Power Electronics and Electric Drives for Traction Applications

6Ships

Iñigo Atutxa and Gonzalo Abad

6.1 Introduction

This chapter is dedicated to the study of ship propulsion, from an electric and electronic point of view. First of all, a general description about ships is presented. General definitions, types of ships, components of ships, and different types of propulsions systems are briefly described. After that, the subject of ship propulsion is approached using mathematical equations describing the movement of the ship and the forces and torques involved in that movement. It is here that the dynamic model for computer‐based simulation is presented. Then, once the physical basics are established, a detailed description of the electric drives employed for ship propulsion is given. Related to this, the complex but necessary power generation and distribution systems of ships are also studied. This includes a description of the generation itself, together with power cables, fault protections, harmonic distortion, and voltage droop analysis. Finally, as with the rest of the chapters, further information is also included: computer‐based simulation examples, design and dimensioning of the electric propulsion, description of some real examples, and historical evolution and future challenges. In addition, the dynamic positioning (DP) concept of ships is also briefly introduced.

6.2 General description

6.2.1 Definition and basic concepts

In this chapter, when we refer to a ship, we understand this to be a vehicle employed to transport ...