This article is published in Electric & Hybrid Marine Technology International Magazine May 2025 issue. Click the image for magazine version.
Water cooling has become a cornerstone in maintaining the reliability and efficiency of power electronics. As technology advances, the demand for effective cooling solutions grows, making water cooling an essential component in various industrial applications.
Reliable Cooling for Power Electronics
Power electronics are integral to modern industrial systems and maritime solutions. Their performance is highly dependent on maintaining optimal temperatures, as excessive heat can significantly decrease efficiency. Water cooling stands out as a reliable method due to its high thermal conductivity, allowing for consistent temperature control even under heavy operational loads. By preventing overheating, water cooling extends the lifespan of electronic components and ensures uninterrupted performance, which is critical for applications such as electric propulsion systems.
Modular and Scalable Solutions
Maritime applications typically require robust cooling systems that can operate efficiently across a range of cooling needs and varying sea water and ambient temperatures. Adwatec’s water cooling stations are designed to meet these demands, offering continuous cooling through modular systems. These systems provide flexibility and scalability, allowing system integrators in the maritime industry to adapt their cooling solutions to specific needs. The modular design allows installation even in the smallest available spaces in a vessel’s engine room layout and also simplifies maintenance and upgrades, ensuring long-term reliability.
Principles and Environmental Benefits
Effective cooling is not just about maintaining temperatures; it involves selecting the right coolant, designing efficient cooling systems where coolant flows evenly to each component needing cooling, and integrating advanced monitoring technologies. Water is the most effective coolant known in the world. Water-based cooling systems are particularly advantageous due to their environmental benefits. Water is a sustainable and non-toxic coolant, making it an eco-friendly choice for industrial cooling. Additionally, advanced monitoring technologies help optimize cooling performance, ensuring that systems operate at peak efficiency. Adwatec’s water cooling stations offer different control systems based on the customer’s preferences, including multiple fieldbuses such as Profinet, Profibus and Modbus TCP.
Advanced Cooling Solutions for Diverse Applications
Adwatec’s C-Series cooling stations exemplify advanced cooling solutions tailored for closed-loop water systems in demanding marine, OEM, and industrial applications. The C-Series is available in two versions: Classic (CCE) and Slim (CCS). The Classic models offer cooling capacities up to 315 kW and coolant flow rates up to 750 l/min, making them suitable for high-capacity needs. The Slim models, designed for narrow installations, provide cooling capacities up to 170 kW and coolant flow rates up to 430 l/min. Both versions feature automatic de-aeration, stainless steel industrial pumps, and a modular design that facilitates easy integration and maintenance. With DNV type approval, the C-Series ensures high reliability and performance, even in the most challenging environments.
Conclusion
Water cooling is a vital technology for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of power electronics in industrial applications. By leveraging the principles of reliable cooling, modular cooling stations, and effective cooling strategies, industries can achieve optimal performance and sustainability. As the demand for advanced cooling solutions continues to grow, water cooling remains a key player in meeting these challenges.
