Development of a Power System Management Tool to Support Automated Damage Control for Shipboard Power Systems

As modern naval vessels become more electrically integrated, managing the total energy resources becomes critical. Currently multiple systems exist to "manage" the system as opposed to a single unified power system management tool. Williams-Pyro, Inc. is proposing a software-based approach that is capable of representing the shipboard power system’s dynamic performance, steady-state performance, and system reconfiguration routines in one comprehensive tool. The basic objective of our power management scheme is to identify, isolate, and reconfigure all fault conditions; initiate load adjustments in response to specific contingency triggers; and maintain the stability of the power system. We will achieve these goals by developing algorithms based on proven techniques such as rule-based engines, dynamic integer programming, expert systems, and discrete events. The entire system can act as a stand alone software module or integrated with the ship’s command and control. This software-based approach can be extended to an embedded platform and reside in Williams-Pyro’s AccuTag™ Programmable Automation Controller for localized monitoring and control. Having a tool capable of describing the dynamics of the system during reconfiguration is a powerful capability that can transition in many markets, such as the terrestrial power system industry and the automotive industry for the development of modern vehicles.