Book excerpt: Shipboard Electrical Power Systems addresses new developments in this growing field. Focused on the trend toward electrification to power commercial shipping, naval, and passenger vessels, this book helps new or experienced engineers master cutting-edge methods for power system design, control, protection, and economic use of power. Provides Basic Transferable Skills for Managing Electrical Power on Ships or on Land This groundbreaking book is the first volume of its kind to illustrate optimization of all aspects of shipboard electrical power systems. Applying author Mukund Patel’s rare combination of industrial and educational work experiences and insight, it offers solutions to meet the increasing demand for large, fast, efficient, and reconfigurable ships to compete in international markets. For 30 years, Professor Patel was an engineer for companies including General Electric, Lockheed Martin, and Westinghouse Electric, and in the past 15 years he has been an engineering professor at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. That varied experience helped him zero in on the specialized multidimensional knowledge an engineer requires—and that is what sets his book apart. Compiles Critical, Hard-to-Find Information on Power System Design, Analysis, and Operation The global shortage of power engineers is not deterring countries from heavily investing in construction of new power plants and grids. Consequent growth in university electrical power programs is satisfying the demand for engineers, but novice graduates require accelerated understanding and practical experience before entering the thriving maritime segment. Ideal for readers with limited electrical experience, wide-ranging coverage includes power system basics, power generation, electrical machines, power distribution, batteries, and marine industry standards. This book is an invaluable tool for engineers working on ships, as well as in ports, industrial power plants, refineries, and other similar environments.