MVDC grounding and common mode current control

Abstract

The U.S. Navy is exploring the use of power electronics based Medium Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) power distribution systems to affordably provide power to advanced mission systems. The design of equipment and the system grounding scheme should be designed to limit common mode (CM) currents through the ship's hull. This paper presents a CM model of an MVDC power distribution system and makes recommendations for the design of rotating machines, power electronics, grounding systems, and MVDC bus interfaces to limit CM currents.