Files
Abstract
The maritime industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the integration of advanced power electronics and converter technologies onboard cruise ships. This research delves into the impact of high penetration of power converters on shipboard power quality, focusing on cruise vessels that heavily rely on these converters for efficient energy management. In the last 10 years, Cruise ships have installed a significant amount of drives to improve energy efficiency onboard without investigating the overall effect on the power system.
The study preliminary investigates the potential challenges arising from the complex interplay of power electronic devices, including variable frequency drives, rectifiers, and inverters, with the ship's power distribution network. A comprehensive measurement campaign is conducted onboard representative cruise ships, utilizing advanced monitoring equipment to capture power quality indexes related to different power systems and conversion architecture.
The primary objectives of this investigation are to assess the power quality parameters, and investigate potential correlation induced by the increased use of power converters.
Furthermore, the research explores the implications of power quality issues on the performance and lifespan of sensitive onboard equipment and highlights the importance of maintaining a stable and high-quality power supply in the maritime environment.
The findings of this study aim to contribute valuable insights to the maritime industry, aiding operators in formulating guidelines to ensure optimal power quality on cruise ships amidst the growing prevalence of power converters. Ultimately, this research seeks to facilitate the sustainable integration of advanced power electronics on cruise ships while maintaining the integrity and reliability of the onboard power distribution systems.