Demonstrating efficient fully DC electric grids within waterborne transport for large ship applications (ZEWT Partnership)
Programme Category
Programme Name
Programme Description
Horizon Europe is the European Union (EU) funding programme for the period 2021 – 2027, which targets the sectors of research and innovation. The programme’s budget is around € 95.5 billion, of which € 5.4 billion is from NextGenerationEU to stimulate recovery and strengthen the EU’s resilience in the future, and € 4.5 billion is additional aid.
Identifier Code
Call
Summary
The application of DC grids on-board has already started and will grow significantly because of its promising aspects such as reduction of complexity, increased modularity and improved integration. However, further progress is required to unlock the full potential of an on-board DC grid for large ship applications (over 5000 GT) addressing the entire network for both primary and secondary (auxiliary) distribution system, taking into account the various on-board applications of ship’s electrification systems (e.g. high-power fuel cells, batteries, etc.) The challenge is to focus not only on secondary distribution, but also on the integration/interconnection of new sustainable primary power systems within a DC grid network serving the entire ship.
Detailed Call Description
In order to address the above-mentioned challenge, proposals are expected to address all the following aspects:
- Develop high TRL innovative power electronic systems (e.g. converters, circuit breakers with logic selectivity) adapted and certified for waterborne transport applications.
- Develop a new concept of smart, flexible, plug-and-play DC power grid which leverages the capability of new power electronic systems and allows for different DC power generation systems based on sustainable alternative energy sources.
- Research the impact of design choices, safety measures and integration on the ship. This will require the development and on-board integration of high-power equipment and systems to complement the electrical grid (e.g. solid-state protection, solid-state transformers, Silicon-Carbide Power Devices,
- Develop a prototype system at small scale (min. 100kW) within a real waterborne transport environment. Demonstrate the functionality and the integration of its components, prove the possibilities for further upscaling. Prove the feasibility and benefits of distributing main power based on DC instead of AC.
- Validate the system with classification societies ensuring the highest standards for safety and reliability.
- Develop standards for on-board DC microgrids and communication protocols which are particularly valuable for large ships where there is differentiation between the electrical supplies towards different zones (e.g. zones with ICE and zones with RES systems).
- Integrate new power electronic systems within the ship’s network with advanced control systems to cope with variable loads and high levels of DC currents to interrupt.
- The emissions, efficiency and operational savings are expected to be demonstrated on a relevant ship type to validate the research results. The transferability of the applications to be applied has to be proven towards a range of vessel types, including those which have larger battery systems and longer autonomy. The demonstration is expected to serve as a reference for a wide spectrum of ship’s types using electrical propulsion and auxiliary power.
- Where relevant, synergies and collaboration should be planned with the related activities and projects arising from linked Horizon Europe initiatives, in particular the Batteries and Clean Hydrogen JU partnerships.
- Plan for the exploitation and dissemination of results should include a strong business case and sound exploitation strategy, as outlined in the introduction to this Destination. The exploitation plans should include preliminary plans for scalability, commercialisation, and deployment (feasibility study, business plan) indicating the possible funding sources to be potentially used.
Call Total Budget
Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan
The funding rate is 60% of the eligible costs, except for non-profit legal entities where the funding rate is up to 100% of the total eligible costs.
Expected EU contribution per project: €7.50 million
Thematic Categories
- Research, Technological Development and Innovation
- Shipping - Marine Transports
- Transport
Eligibility for Participation
- Fishermen, Aquaculturists, Owners of Vessels
- Large Enterprises
- Other Beneficiaries
- Private Bodies
- Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
- State-owned Enterprises
Eligibility For Participation Notes
All relevant stakeholders (electrical distribution and protection manufacturers, engineering companies, manufacturers of electrical equipment, users, shipyards, etc.) should participate in proposals in view of the systems development.
If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (other data and services may additionally be used).
Call Opening Date
Call Closing Date
National Contact Point(s)
Research and Innovation Foundation
29a Andrea Michalakopoulou, 1075 Nicosia,
P.B. 23422, 1683 Nicosia
Telephone: +357 22205000
Fax: +357 22205001
Email: support@research.org.cy
Website: https://www.research.org.cy/en/
Contact Persons:
Mr Christakis Theocharous
Scientific Officer A’
Telephone: +357 22 205 029
Email: ctheocharous@research.org.cy
Mr George Christou
Scientific Officer
Telephone: +357 22 205 030
Email: gchristou@research.org.cy