Converter topological and solid state protective device trade-offs for future shipboard MVDC systems

The search for the optimum architecture for Medium Voltage DC (MVDC) Integrated Power Systems must take into account the short circuit protection in addition to overarching goals of efficiency, survivability and cost effectiveness. A comparison study is performed for architectures with a suitable combination of protective devices and power conversion. This leads also to an optimum MVDC bus voltage somewhere between 15kVdc and 20kVdc. Hardware implementation using packaged SiC devices, currently under development, is explored. The inherent speed of operation of Solid state protective devices will also play a role in fault isolation, hence reducing stress level on all system components.