System and method for optimization of engines on a common variable frequency bus

A marine vessel, comprising:

• a hull;
• at least one variable frequency thruster mounted to the hull to provide propulsion, wherein the at least one variable frequency thruster generates a variable frequency load (VFL);
• a variable frequency bus (VFB);
• a plurality of variable frequency gensets (VFGs) operatively connected to the VFB to supply power to the VFL, each VFG having a prime mover rotationally coupled to an electrical generator to supply electrical power to the VFL via the VFB;
• and
• a synchronization controller in electrical communication with the plurality of variable frequency gensets and the VFB, the synchronization controller configured to:
• determine an optimal bus frequency of the VFB based on the VFL;
• determine an available power range supplied by the plurality of variable frequency gensets at the optimal bus frequency;
• and
• asymmetrically load the VFL to the plurality of variable frequency gensets at the optimal bus frequency based on an operating range of each VFG to supply electrical power to the VFL.

A method for synchronizing a frequency of a plurality of variable frequency gensets (VFGs) to at least one variable frequency load (VFL) via a variable frequency bus (VFB), the method comprising:

• determining an optimal bus frequency of the VFB based on the at least one VFL operatively connected to the VFB;
• determining an available power range supplied by the plurality of variable frequency gensets at the optimal bus frequency;
• and
• asymmetrically loading the VFL to the plurality of variable frequency gensets at the optimal bus frequency based on an operating range of each VFG.