Short circuit analysis due to reconfiguration of AC to DC electrical distribution system on trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) vessel

Direct current (DC) electrical distribution system has been emerging recently. including for ship applications. However, for ship applications, the development of DC distribution system has been limited for electric-propelled ship. Since ship in Indonesia is dominated with non-electric-propelled ship, the investigation of the use of DC distribution system in such a ship is required. One of the most important aspects need to be investigated is short circuit value since it also determines the amount of protection in the system. In this study, the use of simulation software was carried out to compare the amount of short circuit current that contributes to each type of distribution, either in conventional AC or after reconfigured to the DC system. The simulation process is carried out on each bus in the four main conditions of the ship, namely seagoing, maneuvering, dredging, and at port. The results show that the average value of the short circuit current decreased significantly with the DC distribution system. In dredging conditions where most equipment operates, there is a decrease of up to 85.12% from those before reconfiguration the short circuit current is 5.421?kA, while after reconfiguration the value is only 0.807?kA. The biggest drop occurred in at-port conditions with a decrease of 93.11%. These results mean that the short circuit current in dredger ship's electrical system can be decreased by applying the DC system. With a decrease in the value of the short circuit current that occurs, it is expected to provide benefits, namely reducing the risk of damage that occurs due to too large a current value and increasing the reliability of the distribution cable.