Progress and challenges in real time hardware-in-the loop simulations of integrated ship power systems

Future all-electric Navy ships will feature closely coupled, complex integrated power systems for propulsion, ship services, navigation, and, especially, pulse loads, all with an extensive usage of power electronic converter systems. In order to simulate the dynamics of these systems as accurately as possible, the Center of Advanced Power System (CAPS) at Florida State University has established an extensive real-time hardware-in-the-loop (RT-HIL) simulation capability. In this paper, the CAPS platform is utilized for the first time to perform RT-HIL experiments with an industrial-grade power electronics controller that operates a simulated pulse power compensator on a notional all-electric ship system. The system configuration, both in software and hardware, are presented. The results illustrate the reduction of bus frequency deviations caused by pulse power loads due to the active power compensation. Challenges unique to the RT-HIL environment are discussed and remedies are suggested for future studies.