Daikin launching chiller concept for next-gen onboard DC power systems

Daikin is launching a new DC-powered chiller concept developed for direct integration with next-generation onboard power systems.

The designer and manufacturer of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technologies will present its new direct current-powered chiller concept at at maritime exhibition SMM 2026 in September – the Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology trade fair is held in Germany. The new chiller concept has been developed to support the next generation of onboard DC power systems for hybrid and electric vessels.

Rethinking auxiliary power

According to Daikin, 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. Daikin notes that 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 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, Daikin claims 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.

Developed for onboard DC architectures integrating batteries, fuel cells, DC generation and, where applicable, renewable energy sources, the new architecture is designed to afford shipyards and system integrators greater flexibility for 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, says Daikin.

The concept reflects the growing integration of HVAC into the vessel’s overall energy management strategy, supporting more efficient and flexible ship designs.

HVAC for electric and hybrid boats

As modern vessels rapidly electrify, onboard power architectures are undergoing a fundamental redesign. Driven by stricter decarbonisation targets, shipbuilders are re-evaluating how energy is generated, stored, and managed. With integrated DC distribution gaining traction across electric and hybrid projects, optimising how heavy auxiliary loads are connected presents an opportunity to boost overall system efficiency.

Today, Daikin has installed more than 300MW of cooling capacity across a wide range of applications, including cruise ships, ferries, superyachts, offshore platforms, diving and rescue vessels, research ships and other specialised marine projects.

SMM 2026 debut

SMM 2026 is due to take place 1 to 4 September in Hamburg, Germany. 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.

Daikin’s marine portfolio includes water-cooled chillers ranging from approximately 90kW to 9MW, covering inverter screw and centrifugal technologies, together with complementary DX solutions and lifecycle services tailored to marine projects. 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 range of onboard electrical configurations, including power supplies up to 1050 VDC.