DC powered maritime vessels

The electrical power requirements of maritime vessels are expanding rapidly as systems need to support power converters and integrate alternative sources. This includes wind and solar power and energy storage systems with a range of voltages, frequencies and power levels. DC grids are ideal for this, but cannot be safely deployed without the necessary protection. We bring solutions to the most complex onboard DC challenges. We offer a complete product range of power electronics components and tailor-made products. With our technical knowledge, extensive services, and broad and relevant international network, we will help you successfully design and execute even the most challenging DC power systems.

Solutions for onboard DC power systems

In the diagram below you’ll find our main products used in DC maritime applications. Hover over the dots for more information.

Single Line diagram

Solid-state DC breaker

The primary function of the Astrol solid-state DC breaker technology is the ultra-fast interruption of high powers while preventing the consequences of short-circuit situations. Our ultra-fast water-cooled DC breakers for the maritime industry are available in three different sizes with a rated voltage of 1.5kV and a rated current between 500A and 3000A. All variants are DNV and CCS certified.

Go to our: Solid-state DC breaker

Solid-state DC breaker

The primary function of the Astrol solid-state DC breaker technology is the ultra-fast interruption of high powers while preventing the consequences of short-circuit situations. Our ultra-fast water-cooled DC breakers for the maritime industry are available in three different sizes with a rated voltage of 1.5kV and a rated current between 500A and 3000A. All variants are DNV and CCS certified.

Go to our: Solid-state DC breaker

Liquid cooled rectifier

Liquid-cooled rectifiers utilize a cooling system that involves circulating a liquid coolant, such as water or oil, to dissipate heat generated during the rectification process. The rectifier components, such as diodes and transformers, are typically immersed in or in direct contact with the coolant. The coolant absorbs the heat and carries it away from the rectifier, maintaining a suitable operating temperature.

Air or liquid cooled Rectifier

Go to our: Liquid cooled rectifier

Liquid cooled rectifier

Liquid-cooled rectifiers utilize a cooling system that involves circulating a liquid coolant, such as water or oil, to dissipate heat generated during the rectification process. The rectifier components, such as diodes and transformers, are typically immersed in or in direct contact with the coolant. The coolant absorbs the heat and carries it away from the rectifier, maintaining a suitable operating temperature.

Air or liquid cooled Rectifier

Go to our: Liquid cooled rectifier

Blocking diode

A blocking diode allows the current to flow from inverter system to the battery but prevents / blocks the flow of current to the inverter system thereby preventing the battery from discharging due to reverse current. Blocking diodes are also used for protecting and preventing dangerous situations caused due to arc flashing.

Go to our: Blocking diode

Blocking diode

A blocking diode allows the current to flow from inverter system to the battery but prevents / blocks the flow of current to the inverter system thereby preventing the battery from discharging due to reverse current. Blocking diodes are also used for protecting and preventing dangerous situations caused due to arc flashing.

Go to our: Blocking diode

Grid DNA

Grid DNA by morEnergy consists of MoMe and ONIS and offers continuous and periodic DC grid impedance measurement with MoMe and ONIS. The MoMe is the first power quality and grid impedance measurement device for onboard, live DC grid monitoring. With the ONIS, high frequency power quality measurements can be performed. MorEnergy specializes in network impedance measurement for the detection of dangerous resonances in the frequency range up to 500 kHz in the power network. This allows us to detect problems before they cause system or component failure.

ONIS by morEnergy

Go to our: Grid DNA

XLHV Supercapacitor

Supercapacitors, also known as ultracapacitors or electrochemical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs), are advanced energy storage devices that combine the high energy storage capacity of batteries with the fast charge and discharge capabilities of conventional capacitors.

Supercapacitor Eaton XLHV

Go to our: XLHV Supercapacitor

XLHV Supercapacitor

Supercapacitors, also known as ultracapacitors or electrochemical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs), are advanced energy storage devices that combine the high energy storage capacity of batteries with the fast charge and discharge capabilities of conventional capacitors.

Supercapacitor Eaton XLHV

Go to our: XLHV Supercapacitor

Brake resistor

Liquid-cooled resistors employ water or a cooling agent to dissipate heat efficiently. Due to the higher density of liquids compared to air, they possess superior heat-carrying capabilities which is preferred for resistors with elevated power ratings.

High power resistor

Go to our: Brake resistor

Additional products

High speed fuse

High speed fuses

High speed fuses are specially designed to minimize the I²t, peak current let-through and arc voltage.
Current voltage sensors

Current sensors

Current sensors are used to measure the amount of current flowing through a wire or conductor.
Metalfilm capacitor

Metal film capacitors

Metalfilm capacitors can be used for a variety of applications, even when extremely non-sinusoidal voltages and pulsed currents are present.
Elektrolytic capacitors

Electrolytic capacitors

AIC Europe electrolytic capacitors are capacitors that use an electrolyte to create a conductive layer between the two electrodes.

Your partner in reliable power electronics

At Astrolkwx we combine our local presence with our international network so we can help our customers optimally plan and execute their projects. Our experienced technical consultants have in-depth knowledge about protecting DC grids, component use and application possibilities. We are motivated to (co-)creating the optimal solution to your onboard DC challenges.

A Speed date with Astrolkwx

  • Short and effective 25 minute online meeting
  • Discuss key products and solutions
  • Support for implementation challenges
  • Room for all your relevant questions
  • Book a speed date
    Astrolkwx speed date meeting

    Last but not least, we take part in several norm committees and have good relationships with maritime certified bodies such as DNV-GL and Lloyd’s Register.

    A greener maritime future

    There is an increased focus on the maritime ecosystem. Focusing on a greener, more sustainable maritime industry is one of the main objectives of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). New technologies contribute to reducing emissions such as CO2, NOx, and SOx. This higher rate of innovation and integration of technology leads to vessel optimization.

    Protecting onboard DC systems

    The introduction of new technologies shall not reduce the overall safety of the vessel. Proper selection of protective devices, such as a DC breaker, high speed fuse, or circuit breaker, and their allocation according to distribution protection zones enables the system integrator to achieve protection selectivity. This leads to effectively mitigating any potential damage to a critical piece of equipment or expensive system downtime and losses in production resulting from a fault.

    Astrol solid-state DC breakers contribute to the design of innovative, future-proof DC systems, allowing the integration of modern energy sources. This technology enables efficient topologies such as closed bus tie systems and ring systems, ensuring a high safety level.

    Short explanation video of the solid-state DC breaker’s technology

    More about our solid-state DC breaker

    Learn more about how our solid-state DC breakers offer optimal protection for your DC grid. View all our available solid-state DC breakers in our product catalog.

    More information about our IGBT based solid-state DC Breaker for marine applications

    Managing different power sources

    How to manage multiple types and makes of power sources and consumers with one tightly integrated system? Traditional (DP) systems are designed for open bus mode, meaning completely separated power systems. Although closed bus systems have many advantages in terms of system efficiency and sustainability, it is a more complex and tightly integrated system that is demanding to build, verify, and operate safely. Approving a closed bus requires validation of the fault tolerance of the connected system, including ‘live’ short-circuit testing of worst-case failure modes.

    Innovation leads to new technologies

    Innovation will significantly alter the way that businesses and industries operate. A smart microgrid offers better power stability and quality. Astrolkwx offers knowledge and a wide range of products and solutions such as solid-state DC breaker switches, heavy-duty power resistors, rectifiers, high speed fuses, and supercapacitors.

    We enable the design of safe and efficient onboard power systems.

    Our experienced consultants are happy to advice you on the right solution to your onboard power challenges. Astrolkwx makes sure you will always meet your special electrical and mechanical specifications!