ADVANCED ELECTRIC PROPULSION, POWER-GENERATION, AND POWER DISTRIBUTION

Investigations into the development of electric drive systems for both submarines and surface ships have been ongoing for several years. These studies led us to the conclusion that accepted contemporary concepts did not offer the full potential envisioned for electric drive. These concepts did not fully consider non-developmental (existing) technology, and the evolutionary approach to system development did not adequately address ship system interface, cost and other shipbuilder concerns. A ''clean sheet'' approach was taken to designing advanced electric propulsion, generation and power distribution systems and equipment. Primary objectives were reduced cost, weight, and volume with improved arrangement flexibility, operation, power allocation, growth potential, reliability, maintainability, survivability and efficiency. This paper focuses on the technologies involved with component development, the installation of the system on a typical submarine, and the resulting benefits.