Early-stage design of shipboard integrated power systems: CSI-based multiple solutions comparison

The design of an electric ship can be based on several different technologies and architectures, each affecting the design drivers in ways difficult to be foreseen a priori. Moreover, the integration of innovative solutions requires to perform their proof-of-concept, not only related to their proper functioning, but also to their use onboard (assessment of the new system’s impact on the main design drivers of the ship). In this regard, the paper presents a Computer System Integrator software, which allows the comparison of several design solutions in order to define the one most suited to the purpose, already during the early-stage design phase. Such a software is used to produce two possible design solutions (ac - dc) for a low voltage ship secondary distribution, and to compare the resulting weights and volumes. Thus, it is given the possibility of easily analyze and compare the impact of different solutions on the design drivers.