Current state and prospects of development of frequency converters for marine electric propulsion systems

Marine electric propulsion systems (EPS) are increasingly used on various vessels due to their advantages and advancements in transistor converter technology. Modern frequency converters (FC) rely on intelligent power modules (IPM). High-intelligent power modules (HIPM) are an evolution of IPMs, incorporating drivers, voltage, current, and temperature sensors, and comprehensive service and protection functions, making them virtually indestructible. Modern FC control systems typically have a distributedcentralized structure, comprising local control systems (LCS), a central control system (CCS), and a programmable logic controller (PLC). An alternative is a highly integrated microprocessor control unit (HIMCU), a centralized structure with internal function distribution, integrating LCS, CCS, and PLC in one housing. A brief technical description of a 1,67 MVA FC based on HIPM and a HIMCU of our own design and manufacture, now the basic FC for EPS of "Ruselprom" concern, is provided. The development prospects of FCs for EPS are assessed. HIPMs have proven successful in modern FCs, suggesting they will become the main power components in the development of FCs for EPS. Both distributed-centralized and centralized (HIMCU) FC control system structures for EPS are expected to persist and evolve.Marine electric propulsion systems (EPS) are increasingly used on various vessels due to their advantages and advancements in transistor converter technology. Modern frequency converters (FC) rely on intelligent power modules (IPM). High-intelligent power modules (HIPM) are an evolution of IPMs, incorporating drivers, voltage, current, and temperature sensors, and comprehensive service and protection functions, making them virtually indestructible. Modern FC control systems typically have a distributedcentralized structure, comprising local control systems (LCS), a central control system (CCS), and a programmable logic controller (PLC). An alternative is a highly integrated microprocessor control unit (HIMCU), a centralized structure with internal function distribution, integrating LCS, CCS, and PLC in one housing. A brief technical description of a 1,67 MVA FC based on HIPM and a HIMCU of our own design and manufacture, now the basic FC for EPS of "Ruselprom" concern, is provided. The development prospects of FCs for EPS are assessed. HIPMs have proven successful in modern FCs, suggesting they will become the main power components in the development of FCs for EPS. Both distributed-centralized and centralized (HIMCU) FC control system structures for EPS are expected to persist and evolve.