HD Hyundai has successfully developed the nation’s first modular high-voltage propulsion drive, accelerating the localization of electric propulsion ships.

Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, HD Hyundai’s intermediate holding company for shipbuilding, announced on June 13 that it has successfully developed and conducted land-based demonstrations of a high-voltage propulsion drive with MMC structure.

The technical demonstration was attended by key executives of the group, including Kim Sung-joon, CEO of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, Joo Won-ho, CEO of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Special Ship Business, and Kim Young-ki, CEO of HD Hyundai Electric, as well as officials from relevant organizations related to ship electrification.

The high-voltage propulsion drive with MMC structure is a technology specialized for high-capacity, high-voltage power systems with excellent power quality. It is particularly gaining attention as a next-generation propulsion drive for electric propulsion ships as it can reduce the system size and equipment weight by more than 20%.

Electric propulsion ships are a key force that will determine future naval power, with superior maneuverability and less noise during propulsion compared to conventional diesel engine propulsion methods. The propulsion drive, which stably controls the output of the electric motor in electric propulsion ships, is a core product that determines the performance of the ship and propulsion system, including the ability to control acceleration and deceleration of propulsion speed during combat and the operation of high-output weapon systems.

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering initiated independent technology development in 2022 with research teams from Seoul National University and Kyungpook National University for the complete localization of propulsion drives for electric propulsion ships. In December last year, they succeeded in developing a high-voltage propulsion drive with MMC structure, and have now completed the verification process through this demonstration.

Kim Sung-joon, CEO of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, said, “The high-voltage propulsion drive product developed by HD Hyundai is a symbol of HD Hyundai’s ship electrification technology. We plan to accelerate commercialization and lead the global market expansion of K-

Source:Business Korea