Energy Optimization of Marine Drive Systems with Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors

Abstract

The International Maritime Organization are introducing more and more stringent requirements concerning increasing ships’ energy efficiency. They are becoming a huge challenge for design engineers. This article proposes a method to increase the energy efficiency of mechatronic drive systems in ship systems via the use of highly efficient electric permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs). An innovative control strategy is suggested. It is based on the modification of the classic PMSM control and ensuring energy optimization through a reduction in reactive power in the Active Converter–PMSM system. Analytical and simulation studies using the Matlab–Simulink program are presented. They confirm the possibility of reducing reactive power in a PMSM drive system. A verification of the results of analytical and simulation examinations was conducted at a laboratory station with the use of the Speedgoat module operating in the Rapid Control Prototyping mode. Both the simulation and experimental research results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed PMSM control method. This method has good prospects for application in energy-saving marine drive systems.