Author_Institution :
Office of Naval Res., Arlington, VA, USA
Abstract :
Systems for ships, offshore platforms, chemical plants, foundries, and utilities are rapidly changing as a result of the second electronic revolution. The first revolution was with integrated circuits which gave us the microprocessor, PCs, cell phones, and MP3 players. The second electronic revolution started with power electronics, which give us motor controllers, switching power supplies, hybrid cars, and electric ships. Just as the first electronic revolution changed our concepts of information, the second electronic revolution is redefining control. This paper discusses these changes and the opportunities enabled by new technologies and levels of control. Most notably, this paper provides a logical argument for future controller abilities to control any system to near perfection-accurately, precisely, reliably, and safely. This paper also proposes the use of building block concepts with modeling and simulation to create new tools and methods for designing and building power systems.
Keywords :
machine control; power electronics; ships; switched mode power supplies; electric ships; hybrid cars; integrated circuits; motor controllers; power electronic building block; second electronic revolution; switching power supplies; Cellular phones; Chemicals; Control systems; Digital audio players; Foundries; Marine vehicles; Microprocessors; Power system modeling; Power system reliability; Power system simulation; Complex systems; control; electric ship design; integrated power system; medium-voltage dc distribution; modeling and simulation; power electronic building blocks (PEBBs); power electronics; ship electric power system standards;
