A New Method for Selecting the Voltage Level for an Advantageous Transition to DC Distribution in Ships

In recent years, the DC electrical distribution concept is increasingly gaining ground in the maritime sector as a new accountable and efficient solution to set up on-board smart microgrids. On such a basis, this paper proposes a new method for selecting the most convenient voltage level of a DC electrical distribution grid used to replace an AC counterpart in a passenger ship. In particular, using an optimization criterion that pursues the reduction of weight and volume of the electrical plant equipment, the balance point between AC and DC solutions is determined. The method is assessed on a real-world case study, choosing a more convenient voltage level with respect to the balance point. The results show the suitability of the adopted criterion and the extent of cable weight and volume reduction.