It is not likely that there will be a dramatic shift in technology in electric power distribution for AC systems.
A gradually introduction of new protection relays, programmable and with field-bus communication is already started and will continue.
This means that as flexibility will increase, the total project costs will be reduced.
There is research and development of power-formers, static power converters that transforms voltages by use of power electronics. A high frequency transformer can give galvanic insulation, and the benefits will be reduced dimensions and weights, and elimination of transformer inrush problems. It is yet work to be done before power-formers
will be applied in commercial vessels, but they will be essential components in order to enable future development of DC distribution systems.
