Mitigation against overvoltages on a DC marine electrical system

This paper analyzes the behavior of a highly capacitive DC marine network under fault conditions and demonstrates how overvoltages can be caused by the redistribution of stored energy following the clearance of a fault. This energy flow can be complex in nature, making it particularly difficult to sufficiently protect the network effectively. Through the analysis and simulation of a representative zonal DC marine network, this paper analyzes the causes and severity of overvoltages which can occur following a fault, identifying key contributing factors. The paper also demonstrates how the effects of a fault on the network can propagate, potentially causing damage to previously healthy parts of the network. Through this analysis, this paper identifies options for the mitigation of overvoltage transients in DC marine electrical systems.