Closed bus-tie arrangements are increasingly common in various vessel types, offering operational and environmental benefits such as optimized power distribution, reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions, and decreased maintenance needs. However, these configurations also present challenges related to failure propagation, which can impact system reliability and safety. To address these risks, classification societies and maritime technical associations are updating guidelines to balance the benefits of closed bus-tie operations with necessary safety measures. One of the measures introduces enhanced requirements for the power system protection for closed bus-tie operation.
In this article, Frode Lium and Mathilde Bergerskogen explain how ABB's Onboard DC Grid™ technology meets the latest power plant protection requirements. It starts with an overview of the system’s core principles and protection concepts, followed by advanced protection strategies and the design of closed bus-tie configurations that enhance redundancy and system integrity. The article demonstrates how the versatile protection philosophy of Onboard DC Grid™ offers tailored solutions to align with varying regulatory redundancy requirements, providing a future-proof approach for safer, more efficient vessel operations.
