Simulation of a DC to DC power conversion module for the all-electric ship

Abstract

The design of electric ships requires a tool to evaluate the relative merits of different electrical power distribution configurations; the MIT end-to-end simulator [1] is just such a tool. This paper models one module to be used in conjunction with the end-to-end simulator: a power converter that converts MVDC bus voltage to 1kV DC. First, the power converter was designed to use commercially available technology. This design resulted in a low-frequency, 2 kHz, 200 kW power converter commonly called a double-ended, isolated forward converter [2]. The initial converter design was then modeled in Simulink. The response characteristics of the converter were analyzed to ensure the response followed demonstrated behavior consistent with this type of converter. Finally, the model was tested against a nominal set of specifications [3] that determined adequate response characteristics.