Innovative concepts for power station design in all electric ships

The paper points out innovative design issues of the shipboard power stations for all electric ships (AESs). Alternators and voltage control system operations are reviewed under an approach which emphasizes the impact of design choices on power generation and availability. The work moves from an in-deep analysis of modern cruise ship integrated electric power systems (IEPSs), in order to assess points that permit to improve and optimize the power station design. Different operative conditions are taken into account, both for navigation and port calls, and related active and reactive power demands are considered. The objectives of the study are to improve cost-effectiveness in power generation management, including both design aspects that have an impact on initial (i.e. alternator power factor rating) and cruise costs (i.e. diesel-generator efficiency, optimal selection of running generators, generator active and reactive loading).