Electric Ship Surge Environment

Given the emphasis on electric ships and the multitude of technical challenges they present; this paper outlines the expected transient voltage surge environment on an electric ship with a focus on the potential sources of these surges, the coupling of surges to and the interaction with other systems such as communication circuits, and issues related to surge propagation within the electrical system. One solution to aid in mitigating the effects of electrical surges on an electric ship is the use of surge protective devices. Further, this paper will provide education on how surge protective devices might affect lightning-induced arc flash, and how one should consider the high available short-circuit currents encountered on electric ships when choosing and applying surge protective devices for the power system.