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
US Residential
115 VAC Power
1 phase, 60 Hz frequency
Grounded system

US Navy
450 VAC Power
3 phase, 60 Hz frequency
Ungrounded system
Primary Power Characteristics
Why AC?
More power than DC for same size
Why 3 Phase?
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. PbO
2
) 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?