Why PM machines will be the top choice for electric direct-drive propulsion in large ships

Superior efficiency, reliability and compactness are the core competitive advantages of permanent magnet (PM) machines. With our market-leading position and experience in delivering PM shaft generators, we believe these machines have a big role to play in the electrification of the deep-sea fleet. As shipowners look to lower emissions in line with IMO targets, PM…

Shoreside charging for vessel electrification: the challenges

IMO CO2 reduction targets are driving the marine industry toward a greener future. Green e-fuels are at the center of discussion, with the major challenges being the huge amount of energy needed for e-fuel production and the world’s constantly increasing energy consumption. The marine industry is already working to reduce emissions by making vessel operations…

Switching on frequently 02/2024: Positive progress and summer wishes

We’re happy to tell you that our marine sales have been progressing positively. Our customers have continued to place repeat orders for the leading direct-drive PM shaft generators. I am especially pleased that our power electronics products have been selling better than ever. I would like to extend a warm thanks to everyone who has…

The Switch products showcased at the BEMAC exhibition in Japan

On May 16 and 17, 2024, The Switch participated in the BEMAC exhibition held at BEMAC’s Mirai Factory in Imabari City, Japan. The exhibition attracted nearly 400 visitors, a mix of local shipowners, operators and shipyard personnel. Imabari, known for its strong maritime industry, provided an ideal venue for showcasing marine technology advancements. The event…

Reliable power system with ultra-fast fault response time for DP vessels

Delivering a vessel with Dynamic Positioning (DP) classification can be challenging. And the higher the DP rating, the more difficult it can be. Luckily, there are experts delivering DP systems that can handle both the complex force calculations for the steering and the failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) for such a complex system. But…

Biggest permanent magnet shaft generators now rolling out to ships

The Switch PMM2000s are rolling out! These giant permanent magnet machines meet the pressing need for more power and torque in shaft generator applications. The first one passed its customer string test in January 2023 with flying colors and is now on its way to the shipyard. Testing challenges all met Both the initial back-to-back…

Controlling megawatt plants on ships

Yaskawa Environmental Energy / The Switch featured in Norwegian Elektronikknett on Tuesday, October 11. Read the English version here. Original Norwegian version: https://www.elektronikknett.no/fra-elektronikk-kraftelektronikk-skip-og-offshore/styrer-megawatt-anlegg-pa-skip/3156332 The R&D department of Yaskawa Environmental Energy / The Switch in Trondheim is well equipped with lab and test facilities. In this photo, William Gullvik and Terje Rogne present the new generation…

New marine DC protection technology causes buzz at E&H marine expo

A record number of attendees and exhibitors came together last month at the Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo in Amsterdam to discuss the future of the marine industry. What a relief to be able to network face-to-face after the hiatus of the past few years! We were glad to have the chance to exchange information and catch up on important developments in person.

“I didn’t know it existed!”

Such was the exclamation from at least 4 different potential customers who visited our stand at ASME in Rotterdam from June 14–16, 2022. “I’ve been looking for such a solution for the past few years – but just couldn’t find anything,” said one, coming up to the stand to start discussing our solid-rotor technology with…

The Switch introduces a new full-power converter series with world-class fault ride-through capability

The Switch, a leading supplier of permanent magnet generators and full-power converter packages, introduced its new full-power converter series today at China Wind Power 2011. The converter is smaller in size, more rugged and fulfills the most stringent international grid codes. It is also ideal for offshore wind power installations.

With this new series, The Switch strengthens its position in the Chinese market, where quality is now valued over quantity, and fault ride-through capability has become the focus.

The Switch - New full-power converter design

Testing verifies safety of permanent magnet shaft generators

Jussi Puranen Safety is one of the biggest worries for shipowners and operators unfamiliar with PM technology. They want to know they’re protected from fault currents even when the magnetic field cannot be switched off. We at Yaskawa Environmental Energy / The Switch take all kinds of safety issues very seriously and have thoroughly examined…

Solving marine DC distribution, selectivity, redundancy and safety issues

Teemu Heikkilä The marine industry is evolving rapidly to meet 2023 IMO-mandated emissions deadlines – and the ones to follow. To accomplish this, long-established methods and equipment are being reevaluated, upgraded or replaced. Making DC distribution the best choice for marine use Power distribution is a promising area for vessel efficiency gains. Although AC distribution…