Naval application of storage devices for loads protection in microgrids dominated by solid state converters

The correct operating mode of protection systems is a fundamental aspect in order to guarantee a good quality of service to loads connected to a distribution grid. This paper deals with naval plants that, being dominated by power electronic converters can lead to malfunctioning of protection systems due to limited fault currents. The solution proposed by the authors consists in introducing a storage systems in order to increase the fault level of the grid. Three control strategies to drive the intervention of the storage device have been studied. These strategies have been tested by means of numerical simulations and their effectiveness has been proved. Finally, some considerations for the choice of the optimal technology for realizing the storage unit have been given and some guidelines for the sizing of this unit have been provided.