A holistic system modelling approach for marine power systems

Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) provides a common power supply to both the propulsion and service loads on ships in order to provide benefits of increased design flexibility and reduced running costs. Whilst presenting power system challenges commonly seen in grid systems, the power density, prevalence of power electronics and the significance of individual loads results in particular challenges for modelling and simulation tools. Operating challenges also exist, requiring the use of multidisciplinary modelling and simulation to investigate. This paper presents a holistic IFEP simulation tool. It discusses the challenges identified in the development of this model, focusing on key aspects such as multi-rate simulation, system causality (including the formation of algebraic loops) and model validation. The chosen solutions to the challenges listed above are presented and discussed before the effectiveness of the AMEPS integrated IFEP model is demonstrated through a case study on the loss of propulsion load.