Daikin Unveils DC-Powered Marine Chiller Concept for Electrified Vessels

Daikin will showcase a new direct current (DC)-powered chiller concept at SMM 2026, targeting the growing number of hybrid and electric vessels using integrated DC power architectures.

The “A New Approach to Marine HVAC: Direct Current-Powered Chillers” concept is designed to connect directly to onboard DC distribution systems, including architectures incorporating batteries, fuel cells, DC generators and renewable energy sources.

HVAC moves closer to the vessel’s energy system

As vessel electrification expands beyond propulsion into auxiliary systems, HVAC is becoming an increasingly significant electrical load, particularly on vessels with high cooling requirements.

Daikin’s concept combines marine chiller technology with a dedicated DC/AC inverter and pre-charge architecture, allowing the chiller to connect directly to onboard DC systems.

By reducing the number of power-conversion stages between the vessel’s energy sources and compressor drives, the architecture is intended to reduce conversion losses and simplify electrical integration.

The approach could also reduce equipment footprint and support more compact HVAC installations, while giving shipyards and system integrators greater flexibility when designing hybrid, electric and research vessels.

Designed for next-generation DC architectures

The DC-powered chiller concept is intended for vessels where multiple energy sources are integrated into a common DC power architecture.

These can include:

• Battery energy storage systems
• Fuel cells
• DC generators
• Renewable energy sources
• Hybrid propulsion systems

Daikin said the architecture reflects the increasing integration of HVAC into broader vessel energy-management strategies rather than treating cooling as an independent auxiliary system.

More than 300 MW of marine cooling installed

The new concept builds on Daikin’s existing marine HVAC experience. The company has installed more than 300 MW of cooling capacity across cruise ships, ferries, megayachts, offshore platforms, diving and rescue vessels, research ships and other specialised vessels.

Its marine portfolio includes water-cooled chillers from approximately 90 kW to 9 MW, covering inverter screw and centrifugal technologies alongside direct-expansion (DX) systems.

Marine-specific configurations can include CuNi seawater condensers, roll- and pitch-resistant designs, corrosion protection and classification approvals, as well as electrical configurations supporting power supplies of up to 1,050 VDC.

Daikin also conducts Factory Acceptance Tests before delivery, including witnessed testing involving shipyards, owners and classification societies.

Supporting vessel electrification

The new DC chiller concept will be presented alongside Daikin’s wider marine HVAC portfolio at SMM 2026.

As onboard power architectures become increasingly electrified, the company is positioning HVAC as part of the vessel’s wider energy ecosystem, with the potential to improve overall electrical efficiency and simplify integration with next-generation power systems.