DC Microgrid Based Power System for Marine Vessels

This paper showcases successful applications of a novel hybrid propulsion system for marine vessels based on the principles of decentralized DC microgrid. The paper discusses integration of different DC sources (batteries, hydrogen fuel cells), AC sources (diesel-generator set), and electric loads. It proposes a power sharing mechanism based solely on current measurement, supports it by theory and discusses its advantages.Using a representative simulated scenario that includes four modes of operation, the paper demonstrates how, using the proposed mechanism, power flows from different sources are coordinated without the operator interference. The paper then discusses practical application aspects of the physical prototypes. It includes experimental results for 22ft and 43ft marine vessels.