High-Performance Megawatt-Scale MVDC Zonal Electrical Distribution System Based on Power Electronics Open System Interfaces

Integrated Power and Energy Systems (IPESs) will play a critical role in supporting future complex electric ship operations. In particular, flexibility is required to exploit shipboard energy sources and storages for multiple ship functions, supporting a highly dynamic electrical power use. To this aim, the Medium Voltage DC (MVDC) electrical power distribution has been conceived to provide requested power flexibility, along with other expected advantages in terms of functional integration and ship design. For complex and high-performance ship power systems, the Zonal Electrical Distribution System (ZEDS) concept has been proposed to maximize MVDC capabilities even under extremely demanding operational conditions. This paper presents a megawatt-scale test facility of a MVDC ZEDS developed and built in Trieste, Italy, based on power electronics open system interfaces. The demonstrator is described in its power and control design architectures and capabilities. In particular, a successful MW-scale test is presented, to show ZEDS capability in supporting large and fast load variations, while maintaining acceptable MVDC voltage tolerances.