The resolution of algebraic loops in the simulation of finite-inertia power systems

The move toward incorporating more-electric technology into naval combatant shipboard power systems and the requisite analysis of such systems have driven the development of accurate detailed simulation strategies for stiffly-connected, finite-inertia networks. Since typical bus loads including electric machines are described by voltage-in current-out models, the resultant algebraic loop must be resolved by either inserting artificial components into the network or by reformulating the component models. The authors introduce an alternative algebraic solver approach that obviates the need for developing complex nonstandard component representations and eliminates the tradeoff between speed and accuracy inherent to the artificial component approach. Using a standard simulation package and a representative portion of a shipboard power system, the authors then contrast their approach with two methods commonly reported on in the literature