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Impact analysis of superconducting electrical propulsion systems on naval ship design. Master's thesis

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5723074

Three different proposed propulsion systems which incorporate superconducting electric machines are described. Two of these systems utilize a propulsion system integrated ship service electrical system. A ship synthesis computer model is used to determine the gross characteristics, detailed weight and volumes, maximum sustained speed, and endurance fuel requirements for each proposed design. Each of the designs is compared to a baseline ship, the FFG-7, to determine the impact of a superconducting propulsion system on gross characteristics, maximum sustained speed, endurance fuel, general arrangements, payload, vulnerability/survivability, risk, maintenance, and cost. Final comparison of the proposed designs shows a 31% reduction in propulsion machinery weight for all candidates. The two superconducting/integrated designs show a 61% reduction in electrical machinery weight, a 6% reduction in total required volume, a 10% reduction in full load displacement, a 7% increase in maximum sustained speed, and an 8% reduction in fuel.

Research Organization:
Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA (USA)
OSTI ID:
5723074
Report Number(s):
AD-A-097331/3
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English