The vessel’s Power Distribution Network is a highly redundant, layered distribution system for delivering power from generation and auxiliary power sources to vessel systems.
The system is made up of a network of electrical conduits which link distribution nodes, creating a web-like distribution network that provides multiple paths between power sources and consuming systems. Power can be routed around the network to meet operating requirements or to bypass damage and is transformed to the voltages and frequencies required by various vessel systems.
The PDN also monitors and reports on the status of the systems connected to it.
The Power Distribition Network is layered, with the first layer (the primary distribution network) providing maximum distribution capacity between primary generation sources and first-layer distribution nodes. Some high-consumption systems such as propulsion are supplied directly from the primary network.
From the first-layer distribution nodes, a second layer (the secondary distribution network) uses a range of smaller-capacity conduits to deliver power to distribution nodes closer to the systems consuming it.
Distribution nodes receive power from up to three sources via an upstream interface. The supplied power is aggregated and converted to the required distribution standard (voltage and current) which can then be delivered to up to three destinations via a downstream interface.
Each node has a configuration interface that allows power allocation between downstream outputs to be adjusted, which determines how much power the connected downstream nodes receive.
Some nodes are supply only (such as generators).
Nodes can accept up to three supply inputs and can output up to three downstream systems.
The three ouputs are prioritised, with the first output having the highest priority. If available power drops below what has been allocated, power will be unallocated from the lowest priority output first.
System nodes are vessel systems which only consume power and aren't involved in distribution. Power management for system nodes can be configured from the relevant system's control console.
Distribution nodes are connected by conduits.
The voltage and current that can be handled by each conduit is limited by the physical parameters of the conduit (for example the size of the cable cores making up the conduit, their insulation and shielding, etc).
Conduits typically have significant redundant capacity over that needed for their nominal distribution role to support additional load due to alternative routing of power around damage.
The AC output of the main power generation system is immediately rectified to medium voltage (1000V) DC using twelve-pulse passive rectifiers. The use of this kind of rectifier minimises any harmonics induced in the generator or any downstream AC feeds. This is distributed via the Primary Distribution Network (1DN), consisting of a relatively small number of high-capacity conduits linking generation systems to layer-one distribution nodes and directly to propulsion systems.
The network includes redundant conduits which are installed along physically different routes throughout the vessel to minimise the effect of damage on the network’s minimum delivery capacity.
The Secondary Distribution Network (2DN) consists of a large number of lengthy mid-capacity conduits linking distribution nodes with distribution boards supplying vessel systems.
The DC supply from the 1DN is inverted to AC at the distribution node. Depending on the downstream requirement, inversion will be to either high-frequency (400Hz) or low frequency (50Hz) AC.
The high-frequency 400Hz 2DN is an AC system rated at approximately 440 volts.
High-frequency AC (HFAC) power offers advantages over standard frequency AC in a number of applications:
Challenges to using HFAC include:
The standard frequency 50Hz 2DN is a three-phase AC system rated at 240 volts. Most supplied systems use a single phase, with the use of individual phases limiting cross-system interference.