Real-time assessment of differential relay protection on marine more-electric systems

The development of more-electric environments in marine systems has been growing significantly in recent years. A primary driver for this growth has been the technological feasibility and recognised benefits that integrated full electric propulsion (IFEP) systems offer over more traditional mechanical propulsion systems. Simulation models are essential in supporting the development of IFEP systems from concept through to in-service product, by facilitating regular system evaluation and thereby ensuring that the in-service product has operational characteristics very similar to those originally specified. In addition, hardware-in-the-loop real-time simulation offers added value in further mitigating development risks. This paper will examine the real-time interaction of hardware differential protection relays and a simulated marine power network. The model development and testing process will be presented and include results demonstrating the operation of the power system and the associated protection system under a variety of conditions.