A Multi-objective Optimization for the Power Management of Shipboard Zonal DC Microgrids

In the marine industry, flexibility on load supply and efficiency on prime movers are the key elements to develop advanced shipboard systems. To achieve these outcomes, the DC zonal distribution is preferable, as it can enable the most suitable power transfer from sources and storage to loads. In these systems, the high-level control logics are integrated in the Power Management System (PMS), which coordinates the power converters to guarantee the ship mission. The paper is aimed at proposing an optimization algorithm to lead the PMS actions on the controlled DC system. By setting the power setpoints on the interface converters, the optimized PMS can ensure the best use of prime movers, while preserving the duration of energy storage support. By switching from single objective to multi-objective, the optimization can purse the best operating points both in single and in separated buses configuration, thus enhancing the use of energy onboard and the autonomy along the ship route.