Energy conversion in next-generation electric ships

Future electric ships, vessels, and ferries will predominately use the integrated power system architecture and energy distribution network, combining conventional loads (e.g., propulsion) and, in case of navy ships, pulsed loads (e.g., radars, rail guns, and aircraft launchers). These loads represent increasing energy demands, and require improved transient characteristics and capacity of power systems compared to the traditional and legacy ships. The common approach to meet the increasing energy demands is to integrate more generation sources and storage units into the ship power system. Development of real-time modeling and simulation environments, highperformance control paradigms, and advanced energy management systems is required to ensure stable and optimal operation of resulting complex energy distribution and conversion systems of modern and future electric ships.

This special section brings together papers focused on the recent advancements in energy conversion techniques used in electric ship technologies. We have followed a two-tier review process. First, we have invited authors to submit extended abstracts for a preliminary review based on the scope of the special issue and abstract quality. Then, out of 60 submitted extended abstracts, the authors of 34 abstracts were invited for full paper submission. The submitted manuscripts underwent a full formal review process, after which only 10 papers were accepted for publication in this special section. The accepted papers are broadly classified into three themes: i) simulation, estimation, and control; ii) power and energy management; and iii) stability related issues. A brief discussion of each paper and the authors’ contributions are presented below.