A solution for an improved modelling efficiency of a multi-disciplinary marine power system

Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) systems offer increased design flexibility and operational economy by supplying propulsion and service loads from a common electrical system. Predicting the behaviour of IFEP systems through simulation is important in reducing the design risk in a proposed vessel. However the prevalence of power electronics and the potential for interaction between large electrical and mechanical machines introduce significant simulation challenges. This paper presents an integrated IFEP simulation tool, which brings together models from the electrical, mechanical, thermal and hydrodynamic domains, facilitating end-to-end simulation of the behaviour of the propulsion system. This capability enhances the characterisation of modelling interfaces compared to existing tools. The paper discusses the approaches adopted in increasing computational efficiency without unduly compromising the accuracy of simulation results. The model validation process is described, and finally, the paper presents two case studies as an illustration of the phenomena which the model has been used to investigate