THE SWITCH DC-HUB
FOR MULTI-MEGAWATTPOWER SYSTEMSGAME-CHANGINGTECHNOLOGY
Ride-through secures operation at full power,
so you avoid blackouts.

The Switch DC-Hub is the world’s smartest technology fora multi-megawatt DC power system. It ensures stable andsecure operation for chosen consumers and enables a vessel
to be future-flexible for new fuel sources.

PROTECTION DEVICES FOR
SAFE DC POWER DISTRIBUTION
The Switch offers a full suite of protection devices thatguarantees safe DC distribution under all sailing conditions,making DC increasingly attractive for future-flexibility.
The 4 ultrafast devices protect inside The Switch DC-Hubs,
between DC-Hubs, and to and from batteries.
The Switch DC-Hub for multiple applications optimizes
multi-megawatt DC distribution systems for all marine vessels.

MULTI-MEGAWATT DC
POWER DISTRIBUTION
The Switch Electronic
Bus Link (EBL) connects
the vessel’s DC-Hubs andprotects against faults
between DC-Hubs. The up
to DP3-rated and DNVapproved EBL provides
protection outside the DCHub by splitting onboard
grids in microseconds toisolate any faulty DC-Hub.

The Switch Electronic DC
Breaker (EDCB) protects
against short-circuit
faults inside a DC-Huband ensures ride-through.
This semiconductor-based
device disconnects any
failing drive module within
10 microseconds from thecommon DC link.

The Switch Battery ShortCircuit Limiter (BSCL)
restricts any short-termcurrent from batteries,
immediately blocking theshort-circuit system. This
allows more batteries to beconnected to the electricalsystem and fewer DC-Hubs,
making the entire system
more compact.

The Switch Electronic
Current Limiter (ECL)
connects the battery
directly to the DC link toprotect it from external
failure and ensure ridethrough. It functions
similar to EBL.

The Switch DC-Hub is built from our proven building
blocks to provide a vessel with a flexible choice of power
generation, energy storage, charging, propulsion powerand clean power connected to the DC link, the backbone of
the DC-Hub.
The Switch DC-Hub can work independently alone or
together with other The Switch DC-Hubs.

SWITCH TRACKS TO DC DISTRIBUTION

BUILDING BLOCKS
Motor/generator inverter (MI/GI)• Motor and variable-speed generator applications• Shaft generator support (PTO, PTI, PTH)
• PM, IPM and EESM supported• Torque, speed, power, DC voltage and scalarcontrol modes• Typically, no need for du/dt filter with VSD 		
compatible machines: du/dt average is <2.5 kV/μs
at inverter terminal

Active front end (AFE)• Grid compliance, THDu <5% (typically <3%)
• Grid or DC voltage control• Island mode support with blackout start• Active harmonics damping• Possible to connect several AFEs to the system• Possible to parallel units with LCL or dedicatedwinding

HOW TO PROTECT?

HOW TO BUILD?
Configure your own• Configurable for all kinds of vessels basedon standard building blocks

1

MARINE-SPECIFICDESIGN• Connects The Switch DC-Hubs together• Critical faults are detected and disconnected inapproximately 10 microseconds• Allows a ring network• Improves redundancy while enabling fuel savings• DP3 tested and approved by DNV• Several units can be connected to the system

EBL (Electronic Bus Link) offers ultrafast protection
between DC-Hubs. EBL allows a ring network and DP3operation• Links battery, fuel cells and other DC-source 		connections to the DC-Hub with maximum efficiency• Enables numerous applications: reserve power,peak shaving, backup power and more
• Ensures constant DC voltage• Allows DC voltage, current or power control modes• Configurable output• Several units can be connected to the system

High-power module with EDCB
How do you connect large batteries toa DC system?
BSCL (Battery Short-Circuit Limiter) blocks any
high short-circuit current from the battery

No compromises infeatures, materialsEBL
orsolutions

POWER MODULES BUILTFOR MARINEKey features and benefits4• Fast and reliable maintenance – crew canchange the module• Integrated EDCB – a dedicated, fast and 			predictable protection device for the power module

1Flexible module with EDCB

• Robust power modules – 100% marine features, 		materials and solutions without compromise• Allows system-level optimization• IP44 enclosure for both power module 		and cabinet – robust for the environment
and fast maintenance

The flexible module allows several
applications to be combined within
one module. The flexible design
provides space savings while combining
applications in one module.

• Digital gate driver with fast measurements – 		provides accurate data for condition monitoring

2• Fast connectors in power module – connectors enable
fast and easy servicing• Rigid foundation with vibration dampers –for smooth operation3• IP44 enclosure for both power module and cabinet –robust for the environment; any failed content fully
contained inside module

Half module with EDCB
Solution for lower power applications
within the same frame.

How can you connect a battery directly tothe DC link?

How do you ensure ride-through capability?

ECL (Electronic Current Limiter) protects the DC link andensures operational continuity

3

High-power density module for high-power
applications. Several units can be connectedin parallel to reach higher power. Continuous
current of 1,200–1,600 A per module. Parallel
connection of up to 4 units.

• All-included plug-and-play power module – 		protection and charging inside module• Very simple and robust cabinet structure2
DC/DC chopper for batteries

4

How can you ensure system redundancy?

• Vessel’s freshwater cooling system 		connection

Electronic Bus Link (EBL)

POWER MODULES

How can you protect against short circuits in an
inverter module?
EDCB (Electronic DC Breaker) offers ultrafast
protection inside a DC-Hub toward the inverter module
failureUltrafast protection ensures the DC-link voltage
level and operational continuity

How can you make protection predictable?
After a critical fault, only a reset is required. Faulty
components are removed from the circuit.
Protection based on current measurement provides
predictable selectivity

Electronic Bus Link (EBL)
Connects The Switch DC-Hubs together
and disconnects them in approximately
10 microseconds. EBL allows a ring
network and improves redundancy
while operating with all DC-Hubsconnected together.

WIDEST RANGE OFPERMANENT MAGNET (PM)MACHINES AVAILABLE

DIRECT-DRIVE PROPULSION:
BEARINGLESS CONCEPTPMM1000M
Up to 250 rpm / 230 kNm
Typically used in 1–2 MW
direct-drive systems

The Switch PMM can be used as a direct-drive propulsion motor,
either conventionally with its own bearings and shaft or asa novel concept, utilizing the common bearings between thepropulsion shaft and motor. A tandem configuration is also
possible on request.

PMM1500M
Up to 220 rpm / 630 kNm
Typically used in 2–4 MW
direct-drive systems

PMM2000M
Up to 130 rpm / 2,100 kNm
Typically used in 4–12 MW
direct-drive systems

Our wide range of PM machines improves overall efficiency
for propulsion and onboard electricity generation, helping
reduce CO2 emissions and operating expenses.

Advantages of PM technology• Higher efficiency, lowering fuel consumption 		and emissions• Simple construction• Higher reliability• Less maintenance• Reduced space requirements• Enhanced shaft line dynamics

FULL-POWER TESTINGUP TO 18 MW

Complete full-power testing with machines and drives up to 18
MW is available at our Large Drive Test Center in Lappeenranta,Finland.

The Switch is now part of the BEMAC Group
whose products are unified under the BEMAC brand.

© The Switch

www.theswitch.com

We reserve the right to modify the information above at any time without notice

Version 1, 2/2024

All tests fulfill international standards and class requirements.