The Electric Warship III. Discussion

Integrated full electric propulsion has become a normal first choice for several commercial operators, in particular for those operating cruise ships, where it proves to be a fuel efficient transmission system. Operating profiles for warships of frigate size and above are similar to those for cruise ships, with long periods at well below full power. However, the size, weight and initial cost of electric propulsion equipment has generally precluded its selection for warships. With the application of modem technologies, equipment power densities are being increased such that integrated full electric propulsion (IFEP) has now become a serious competitor to the mechanical transmission systems traditionally adopted for warships. The Ministry of Defence has a development programme in hand aimed at enabling future warships to gain the benefits of IFEP. This paper follows on from one presented at The Institute of Marine Engineers by the same authors one year ago. It reviews the progress made over the last year towards being able to define the requirements for a future warship designed and built to the IFEP and Electric Warship concepts.