Coordination between inverter short-circuit characteristics and overcurrent protection for shipboard electrical systems

The current-limiting mode of inverters raises the problem of severely restricted fault currents and brings challenges to overcurrent protection. This paper provides an overview of the concept for inverter dominated distribution systems and then discusses its characteristics with respect to overcurrent protection comparing to traditional networks. Based on the overcurrent protection scheme, it is considered to adjust the current-limiting value of inverters according to the power of motors and system operating modes to achieve coordination between the limited fault currents and overcurrent protection. Simulations are conducted and the results prove the effectiveness of the scheme.