Fast Protection of Shipboard Electrical Power Systems

The objective of the work proposed herein is to develop and demonstrate an approach for the fast protection of shipboard electrical power systems based on a novel high-speed relay (HSR) algorithm. The algorithm quickly and correctly detects and isolatesfaults, long before current levels reach thresholds required for protection by overcurrent relays. The HSR algorithm is ``tunable'' for different applications contexts and will meet the solicitation design specifications, which include: (1) detecting thepresence of electrical faults in less than 1 millisecond from application (bolted through high impedance) in grounded, medium voltage - 1,000 Volts AC (VAC) to 15,000 VAC - shipboard electric plants with high harmonic content, and (2) allowing coordinatedidentification of fault locations, in either ring or radial electric distribution systems, within a half cycle of fault application (8 milliseconds based on a 60 Hz system).The proposing team includes Barron Associates, a prime contractor with proven ability to develop and deliver fieldable HSR algorithms; the University of South Carolina, which has a sophisticated virtual testbed capability for simulating shipboard powersystems; and General Dynamics Electric Boat Corporation, a shipbuilder bringing both knowledge and vision for potential medium voltage power distribution architectures for platforms such as DD(X) and CVN21. Since medium voltage is utilized on commercial ships, this technology can be directly applied to these designs to minimize fault propagation and collateral effects associated with a system fault. Also, in conjunction with Homeland Security, thistechnology can be implemented in medium voltage systems used in utility power systems, industrial sites, and buildings to minimize fault propagation and collateral effects of faults which, in the bigger picture, will help ensure the integrity of ournation's power grid and the dependent infrastructure.