Analysis of various all-electric-ship electrical distribution system topologies

As advances in technology mature, the need is evident for a coherent simulation of the total electric-drive ship to model the effect of new systems on the overall performance of the vessel. Our laboratory has been developing an integrated architectural model in a physics-based environment which analyzes ship variants using a standard set of metrics, including weight, volume, fuel usage and survivability. This paper discusses advances in the model including the use of operational scenarios, incorporation of a survivability metric, and streamlining the performance of model. The model is employed herein to compare two possible distribution system topologies: a ring bus and a breaker-and-a-half. The ring bus is heavier and larger but more survivable. Fuel usage is equivalent in the two variants.