Distributed Smart Control and Health Management Framework for Next Generation Electric Ships

Intelligent Automation Inc (IAI) is teaming with subject matter expert Prof. Sudip Mazumder from the University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC) to propose a novel, clean, distributed, wireless, control framework for the Next generation all-electric ship. The primary innovation of this proposal is the synergy achieved by combination of software intelligent agents for decentralized reasoning, with advanced control algorithms. IAI team will also leverage the work being done in their NAVAIR, AFRL, ONR, and NSF projects to develop embedded, active probing sensors, and COTS rapid response SiC based sensors and actuators for the Naval power systems. A decentralized Agents based power system over a wireless network fits the Navy’s vision to build distributed control systems (DCS) along with system wide health management to ensure system survivability and robustness. The proposed distributed agents based system will provide the capability to monitor and adjust energy generation, energy storage, and system loads for enhanced shipboard performance and health. While the proposed system would work seamlessly with highly-efficient next generation energy generation concepts; it would also be backward compatible to retrofit on existing fleet. IAI will work with Northrop Grumman Ship Systems (NGSS) to transition our technology beyond phase I and II.