Discover the innovations of maritime electrification
The world’s leading exhibition and conference for maritime electrification, decarbonization and GHG reduction solutions. The Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo 2025 will showcase new electric and hybrid marine transportation and propulsion solutions, shore charging equipment and efficient emerging technologies to help you on your path to zero-emission shipping and net zero.
Taking place alongside the exhibition is the Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo Europe Conference, the only international conference dedicated to the electrification and hybridization of marine vessels, along with the associated supporting infrastructure for ports, charging, fueling and energy supply.
Welcome to the future of maritime excellence!
Our contribution at the Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo 2025
We will present our Maritime DC Solutions. Discover our range of innovative power electronics components, solutions and power stacks that enable safe and SMART DC systems.
Range of blocking diodes for shore powered vessels
A blocking diode functions to allow current flow from the inverter system to the battery while preventing reverse current flow to the inverter system, thereby protecting the battery from unintended discharge. Additionally, blocking diodes are crucial for safety, as they help prevent hazardous situations such as arc flashing.
In marine operations, particularly during the onshore charging phase, we encounter several challenges. For instance, at shore-based charging stations, power is supplied through a pantograph which connects electrically to the vessel. On the vessel side, this power is distributed to the switchboards. Here, our blocking diodes play a key role in preventing short circuit currents from feeding back from the ship’s electrical system to the shore supply.
Once charging starts, the advanced continuous diode monitoring board developed by Astrol Electronics will detect the diode’s blocking capability. If the diode is not blocking as intended, the system will alert the customer, allowing them to initiate a stop-charge command and disconnection, thereby safeguarding the entire charging system.
Diode assembly for cathodic protection
Stray current corrosion occurs when metal with an electrical current flowing into it is immersed in water that is grounded (such as in any lake, river, or ocean). The current can leave the metal and flow through the water to ground. This will cause rapid corrosion of the metal at the point where the current leaves, in this case the haul of the ship.
Together with Littelfuse we developed a diode assembly for the cathodic protection of vessels is a component used in the corrosion protection system for ships. A diode is an electronic component that conducts current primarily in one direction. In this application, it’s used to ensure electrical current flows in a controlled manner.
How our diode assembly for cathodic protection works
The diode assembly blocks the current flow, thereby preventing stray currents from flowing through the hull of the ship. This prevents corrosion formation and significantly extends the lifetime of the vessel’s structure.
In maritime environments, where vessels are exposed to seawater, which is highly corrosive, these assemblies are crucial. They are often installed in strategic locations around the hull or other submerged parts to ensure stray current protection.
Astrolkwx is expert in the broad field of power electronics solutions for all kinds of challenges. Please contact our technical experts. They will help you in finding the optimal solution.
Platform B solid-state DC breaker
This is the ‘Platform B’ of our solid-state DC breaker system. Each Platform B module has a capacity of 3 MW. It features a modular design tailored specifically for marine and naval applications. It supports up to 6 kA and is rated at 1.5 kV.
Our solid-state DC breaker, Platform B, is designed for marine and naval use, with a modular design that offers front access and a 19-inch configuration for straightforward maintenance and customization. It can manage nominal currents up to 6 kA and includes readiness for spinning reserve mode, ensuring compliance with DP3 standards as per DNV-RP-0591.
Our approach focuses on customer needs, offering customizable designs such as horizontal layouts and compliance with military standards for ruggedized and shock-proof performance.
Peter’s contribution to the conference program: Zone protection in DC multibus and ring systems
Location: Rhein Stage
In his presentation, Peter van den Berg explores the key challenges and considerations when applying solid-state DC breakers (SSDCBs) in closed multi-bus and ring-based DC systems. As Direct Current (DC) power systems gains traction, engineers face new complexities in protection and coordination that differ significantly from traditional AC systems.
A central issue discussed is fault current complexity in ring systems, where fault currents can flow from multiple directions, making it difficult to achieve selectivity. This can lead to over-tripping or under-tripping of protection devices, compromising system reliability. These challenges are compounded by the increased fault levels and the need for sophisticated coordination mechanisms, often requiring communication-based protection schemes.
Solid-state DC breakers play a crucial role in overcoming these issues. Their ability to interrupt DC fault currents within microseconds allows for swift fault isolation, improving fault ride-through and minimizing negative impacts on the system. This ultra-fast interruption capability is particularly valuable in closed bus, multi-bus, or ring configurations, where traditional protection methods struggle.
Van den Berg highlights that while SSDCBs simplify certain aspects of protection through their speed, their integration into complex DC topologies demands careful planning, especially to coordinate protection actions and maintain system stability. The advantages of DC systems—including higher power density, flexibility, and better integration with Energy Storage Systems (ESS)—make solving these protection challenges a priority as the industry moves toward more interconnected and resilient DC grids.
Ultimately, the presentation emphasizes that solid-state DC breaker technology represents a revolutionary advancement in DC system protection. By addressing bidirectional fault currents, enabling selective and efficient fault management, and supporting advanced communication-based coordination, SSDCBs pave the way for reliable and flexible DC power networks of the future.
Upgrade your onboard DC systems with cutting-edge technology for enhanced efficiency and reliability.
Register your interest and save the date for the Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo 2025!
Register
The registration is still closed but you can set up a registration alert. You will be notified via e-mail as soon as the registration for 2025 has launched.
Save the date
Join us in Amsterdam! Save the date in your calendar and come visit us to discuss our wide range of products and solutions for your maritime challenges.
Follow us
Follow us to keep up with the latest about the Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo Europe 2025 and other upcoming events.
