Shipboard Electrical

Distribution
Shifting the Electric Plant to
a Normal Full Power Lineup.

Topics

Primary Power
Electrical Distribution System
Components of systems
Selective tripping
Other AC power generation systems
DC Power generation
Safety Considerations

Primary Power Characteristics

Malaysia Residential

230 VAC Power

1 phase, 50 Hz frequency
Grounded system

Ship Power

440 VAC Power

3 phase, 60 Hz frequency
Ungrounded system

Primary Power Characteristics

Why AC?

Why 3 Phase?

More power than DC for same size

More power than single phase
Can operate with only 2 phases - redundancy

Why ungrounded?

NOT Safety
Reliability: at least two faults are required to cause
system failure (grounded systems fail with one
fault)

Basic Components

Ship Service Generators

Primary source of power is rotating-field generator

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SSTG (steam)
GTGS (gas)
EDG (diesel)

Switchboard

Metal enclosure that serves as distribution center

(contains buswork, breakers, instruments, etc)

Basic Components

Bus Transfers

Allow transfer of load from one bus to another

(normal -> alternate)

ABT: senses voltage loss quickly and auto transfers

supply to alternate source to ensure continuity of power
MBT: manual transfer, used for non-vital loads

Disconnects

Used for infrequent connections (shore power)

Basic Components

Circuit Breaker

Used as switches to connect buswork

Trip open and break circuit if unsafe condition
(over current, under voltage, under frequency)
Arc Fault System

Fuse

Simplest protective device

Fusible strip of wire melts to provide protection
Must be replaced once blown

Electrical Distribution

Ship Service Distribution System

Provides normal and alternate power

Power from generators
switchboards
sent to
loads, power panels, etc.
Parallel requirements for closing circuit breakers

Emergency Power Distribution

Normally supplied by DGs

Designed to provide power to vital systems during a
casualty

The Electric Plant

Electrical Distribution

Casualty Power Distribution system

Use of portable cables for temporary routing of

power in severe casualty

Selective Tripping

Principle under which faults are isolated as close to

the fault as possible and furthest from power supply
Done via fuses, switches, and breakers (most
current system is arc-fault)
Vital vs. Non-vital loads

Other AC Generation Systems

115 VAC, single phase, 60 Hz used for smaller

loads

Used for lighting, outlets, etc.

Step-down transformer

400 Hz Power

Most of electronics including fire control & sonar

use 400 Hz
400 Hz MG used to convert 60Hz to 400 Hz

DC Generation Systems

Battery: chemical potential

due to dissimilar metals (Pb
vs. PbO2) in presence of
electron bridge (electrolyte)
SSMG: converts AC <-> DC
(large machine with an AC
end & DC end)
Static Inverters: solid state to
replace SSMGs
Rectifier: converts AC -> DC

Degaussing

Circulation of DC current around the hull to

reduce the magnetic signature.

Degaussing stations
Magnetic exploders

Safety Considerations

#1 On-the-job KILLER of sailors

Working in vicinity of energized gear requires COs
permission
NUMEROUS electrical safety precautions

Electrical Tagout to de-energize where possible

Rubber gloves
Insulated tools
Diamond deck
CPR qualified personnel
Removal of jewelry/metal objects
Etc.

Any Questions?