VACON® NXP Grid Converter

  • Overview
  • Documents
  • Software
  • Related applications
  • Case studies

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.

Solar impulse logo

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

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

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 Abeking and Rasmussen WSV English Multiple 03 May, 2023 4.5 MB .pdf
Case story Alfen English Multiple 20 Mar, 2023 5.1 MB .pdf
Case story Astrid Helene English Multiple 20 Mar, 2023 2.9 MB .pdf
Case story Bore Sea RoFlex English Multiple 15 Mar, 2023 2.7 MB .pdf
Case story Bore Sea RoFlex - US English English United States 15 Mar, 2023 2.6 MB .pdf
Case story CCB Bergen English Multiple 16 Mar, 2023 3.1 MB .pdf
Case story Electrosteel Castings Ltd English Multiple 03 May, 2023 1.7 MB .pdf
Brochure Engineering - Chemical and Pharma English Multiple 18 May, 2022 37.7 MB .pdf
Case story Future of the Fjords English Multiple 20 Mar, 2023 2.2 MB .pdf
Case story Geothermal Winton English Multiple 20 Mar, 2023 5.9 MB .pdf
Case story Grotte electric ferry - Full case English Multiple 15 Dec, 2021 1.1 MB .pdf
Case story Grotte electric ferry - Mobile case | English English Multiple 15 Dec, 2021 916.2 KB .pdf
Case story Grotte electric ferry - Short case English Multiple 15 Dec, 2021 3.9 MB .pdf
Case story JeffriesGroup EfW plant - Full case English Multiple 04 Apr, 2022 5.0 MB .pdf
Case story JeffriesGroup EfW plant - Mobile case English Multiple 05 Apr, 2022 3.4 MB .pdf
Case story JeffriesGroup EfW plant - Short case English Multiple 04 Apr, 2022 3.8 MB .pdf
Case story NES Ferry Norway - Full case English Multiple 09 Mar, 2022 608.5 KB .pdf
Case story NES Ferry Norway - Mobile case English Multiple 16 Mar, 2022 8.0 MB .pdf
Case story NES Ferry Norway - Short case English Multiple 16 Mar, 2022 1.9 MB .pdf
Case story Nuvera Fuel Cells English Multiple 11 Jan, 2022 2.9 MB .pdf
Case story Nuvera Fuel Cells - Mobile case English Multiple 10 Jan, 2022 1.4 MB .pdf
Brochure Product Overview English Multiple 16 Mar, 2023 9.8 MB .pdf
Case story Qinous English Multiple 22 Mar, 2023 4.2 MB .pdf
Case story Quintex English Multiple 17 Mar, 2023 1.0 MB .pdf
Case story Ro-Pax vessels English Multiple 17 Mar, 2023 2.1 MB .pdf
Brochure Shore Supply Flyer English Multiple 11 Mar, 2022 2.2 MB .pdf
Case story STX Engine SKorea English Multiple 22 Mar, 2023 5.1 MB .pdf
Application guide The new network - smart grids English Multiple 15 Apr, 2019 2.4 MB .pdf
Fact sheet VACON NXP drive anti-sway functionality English Multiple 27 Feb, 2023 569.0 KB .pdf
Fact sheet VACON NXP drive anti-sway functionality - US English English United States 27 Feb, 2023 595.3 KB .pdf
Brochure VACON NXP Grid Converter for Smart Grids English Multiple 22 Nov, 2021 10.7 MB .pdf
Brochure VACON NXP Grid Converter Selection Guide English Multiple 16 Mar, 2023 12.9 MB .pdf
Brochure VACON NXP Grid Converter Selection Guide - US English English United States 16 Mar, 2023 12.9 MB .pdf
Operating guide VACON-NX-Line-Voltage-Measurement-OG English Multiple 28 Mar, 2023 13.0 MB .pdf
Design guide VACON® Hybridization Design Guide English Multiple 15 Jan, 2017 3.8 MB .pdf
Application guide VACON® NXP GridConvert ARFIFF03V190 AppM English Multiple 28 Nov, 2023 1.9 MB .pdf
Application guide VACON® NXP GridConvGGC ARFIF106V160 AppM English Multiple 24 Nov, 2023 2.9 MB .pdf
Application guide VACON® NXP Power Gener ARFIFF08V040 AppM English Multiple 15 Aug, 2019 1.4 MB .pdf
White paper Why supply land-based power English Multiple 28 Feb, 2023 10.6 MB .pdf

Software

Software
Type Software Characteristic Name Version Language Released Status Download File type
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.

Case studies