The Role of Experimental Test Beds for the Systems Testing of Future Marine Electrical Power Systems

Marine electrical power systems (MEPS) are experiencing a progressive change with increased electrification - incorporation of distributed power generation, high power density requirement, increased storage integration, availability of alternative technologies and incorporation of novel loads to name a few. In recent years, smart grid (advanced land based power systems) concepts have increasingly been incorporated within MEPS to leverage on their proven advantages. Due to the distinct nature of the two power systems, upon incorporation, the solutions need to be further proven by simulations and experimentation. This paper presents two smart grid enabled MEPS test beds at the University of Strathclyde developed to allow for proof of concept validations, prototyping, component characterization, test driven development/enhancement of emerging MEPS solutions, technologies and architectures. The capabilities of the test beds for rapid proof of concept validations and component characterization are discussed by means of two case studies. Drawing on from the two case studies, this paper further presents a discussion on the requirements of systems testing of future more electric MEPS.