Optimization Technique for Arc Fault Control on the Navy Integrated Power System (IPS)

The Navy IPS is a highly complex network that is often times subjected to high-impact contingencies during operations. Cases that result in arc faults, which pose threats to life, mission, and/or ship components, require effective mitigation with minimal manning. This paper is aimed at developing an optimization strategy for quenching arc faults. The approach is based on (a) nonlinear optimization for optimal allocation of remedial control resources, and (b) discrete optimization that incorporates engineering heuristics using an intelligent system. In the latter case, intelligent decisions are structured into the proposed algorithm to handle discrete control variables. The paper extends the capability of other techniques for solving arc fault control such as rule base systems (RBS). The scheme for improving IPS control and protection against arc fault threats was investigated on a modified Navy IPS.