DC Protection on the Electric Ship

The need for DC power at continuous uninterrupted rates is a reality for ship survival during highly intense combat and regular travel. One of the new proposed distribution systems on the all-electric ship (E-ship) is designed using a DC distribution method (zones) in which the use of transformers and possible frequency issues/manipulations can be eliminated with the use of power electronics. These power electronic devices can greatly simplify the system by providing more available space, possible cost reduction, and variable control. One key feature is to make sure that the DC buses/systems and converters/rectifiers are protected from faults/arcing, transients, and other malicious events that can cause unwanted interference, shutdown, and possible damage or destruction. DC faults/arcing can have a detrimental impact on the ship performance. DC protection should permit high speed and high sensitivity detection of faults enhancing reliability in the supply of electric power. DC fault protection geared towards a lower voltage scenario/system has not yet been studied and analyzed rigorously. The research goal has been to develop a method in which the system can detect a DC fault and arcing phenomena and return to normal operating conditions once the fault is removed. The method also ensures that transient load changes will not be detected as faults tripping a false alarm. The use of power electronics, logic, and DC fault detection methods will be employed to solve how to protect the system and maintain stability.