Modeling and real-time simulation of a DC shipboard microgrid

This paper illustrates the modelling of a Low Voltage DC ship electrical system, including batteries and variable speed generators, and its implementation on the Opal-RT real-time simulator. There is more and more necessity to represent the full dynamics of the component and relative control to have a proper knowledge of the behavior of the system. The use of digital twin is becoming more and more attractive in order to have a complete and reliable tool to assess the system behavior in all conditions. The coupling of variable speed generator and BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) is an efficient solution in order to improve energy efficiency on board of marine vessel and it is necessary in different SECA areas that have strong environmental requirements. Results show the effectiveness of the proposed simulation platform and the results obtained by the implementation of a droop-based power control strategy.