1. Definition of energy requirements

1.1 Context

Each ship is equipped with a powerful power generation system that supplies multiple consumers of very different types and sizes:

• the primary energy consumer is ship propulsion, or more precisely the drive machines for the main thrusters. Far from sailing at a regular speed, ships constantly adapt their speed to commercial or mission conditions, and to weather conditions. This means that power consumption is permanent during navigation, but varies frequently, and may require rapid power transients. Maximum power levels range from a few hundred kilowatts, for a small 300-ton workboat, to nearly 100 MW for the largest container ships or aircraft carriers;

• Other consumers are equipment referred...