Magnetic Attraction: The Switch Targets Marine Growth
The Switch is targeting growth of 200 percent within the marine segment in the next five years, building on the momentum of a flurry of recent orders, its acquisition of Wartsila Drives and the financial muscle of its parent company, the EUR 3.3 billion turnover Yaskawa Electric Corporation. The Finnish headquartered business, a specialist in the development and supply of advanced drive train solutions, believes its permanent magnet (PM) and frequency converter technology can have the same transformational effect on marine as it has had in wind.
The Rise of Permanent Magnet Motors and Generators
Since the boom of the NdFeB magnets industry, the usage and potential applications for permanent magnet machines have grown exponentially to the detriment of traditional induction systems. In special applications like elevators, cranes, hybrid vehicles or renewable energy, permanent magnet machines have already become the preferred technology. In the marine sector, they are now starting to be the main competitor to mainstream solutions. The development of permanent magnet materials has progressed quickly during the past few decades.
The Switch: New Drive Train Tech
The Switch is a Finnish manufacturer of permanent magnet motors, generators and converters which recently launched what it dubs as a ‘next-generation drive train’ for energy efficient power generation and propulsion of merchant vessels. The solution, according to the company, combines The Switch’s permanent magnet and frequency converter technology to help open new opportunities for hybrid propulsion systems in the shipping sector. Electrical drive trains based on permanent magnet…
The Switch Introduces New Drive Train
The Switch, a Finnish manufacturer of permanent magnet motors, generators and converters, announced the launch of its next-generation drive trains for energy efficient power generation and propulsion of merchant vessels. Combining The Switch’s permanent magnet and frequency converter technology, this opens up all-new opportunities for hybrid propulsion systems in the shipping sector. Next generation electrical drive trains based on permanent magnet (PM) technology from The Switch, provide advanced control with a permanent magnet motor and a frequency converter as the major components.
Wärtsilä System Delivery for MPF
Wärtsilä was awarded a contract from MPF Corp. Ltd to deliver a total power system for a Multi-Purpose Floater. The MPF is planned to be completed and delivered from Dragados Offshore SA, Spain in the fourth quarter of 2008. The contract involves detail design, products, systems and commissioning of the power plant, propulsion, electrical and automation systems. Delivery of the major components will be during the first quarter of 2008. Wärtsilä will deliver eight Wärtsilä 32 diesel engines, generators, medium voltage switchgear, low voltage distribution boards, frequency converters, safety and automation systems. Wärtsilä's own frequency converter technology became part of Wärtsilä's product portfolio in conjunction with the acquisition of Wärtsilä Automation Norway.
