HD Hyundai develops Korea’s first high pressure propulsion drive
The company used Modular Multilevel Converter structure.
HD Hyundai has developed South Korea’s first modular structure high-pressure propulsion drive product for electric propulsion vessels.
In a statement, the company said it succeeded in developing and demonstrating onshore a high-pressure propulsion drive product using the Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) structure.
Domestic and global demand for electric propulsion ships is increasing. This is thanks to their superior maneuverability and lower noise generated during propulsion compared to existing diesel engine propulsion methods.
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering began independent technology development in 2022 with domestic researchers from Seoul National University and Kyungpook National University to fully localise the propulsion drive for electric propulsion vessels. It was able to develop the MMC structure high-pressure propulsion drive product in December last year, completing the technology verification through this demonstration.
This technology is specialised for large-capacity, high-voltage power systems, and has a flexible power module configuration. It also reduces system volume and equipment weight by more than 20%.
Only two companies in Europe and the United States have succeeded in commercialising this.
“We plan to accelerate commercialisation and take the lead in developing the global market for K-maritime defense with domestic technology,” said Kim Sung-jun, CEO of HD Hyundai Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering.
