Power System Control in DC Shipboard Power Systems

A Review of Methods and Architectures

Review (2026)
Author(s)

Timon Kopka (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering, TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)

Andrea Coraddu (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)

Henk Polinder (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)

Research Group
Sustainable Drive and Energy System
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2026.3702135 Final published version
More Info
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Publication Year
2026
Language
English
Research Group
Sustainable Drive and Energy System
Journal title
IEEE Access
Volume number
14
Pages (from-to)
89217-89239
Downloads counter
5
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Abstract

The electrification of shipboard power systems (SPSs), combined with the introduction of heterogeneous power sources and energy storage technologies, is driving a need for more advanced and structured control strategies. This review examines control methods and architectures for DC ships, with a specific interest in power systems integrating energy storage systems and zero-emission power generation. Control methods are categorized based on both their functionality and architecture, evaluating their resilience, adaptability, and scalability. Different hierarchical layers are reviewed, distinguishing local control, coordinated control, and energy management methods. Key challenge in the coordinated control arise due to large load fluctuations, constant-power loads, low inertia, and diverse dynamic capabilities of power sources and storage systems. These characteristics complicate voltage stability, dynamic power sharing, and state-of-charge management. Decentralized, centralized, and distributed control architectures are reviewed with respect to scalability, communication requirements, and fault tolerance. At the high-level layer, energy management strategies are discussed in terms of operational efficiency and resiliency, with predictive and distributed methods forming key trends in shipboard power system control. The review highlights the need for resilient, adaptive, and scalable control solutions tailored to future DC SPSs, particularly those integrating fuel cells and energy storage technologies.