KTE Localizes DC Ship Power System... "Carbon Reduction"

Sanggi-pyeong "Expecting Entry into Overseas Companies' Monopoly Areas"

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] KTE, a ship and offshore plant company supported by the Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (KEIT), has succeeded in developing a domestically produced DC-based power system for ships.

The system developed by KTE converts the existing AC-based power grid used in large commercial vessels into a DC-based system.

By configuring a DC-based power grid, it is possible not only to improve power quality but also to reduce fuel consumption and carbon gas emissions.

This is because the operating speed of the generator on the ship can be automatically adjusted according to the power consumption.

Test results showed that there was about a 20% reduction in ship fuel costs in the generator standalone operation test.

KTE formed a consortium with Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and conducted research and development (R&D) for about three years starting in 2017 before developing the technology. Currently, demonstration has been completed through onshore test facilities.

An official from KEIT stated, "It is significant that we successfully implemented advanced technology that appropriately configures and controls the power conversion device converting AC power generated by the generator into DC power, and automatically controls the generator speed according to changes in power consumption."

He added, "We expect to be able to enter the related market, which is currently monopolized by overseas global companies."

Conceptual diagram of the 'Development of an Optimal Power System for 20MW-Class Shipboard DC-Based Systems'. (Source: Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology)