Fast Protection of Shipboard Electrical Power Systems

Barron Associates' original high-speed relay (HSR) algorithm is currently in service in two power system fault detection and isolation products. These products are used in low-voltage, ungrounded systems with radial architectures. This STTR research program will result in three primary enabling innovations: (1) development of an enhanced HSR algorithm for fault detection in medium voltage, grounded systems with high harmonic content; (2) development of a fault isolation methodology for zonal distribution systems; and (3) implementation of CAN communication for relay coordination. The first and second innovations expand the potential market to include not only the new ship designs being considered by the U.S. Navy, but also commercial ships and terrestrial power systems that utilize medium voltage distribution systems. The third innovation allows more sophisticated communication between relays while retaining the desirable property of distributed, high-speed, autonomous decision-making at each relay. Phase II work will rapidly transition the development environment from simulations to hardware testing in a small-scale prototype system at the University of South Carolina. Following testing in the small-scale prototype, L-3 Communications Power Systems Group, a Phase III commercialization partner, will support insertion of this technology in the full-scale DD(X) Integrated Power System Engineering Development Model.