Compact DC power and propulsion systems - the definitive solution?

The limited space allocated to the propulsion system in a Naval platform has always been a challenge for electric propulsion systems and especially for the smaller platform. Many potential developments like permanent magnet motors or high temperature superconducting machines have promised significant improvements over the more conventional solutions but these generally have a long, costly, development period to achieve an effective solution which offers a low enough risk to the end-user. By considering the novel application of power electronics to distribution architectures and conventional iron-core machines, a power & propulsion system has been developed which offers an overall power density approaching that achievable with high temperature superconducting machine based systems but which depends upon conventional iron- core machine technology. This results in a lower risk solution but also is suitable for future technology insertion when the risk associated with high temperature superconducting machines has been mitigated by greater experience in other market applications. This paper describes the development of such an electric power & propulsion system. It reviews the issues behind the decision to adopt this development route, discusses the development process, reviews the benefits of this system and how the normal requirements for naval platforms have been addressed, reviews the test results to date, considers the system integration issues and predicts opportunities for the applications of this system.