Solid State Transformers for Ship’s Electrical Power System

Abstract

Traditional transformers have an important role and a long history of use in shipboard power distribution systems. The introduction of fully integrated electrical propulsion systems and other high power nonlinear loads onboard modern vessels, together with increased number of ports with high voltage shore connection systems, causes considerable power quality issues which also affect the operation and the design process of traditional power transformers. Some of the challenges and shortcomings of conventional transformers can be partially overcome by using solid state transformers (SST). Thanks to the availability of advanced power semiconductor devices capable of handling medium voltage levels, there is a significant growth in the use of the SST technology in the smart-grid and traction application. This paper has analysed the possibility of SST implementation on ships.