Fault location for DC marine power systems

Modern marine vessels look to employ integrated full electric propulsion systems. This, together with the proposed increase in use of power electronic converters can offer reduced fuel consumption and maintenance plus increased operational flexibility and availability. Some of the issues concerning continuity of power, power quality and system stability are now being addressed. This paper considers the area of fault location - particularly important for the concept of ldquoself-healingrdquo systems. Three technologies are described which may offer potential benefits to future marine power systems, and their application to DC distribution systems is also discussed.