How Much Autonomy? IPS Control System - A Case Study

Abstract

The Integrated Power System (IPS) Program of the U.S. Navy has been conducting technology demonstrations of electric drive and dc zonal ship service power equipment. Integrated power system provides electric power to all electric loads; propulsion and ship service. Six fundamental functions were identified from the examination of the required functions of such an electric power system. These six functions comprise the basis of the IPS modules: power generation, power distribution, power conversion, energy storage, power loads (of which propulsion motor modules are a subset), and power management. Power management module is the core of the IPS control system and is entirely embedded in software. Of the many benefits sought by the IPS, reduced manning is a major one. In addition, all concepts of the IPS control system will have to accommodate the trend toward all electric re-configurable ship.This paper outlines the philosophy to fully integrate the IPS control system hardware and the power management software into the ship wide control network. The topic of the paper addresses how autonomy is investigated to achieve the top-level goals of reduced manning, all electric re-configurable ship and the fundamental performance of the IPS. The paper ends with some provocative issues along with the most current approach for power management under consideration.