Prepared by:
Dr. K. L. Butler and Dr. M. Ehsani
Abstract
This paper discusses new techniques which will reduce manning requirements and increase the reliability of continuous service through automation of functions related to the ship's electrical system. Its functions include monitoring and control, automated system failure analysis and identification, automated intelligent system reconfiguration and restoration, and self-optimizing power system architecture under partial failure.
New materials such as high energy magnets and high temperature superconductors are either available or on the horizon. New technologies are an important driver of new power system concepts and architectures.
This paper also introduces new approaches for designing ship power systems by using several new technologies.
Introduction
Protective devices were developed to monitor the essential parameters of electrical power systems and then through built-in logic, determine the degree of configuration of the system necessary to limit the damage to components and equipment and to enhance the continuity of electric service for the vessel (Ykema 1988).
Fuses are the oldest form of protective devices used in electrical power systems in commercial systems and on navy vessels. Circuit breakers were added around the turn of the century. The first electronic solid-state overcurrent protective device used by the Navy was installed on the 4,160 power system in Nimitz class carriers. Navy systems of today supply electrical energy to sophisticated weapons systems, communications systems, navigational systems, and operational systems. To maintain the availability of energy to the connected loads to keep all systems and equipment operational, the navy electrical systems utilize fuses, circuit breakers, and protective relays to interrupt the smallest portion of the system under any abnormal condition.
The existing protection system has several shortcomings in providing continuous supply under battle and certain major failure conditions. The control strategies which are implemented when these types of damage occur are not effective in isolating only the loads affected by the damage, and are highly dependent on human intervention to manually reconfigure the distribution system to restore supply to healthy loads.
This paper discusses new techniques which aim to overcome the shortcomings of the protective system. These techniques are composed of advanced monitoring and control, automated failure location, automated intelligent system reconfiguration and restoration, and selfoptimizing under partial failure.
These new techniques will eliminate human mistakes, make intelligent reconfiguration decisions more quickly, and reduce the manpower required to perform the functions. It will also provide optimal electric power service through the surviving system. With fewer personnel being available on ships in the future, the presence of this automated system on a ship may mean the difference between disaster and survival.
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