grids
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.
Case studies
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if (isSmallPicture) { ; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Natel Energy decarbonizes electricity production through reliable hydropower systems with the help of VACON® AC Drives
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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if (isSmallPicture) { ; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }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.
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if (isSmallPicture) { ; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }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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if (isSmallPicture) { ; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }VACON® drives provides quiet and clean river cruising
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.
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if (isSmallPicture) { ; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Higher energy efficiency for Ro-Pax vessels
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.
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if (isSmallPicture) { ; } else if (isBigColumns) { } else { }Reduced fuel consumption and emissions for M/V Bore Sea
Main propulsion machinery optimized using VACON® AC-drive technology improves efficiency.