In various embodiments of the present system and method, and with various choices of A-PEBB LRUs 200.A along with suitable switch settings throughout, the loads can/may also be a propulsor (e.g., a rim driven motor/thruster or a pontoon-integrated/driven propeller), in which case the power required may be in a megawatt scale. Due to the modularity of the A-PEBB converter 500, multiple A-PEBB LRUs 200.A can be integrated and distributed around the rim of the propulsor/propeller, or inside the pontoons, to: (i) meet the propulsion power requirement while saving space, (ii) simplify service and maintenance (e.g., replacing A-PEBB LRUs), and (iii) provide for/enable a convenient and effective cooling thermal management (via water cooling from the ocean, sea, or river) for the A-PEBB converter 500.