Zonal Electrical Distribution Systems: An Affordable Architecture for the Future

ABSTRACT The electrical system of today's U. S. Navy ships was designed for reliability of power to vital loads. The existing radial electrical system architecture has evolved from World War II to an increasingly complex and expensive system as vital loads have grown and become more power quality sensitive for each new class of ships. The maze of normal and alternate cables on modern navy ships is almost impossible to protect and keep functioning during and after a casualty. The Navy is now demanding that future ships be more affordable while maintaining existing performance capabilities. New studies have shown that zonal electrical distribution system architecture provides a construction cost savings while inherently providing more operational flexibility. This paper will discuss cost and weight comparisons of existing conventional electrical distribution systems to proposed zonal distribution systems on DDG‐51 and LSD‐41 class ships. It will examine the weight impacts and affordability of installing the zonal distribution system on these ships. Further, it will discuss various zonal distribution system architectures, commonality of components with surface ship electrical distribution systems, and propose developments which will enhance future navy and maritime ship construction.