A survey of the second-generation vessel integrated power system

The vessel integrated power system (IPS) is the third revolution in the naval vessel power which has evolved from wind power to steam power and then from steam power to nuclear power, marking the trend of naval vessel power. The first-generation IPS has been widely applied to engineering in many countries. However, there are some defects in it such as huge volume, heavy weight and low compatibility when the first-generation IPS is used in light ships, because its power density is limited by the properties of the electromagnetic materials, power electronics, etc. This paper has presented the concept and typical architecture of the second-generation IPS and its technical advantages, introduced several key technologies concerning the second-generation IPS that need a breakthrough according to the current technical level, and pointed out direction of the research and engineering application of the second-generation IPS.