Microgrid Technologies – Research Projects and Challenges in Maritime Power Systems

by Prof. Josep M. Guerrero

Department of Energy Technology

Aalborg Universitet, Denmark

Microgrids are defined as local electrical networks, including generation, storage and critical loads, able to operate in grid connected more and in islanding operation. In this sense, maritime power systems like those installed in ships, ferries, vessels and other maritime devices, are usually operating in islanded mode when they are in the sea, and in grid-connected mode when they arrive to the seaport. Thus, maritime microgrids constitutes real commercial microgrids cost effective and with a promising market. The more electrical are becoming the ships, the more importance is taking in maritime microgrids.

Many microgrid technologies are being applied in maritime microgrids, such as droop control to properly share and balance the power injected by the generators. At the same time, as well as in other microgrid systems, maritime microgrids are trending to expand more the DC distribution system, which can be seen as a DC microgrid, especially when incorporating more and more energy storage systems. The state of the art right now is the massive use of AC/DC hybrid maritime microgrid systems, which allow integrating AC generators, AC and DC energy storage systems, and AC and DC critical and noncritical loads. < back >