HD Hyundai announced on the 13th that its intermediate holding company, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, has successfully developed and validated the modular multilevel converter (MMC) structured high-voltage propulsion drive product through land testing.
The propulsion drive is a device that controls the motor output of electric propulsion vessels, which are evaluated as the core of future naval power. It influences the performance of the vessel and propulsion system, including the ability to accelerate and decelerate propulsion speed in combat operation mode, power quality for operating high-output weapon systems, and vessel survivability.
In particular, the MMC structured high-voltage propulsion drive is a next-generation drive for electric propulsion vessels, specialized for large-capacity and high-voltage power systems, featuring flexible power module configurations and excellent power quality, reducing system size and equipment weight by more than 20%.
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering began independent technology development in collaboration with domestic research teams from Seoul National University and Kyungpook National University in 2022 for the complete localization of propulsion drives for electric propulsion vessels. It successfully developed the MMC structured high-voltage propulsion drive product last December and completed technical verification through this validation.
HD Hyundai explained that through this validation, it has become the first in the domestic shipbuilding sector to possess related technology. The MMC structured high-voltage propulsion drive has a high level of technical difficulty, with only two companies in Europe and the United States having successfully commercialized it.
The technology demonstration event was attended by key executives of the group, including Kim Sung-jun, CEO of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, Ju Won-ho, head of special ships business at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and Kim Young-ki, CEO of HD Hyundai Electric, as well as officials from relevant organizations involved in vessel electrification.
CEO Kim Sung-jun noted, "The high-voltage propulsion drive product developed by HD Hyundai is a symbol of HD Hyundai's vessel electrification technology," adding, "We plan to accelerate commercialization and lead the global market development of K-defense in the maritime sector with domestic technology."