The FLEXSHIP project aims to accelerate the electrification of ships to support climate neutral waterborne transport. It focuses on developing modular, high-efficiency BESS and integrating them safely into existing vessels, with demonstrations in real-world applications. Key component of the BESS, the DC Switchboard ensures an efficient distribution of electrical power between the batteries and the propulsion grid of the vessel.
To perform its functions, the Switchboard integrates two liquid cooled 200kW
bidirectional modules converters (galvanically isolated), electromechanical contactors,
capacitor banks and protective features (IMD, fire and ingress detection). The bidirectional power flow enables the Switchboard to convert power from the 702.72 VDC battery system to the 720 VDC grid in “Battery mode”, from the 720 VDC grid to the 702.72 VDC battery system in “Charging mode”. The Switchboard management system controls the converters and supports the exchange of information with the Power Management System (PMS-DC) but also the Portable Test Equipment for ease of maintenance.
Through parallelization, the FLEXSHIP DC Switchboard design provides an easily scalable solution, able to transfer power from the vessel energy storage whether it is in a full D grid vessel (Ataturk) or in a dual (AC & DC) grid vessel (Gunnerus). The installation and exploitation of the FLEXSHIP on board those demonstrators will help secure the FLEXSHIP design dissemination.
The Switchboard is designed to comply with marine standards (IEC 60092, 60533), and regulator recommendations (RINA Rules for the Classification of Ships [1]). It considers all onboard vessel’s operating constraints from environmental (vibrations, inclination humidity, salt mist), to thermal and electromagnetic constraints.
The document details the functional, electrical, software, execution, usage, reliability and quality requirements for the complete DC Switchboard including its two 200kW Bidirectional Modules. Electrical and mechanical interfaces are also detailed.
The report is confidential, though a comprehensive summary is shared here.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 101095863
