A new category of power conversion technology
According to Norway-headquartered Seawork 2016 exhibitor Eltek, the new Rectiverter is the world’s first 3-port bidirectional power conversion module, combining the functionality of a rectifier and an inverter in one unit for simultaneous DC and AC outputs.
Many innovations in power technology have benefited vessel owners and operators in recent years, improving reliability and driving down cost of supplying power to shipboard applications. However, on board, like everywhere else, there is a need for both AC and DC power. Today, there are a number of separate AC and DC power systems, sourced from different vendors. This entails separate training, separate monitoring systems and separate spares.
The Rectiverter changes this completely. The Rectiverter is a 3-port bidirectional converter that provides both AC and DC power to critical shipboard systems.
The Rectiverter is also the main building block in series of specially designed Modular Marin UPSs (uninterrupted power supplies), providing, the manufacturer claims, a dramatic reduction in total cost of ownership and improvement of power availability.
Where before you needed many systems, you now only need one, Eltek claims. This is a fundamental change. With its ability to feed both AC and DC applications, the Rectiverter system can replace many other systems. It reduces complexity, saves space and increases flexibility immensely. Not only is it dual output, it is also genuinely modular and can be scaled according to future needs. It reduces wasted energy due to its high power conversion efficiency of 96% in mains mode and 94% when operating as an inverter.
The Rectiverter, according to Eltek, is the first new major technology advance in marine power conversion in many years. The device will make its maritime debut at the Seawork show on Eltek’s stand (PG78).
By Jake Frith
