Research project SuSy
Sustainable DC-Systems – direct current energy supply on ships
Renewable energy is normally converted from direct current to alternating current by means of inverters. The joint project SuSy is examining the potential use of direct current-based distribution grids on ships, so that energy – e.g. from photovoltaic systems or alternatively from fuel cells – can be made available at sea more efficiently, without this conversion process. The main goal is to develop a hybrid electrical system at the distribution level which appropriately combines direct and alternating current and thus to increase the absorption capacity of renewable energy on passenger ships. The aim is for this principle to be subsequently transferable to other types of ships.
orschungsprojekt SuSy | |
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Duration | March 2021 to February 2024 |
Funded by | Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action |
Project participants | - Meyer Werft GmbH & Co. KG
- Institut of Networked Energy Systems
- Institut für Mechatronik im Maschinenbau (TUHH)
- Institut für Elektrische Energietechnik (TUHH)
- Siemens Energy Global Gmbh & Co. KG
- Lloyd´s Register EMEA
- morEnergy GmbH
- Damen Shipyards
- Schneider Electric GmbH
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The key objective of the SuSy project is to develop a hybrid electrical system at the distribution level, with an appropriate combination of alternating and direct current. For this purpose, the partners in the SuSy joint project are examining the use of new types of direct current systems for an efficient energy supply system on ships. They are focusing on increasing the level of distribution efficiency as well as improving absorption capacity for renewable energy. To enable economies of scale, the electrical system which is to be developed is to be applied to various types of ships and is to be designed as a modular system.
The project represents an important contribution to the German government’s Maritime Research Programme. It covers issues such as the efficient operation of ships, efficient propulsion systems and an operating mode which is optimised as regards CO2 emissions.
As part of the SuSy project, the Institute of Networked Energy Systems is working on the design of new direct-current energy distribution structures. In addition, various parts of the ship (including cabins) are integrated in the overall energy supply system as flexible loads, and the external facade is incorporated in the energy generation process by means of photovoltaics. Digital models of the energy distribution structures are being created and their behaviour analysed in various scenarios by means of simulations. Energy flows will thus be determined and potential areas of optimisation identified. The simulation demonstrates potential solutions for the overall system design and transmits these parameters to the laboratory simulation. Here, the grid nodes are connected by means of their models in a physical network, within a relevant output range (up to 1.1 MW for joint generators and load), and the results of the simulation are experimentally tested. The findings are factored into the digital simulation and thus improve its predictive capacity.
This project will establish the basis for an innovative hybrid energy supply system which will in future provide the option of a potential modular electrical system for a wide variety of different ship types.
