Deep Sea Electronics (DSE) - UK
Deep Sea is at the forefront of marine engineering, energy exploration, and scientific research with its core focus on precision, intelligence, and high reliability. Leveraging the UK's rich legacy in marine science, automation control, and materials engineering, the company has developed a comprehensive technical system covering generator set control, underwater robots (ROV/AUV), and deep-sea equipment.
Deep Sea Electronics Ltd (DSE), founded in 1975, is a global leader in generator set controllers, specializing in the automation control and monitoring of diesel/gas generator sets. Its DSE series controllers (such as the DSE7320 MKII) feature modular design, LCD HMI, and remote monitoring capabilities, enabling real-time tracking of engine parameters (e.g., oil temperature, pressure, and speed). The controllers also support automatic mains failure switchovers, pre-maintenance warnings, and SMS alerts. These products are widely used in global oil and gas platforms, marine power systems, and emergency power supply systems, maintaining a leading market share for years.
In the field of underwater robotics, SMD (now a subsidiary of CRRC) is the world’s second-largest supplier of deep-sea robots, with over 50% market share in subsea trenchers, cable laying equipment, and mining robots. SMD’s controllers feature high power density and resistance to high-pressure corrosion, such as the subsea motor controller with a 40% increased power density, supporting operations at depths of up to 6,000 meters. Additionally, the “ULTRA Project”, led by the National Oceanographic Centre (NOC) in the UK, uses robotic drilling rigs for deep-sea mining exploration, achieving precise resource positioning and sustainable development through 3D imaging and environmental monitoring.
Technological breakthroughs of UK deep-sea controllers are focused on the following areas:
Intelligence and Autonomy: The DSE7320 MKII integrates an ARM microprocessor, supports fault prediction, and data recording, enabling remote management of unmanned power stations via MODBUS communication protocol.
Environmental Protection and Reliability: Saab UK developed the all-electric ROV (eWROV) with a hydraulic-free design, reducing the risk of oil spills and optimizing energy consumption for use in sensitive marine areas like the polar regions.
Multi-Scenario Adaptation: UK controller technologies are also applied in scientific research (e.g., scanning the Titanic wreck), military applications (e.g., anti-submarine early warning), and submarine infrastructure maintenance (e.g., cable maintenance).
UK deep-sea controllers are facing challenges from emerging competitors like China. For example, SmartGen Technology from China has gradually replaced DSE products through cost advantages, though its core technology still relies on UK patents. To maintain its leadership, UK companies are accelerating technological integration. For instance, SMD and CRRC are developing high-voltage electrification equipment to enhance the performance of deep-sea motor controllers. In the future, the UK will continue focusing on AI algorithms, energy efficiency, and adaptability to extreme environments to strengthen its global leadership in deep-sea control technologies.
ComAp (Czech Republic)
ComAp is a global leader in intelligent control solutions, focusing on generator set automation, energy management, and microgrid control. Founded in 1991, with headquarters in Prague, Czech Republic, the company employs around 500 people, generating more than $80 million in annual revenue, with products distributed across more than 120 countries, especially in Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region.
ComAp controllers are built on modular design and intelligent functionality. They support communication protocols like CAN, Modbus, and Ethernet, offering flexible expansion of input/output interfaces to meet various application needs. The firmware pre-programming functionality simplifies the coding process, reducing setup time. Typical products include:
InteliLite Series: Designed for backup and primary power scenarios, supporting automatic synchronization, fault protection, and remote monitoring.
InteliGen Series: Multi-unit parallel controllers that support both isolated and grid-connected operations, ideal for critical facilities like data centers and hospitals.
InteliSys Series: Advanced microgrid controllers incorporating AI algorithms to optimize energy dispatch, balancing solar and storage systems in projects like Singapore’s renewable microgrid.
ComAp’s controllers are widely used in energy, industrial, and marine sectors:
Energy Sector: Control systems for MWM and Jenbacher gas engines, supporting dual-fuel (diesel + natural gas) operation, as seen in an Australian farm’s hybrid microgrid solution, reducing energy consumption by 30%.
Industrial Sector: Automation for automobile production lines at Audi and BMW, including the InteliDrive FLX Lite controller for synchronized engine speed and production cycles.
Maritime Sector: ComAp provides propulsion system controls for fishing vessels and cruise ships, ensuring fuel efficiency and emission compliance.
In terms of technological innovation, ComAp leads in edge computing and cybersecurity.
DEIF (Denmark)
DEIF is a global leader in energy control solutions, specializing in intelligent control technologies for distributed power production, marine engineering, and wind energy. Established in 1933, headquartered in Skive, Denmark, the company operates in over 50 countries with over 650 employees, investing 20% of its annual revenue in R&D to enhance energy system efficiency and sustainability.
DEIF’s controllers focus on modular design and multi-scenario adaptability, covering generator set control, microgrid management, and wind energy systems:
Genset Controllers: Flagship products like the AFC 2210 series support automatic control for multiple engine types (diesel, gas), monitoring more than 30 parameters in real-time, with remote monitoring via MODBUS and CANopen protocols.
Microgrid and Energy Storage Control: The AGC 150 Hybrid Controller integrates solar, storage, and traditional energy for off-grid operations, such as optimizing energy use in remote areas or data centers.
Wind and Marine Control: The DM-4 REC-1 renewable energy controller is used for wind turbines, supporting deep-sea operations at depths of 6,000 meters.
DEIF focuses on green energy and extreme environment adaptability:
Energy Efficiency: The ASC 150 energy storage controller supports multiple types of energy storage devices and applies dynamic load balancing to reduce energy consumption.
Marine and Offshore: Its controllers are certified for extreme conditions, operating from -40°C to +70°C.
SmartGen (Zhengzhou, China)
SmartGen Technology is a leading Chinese provider of intelligent control solutions, focusing on generator set automation, microgrid management, and renewable energy control. Established in 2003, the company operates in over 50 countries, with a significant presence in the domestic market and strong competition from global brands like Deep Sea and ComAp.
SmartGen’s modular, adaptable design supports various control applications:
Generator Controllers: Flagship products like the ACC4100B Diesel Compressor Controller provide real-time monitoring and rapid startup capabilities.
Microgrid and Energy Storage: The HEMS150 Hybrid Energy Controller integrates solar, storage, and traditional energy, improving renewable energy use by up to 85% in microgrid projects.
Renewable Energy Control: The PCS Energy Storage Inverter Controller supports seamless switching between grid and island modes.
SmartGen holds over 600 patents and has played a role in shaping national standards. Its key innovations include edge computing and cybersecurity.