Onboard DC grid employing smart grid technology: challenges, state of the art and future prospects

Research in All Electric Ship (AES) and onboard DC grids has already been initiated and it is going to be intensified because of its promising perspectives. This study aims to present in a coherent and methodical way why onboard DC distribution systems, smart grids and AES concept can greatly improve ship efficiency. Emerging technical challenges and future prospects are presented; state of the art is summarised while directions for a complete research roadmap are proposed.