From passenger ferries that travel throughout inland waterways to cargo ships that sail across the ocean, many maritime transport applications have started to incorporate all-electric and hybrid electric propulsion systems.
Modular and robust propulsion powered by Wolfspeed silicon carbide
Using SiC components, electric and hybrid electric boats and ships can meet the technical challenges of power density, high humidity environments, and high efficiency. These water vehicles benefit from reduced (or zero) emissions, quieter operation, lighter systems, lower maintenance, and lower total cost of ownership.
Maritime transport is responsible for up to
11%
of global transportation emissions
Approximately
1-2%
of water vehicles are electrified
The e-boat/e-ship market is growing at a
>12%
CAGR from 2023 to 2030
Mobility needs are changing amidst an expected
>10%
growth in worldwide population by 2035
Electric-Powered Boats and Ships
Short distance, long distance, and recreational marine applications are all experiencing the shift from internal combustion engines driven by oil and diesel fuel to electric systems propelled by a combination of batteries, hydrogen fuel, and renewable energy sources.
Short Distance
Electric fishing boats, water taxis, passenger ferries, and other harbor craft serve a variety of functions, sailing short distances and docking frequently to plug into the local electricity grid.
Long Distance
Electric cargo ships, vessels, and tankers rely on the long-distance capabilities of hydrogen fuel cell technology to carry people and products across the sea. Offshore vessel charging stations and buoys, powered by renewable energy sources, support these marine applications.
Recreational
Electric jet skis, submarines, and yachts are growing in popularity as sustainable alternatives to conventional gas-powered water vehicles. Some recreational vessels incorporate solar panels as a source of backup power and to recharge the boat’s batteries through renewable energy.
Applications
Wolfspeed silicon carbide semiconductors enable new developments in power electronic systems integrated throughout electric water vehicles.
Click on the interactive block diagram to view common topologies (and suggested products) for each power system.
Products
Click on the interactive topology diagrams to select the right products for your system design.
Common Topologies: Three-Phase 2 Level Inverter and Three-Phase 3 Level Inverter
The main inverter, or propulsion system, converts DC power from the battery into AC power to drive the electric motor.
Common Topologies: Non-Isolated Dual Active Bridge and Non-Isolated Triple Active Bridge
The fuel cell boost stage powers the main inverter by converting DC power from hydrogen fuel cells into DC busbar voltage to drive the electric motor.
Common Topology: Three-Phase Two Level Inverter
Auxiliary power drives power electric elevators, cranes, anchor winches, and automation systems. Pump and fan actuators, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, control the flow of air, water, or oil throughout different areas of the ship.
Common Topology: Standard Booster and Bipolar Booster
High efficiency solar power generation systems use boost converters to boost the output voltage of the solar panel to a consistent DC bus voltage.
Common Topologies: Single Phase Isolated DC/DC (Single Switch and Dual Switch Flyback)
On-board auxiliary power supply units convert high voltage power from the DC busbar line into more usable, low voltage power to support infotainment, navigation, and other accessory functions.
More EV users are looking to gain the most of their batteries by leveraging the expanding charging networks around them – either to power their home, a local grid, another vehicle, or receive power from any of these loads via a bi-directional charger. This concept, aptly named Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), is one way Stercom is enabling more accessible and efficient charging technologies with Wolfspeed Silicon Carbide.
