The analysis, simulation and control of cycloconverter drives for ship propulsion

Abstract

Naval expeditionary forces of the future will require new, technologically advanced, multi-mission surface combatants. The design philosophy for future surface combatants stresses survivability, efficiency, and modularity through the use of a modern open architecture consisting of commercial off the shelf and dual use systems. An integrated propulsion and electrical power generation system which utilizes advanced, commercially viable power electronics and state of the art control and monitoring systems is viewed as the appropriate system for the future surface combatant. This study provides the designing naval engineer with technical background information and design considerations for the application of a cycloconverter drive for ship propulsion in an integrated power system. The cycloconverter is a power electronic circuit which performs a single stage conversion of an ac input voltage at one frequency to an ac output voltage of variable frequency and amplitude. Cycloconverters are generally used for low speed, very large horsepower applications and with suitable closed loop control can develop torque and speed responses suitable for ship propulsion. External performance characteristics and control issues for the cycloconverter are discussed, followed by a time domain computer simulation of an integrated ship propulsion drive utilizing a cycloconverter. From the technical background information, external performance characteristics and computer simulation analysis, the designing naval engineer can make educated decisions on the application of a cycloconverter drive for ship propulsion.