A Systematic Review of Solid-State Transformer for Large Ships and Their Shore Power Supply

In response to the emission reduction goals established by the International Maritime Organization, the push towards ship electrification introduces new challenges. This shift demands novel solutions in maritime technology, the development of infrastructure, and energy management strategies. Integrating DC-driven fuel cells and energy storage alongside generators constrained by fixed speeds due to AC usage requires employing low-voltage and/or medium-voltage DC distribution. Considering the importance, this paper explores the burgeoning field of SSTs and their pivotal role in maritime applications by providing a comprehensive analysis of shipboard microgrid (SMG) architectures, categorizing them based on distribution types and propulsion types. The paper thoroughly examines the potential realization of SSTs within these SMG power architectures. Additionally, it delves into the investigation of potential power architectures for shore power supply, considering the implementation of SSTs. In the context of shipboard protection systems, this paper outlines the distinct requirements for DC SMGs compared to terrestrial-based microgrids. To illustrate the operation of SSTs at a system level in maritime applications, the paper presents generic control frameworks for both single and multiple-networked SSTs.