The rapid electrification of modern vessels is reshaping onboard power architectures. Hybrid and electric propulsion, battery energy storage systems, fuel cells and renewable energy sources are playing an increasingly important role, while tightening decarbonisation targets are driving shipbuilders to rethink the way energy is generated, distributed and managed onboard. As a growing number of hybrid and electric vessel projects consider integrated DC distribution, improving the way large auxiliary loads are connected can contribute to overall system efficiency.
Against this backdrop, Daikin will present its solution, “A New Approach to Marine HVAC: Direct Current-Powered Chillers”, at SMM 2026, introducing a dedicated chiller concept developed for direct integration with next-generation onboard DC power systems.
Engineering HVAC for the next generation of vessels
While electrification is often associated with propulsion, it is equally transforming auxiliary systems. HVAC can represent a significant auxiliary electrical load, particularly on vessels with demanding cooling requirements. As a growing number of hybrid and electric vessel projects consider integrated DC grids, improving the way cooling systems are powered can significantly influence overall vessel efficiency.
Daikin’s new DC-powered chiller concept combines proven marine chiller technology with a dedicated DC/AC inverter and pre-charge architecture, enabling direct connection to onboard DC distribution systems. By reducing the number of power conversion stages between energy sources and compressor drives, the solution can eliminate transformer losses, simplify power-quality management by eliminating selected AC conversion stages and improve the overall efficiency of complex HVAC installations.
Designed for onboard DC architectures integrating batteries, fuel cells, DC generation and, where applicable, renewable energy sources, the new architecture provides shipyards and system integrators with greater flexibility when designing hybrid, electric and research vessels. It also simplifies electrical integration, reduces equipment footprint and supports more compact installations without compromising the reliability required for demanding marine environments. The concept reflects the growing integration of HVAC into the vessel’s overall energy management strategy, supporting more efficient and flexible ship designs.
Engineering proven in real marine applications
The new solution builds on decades of experience in designing HVAC systems specifically for marine environments. Today, Daikin has installed more than 300 MW of cooling capacity across a wide range of applications, including cruise ships, ferries, megayachts, offshore platforms, diving and rescue vessels, research ships and other specialised marine projects.
Its marine portfolio includes water-cooled chillers ranging from approximately 90 kW to 9 MW, covering inverter screw and centrifugal technologies, together with complementary DX solutions and lifecycle services tailored to marine projects. Marine-specific engineering remains central to every installation. Depending on project requirements, units can be configured with CuNi seawater condensers, roll and pitch resistant designs, corrosion protection systems, certifications from the principal classification societies and a wide range of onboard electrical configurations, including power supplies up to 1050 VDC.
To support complex shipbuilding programmes, Daikin performs comprehensive Factory Acceptance Tests before delivery, including witnessed testing with shipyards, owners and classification societies, helping reduce commissioning time and ensuring compliance with project specifications.
Supporting the future of Marine HVAC
At SMM 2026, visitors will have the opportunity to explore both the new DC-powered chiller concept and Daikin’s broader approach to Marine HVAC, combining high-efficiency water-cooled chillers, DX solutions and lifecycle services supporting every stage of a project’s development, from system design and factory testing through commissioning, aftermarket support and global spare parts availability. As onboard electrical architectures continue to evolve, HVAC is becoming an increasingly strategic component of the vessel’s overall energy ecosystem. Through its participation at SMM 2026, Daikin aims to contribute to this evolution by presenting practical engineering solutions that help shipyards and system integrators design more efficient, flexible and future-ready vessels.
Source: Daikin
