Complex systems where multiple physical phenomena occur in the transformation of energy from one source to another are hard to design and model, such as in the generation of electrical energy from combustible fuel. Even when the principles of the system are clear several questions arise at the time to integrate such system; the designer has multiple design choices and most usually the performance of a newly integrated system will vary greatly from the performance of its individual components. This paper deals with the system integration challenges in the design of a Variable Speed Generator Set. In particular it shows how a novel formal methodology of system integration can help the designer to analyze the integration of such complex system from all different perspectives. We call these perspectives design domains, which are pertinent to the system, namely the thermal, electrical, volumetric and mechanical design domains.@en

Cooling for power electronics in leisure vessels has so far been based in the use of forced air, even though such vessels are surrounded by water which can ultimately be used to dump the heat developed by power electronics converters and electrical machines. Some of the reasons to avoid the use of sea water for cooling are the need to deal with biological-fouling, salt water, corrosion, and condensation. We propose to apply a new concept where pre-filtered seawater is used to cool down power electronic modules in order to significantly reduce the size of the cooling system. A new type of cold plate with direct flow of seawater has been designed considering the mentioned challenges. The cold plate will cool down a 5kW (10kW peak) power electronics module. Such module consists of a 3 kW 3-phase AC-DC rectifier, a 2 kW (10kW peak) full-bridge DC-DC converter and a 5 kW (10 kW peak) DC-AC single phase inverter.@en

Abstract Electrical power generation plays an important role in maritime vessels. This power is usually provided by a multi-component system where the generation begins with the rotational movement of a prime mover, usually and Internal Combustion Engine, an electric generator and an assortment of power electronic components to process and regulate electrical energy. Due to the requirements of the application, i.e. power-on-demand to reduce fuel consumption and increase user comfort, all components need to be adapted to perform efficiently within a wide range of output power levels. For such a purpose a Variable Speed Permanent Magnet Generator (VSPMG) is presented as a solution that fulfills most of the requirements of the power generation stage. However, the design of such of generator is a long process where multiple variables intervene. The following paper deals with a rapid modelling and design tool that helps evaluate a VSPMG with concentrated windings in a quick, and relatively accurate, manner. This tool can be used to obtain a first draft design that can be perfected after further analysis. Analytical equations and experimental data are presented for validation. A simplified thermal model is also presented with the corresponding experimental counterpart. Finally, conclusions are given and next steps are suggested.@en

Abstract The increasing number of components in a system makes the integration of complex system a challenging task. Having multiple requirements, limitations and schedules to bring a product to market and to achieve the best possible system design and configuration from multiple design perspectives, increase the difficulty of its conception even further. Therefore, we propose a new methodology that systematically helps analyze and integrate complex power systems. The methodology synthesizes the design steps on every perspective of design by using so called interrelation planes: mechanical, electrical, thermal, volumetric, etc. The proposed methodology helps analyze multiple variations of system configurations in a swift and easy way with common available tools. An example of its application is provided by means of the integration of a variable speed power generator for maritime applications.@en

The generation of electric power in maritime and mobile applications comprises the use of multiple mechanical, electrochemical and electronic components and systems that make it a complex undertaking and an interesting system integration problem. The integration of such systems is often complicated although equally complex systems have been integrated successfully into smaller, higher powered single dasiaalin-one-boxpsila devices. The electromechanical part of the system genereally consists of lead-acid batteries commonly found in such vessels; the purpose of this paper is to show the possibility of reducing the volume and weight of the batteries for this type of system by the means of using high voltage hybrid battery packs, which will comprise lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, dc/dc converters and protection electrionics for monitoring.@en