Converteam - Naval Electric Power and Propulsion Packages

Converteam is a leading supplier of electric power and propulsion packages for the naval market. Drawing on a century of experience in significant naval projects, Converteam is the industry's first choice for naval electric power and propulsion systems.

Whatever the requirement for electric propulsion, be it synchro-drives, cyclo-drives, PWM with synchronous motors or Advanced Induction Motors (AIM), Converteam can provide a solution, from concept studies and initial design though procurement to installation, commissioning and through-life support, including integrated logistic support.

TYPE 45: ADVANCED INDUCTION MOTORS AND PULSE-WIDTH MODULATED (PWM) SYSTEM

The recently ordered Type 45 Daring Class Destroyers for the Royal Navy will be powered by two 20MW Converteam Advanced Induction Motors and controlled by our latest PWM system, the VDM 25000. Converteam is also electrical integrator and supplier of the 21MW alternators for the gas turbine, the diesel generator sets, HV switchboards, propulsion management system and associated propulsion auxiliaries.

LPD(R) AND AUXILIARY OILERS: MOTORS AND CONVERTERS

HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark have now replaced the aged HMS Fearless. They have been fitted with two 6MW Converteam motors, controlled by two 12-pulse converters. The two Wave Class Auxiliary Oilers, built for the Ministry of Defence for operation by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, are powered by two 7MW tandem motors on a single shaft and controlled by two 12-pulse converters. The diesel generator sets, switchboards, HV converter, ship service transformers, thrusters and integrated platform management systems have also been supplied by Converteam.

TYPE 23: DC ELECTRIC MOTORS

There are now 16 of the Duke Class Frigates in service with the Royal Navy, which have provided the backbone of the United Kingdom's maritime anti-submarine force for over 12 years. The Converteam DC electric motors have steamed over 2.5 million nautical sea miles without a serious breakdown. Converteam is rightly proud of the performance of its equipment in this harsh naval environment and believes that the equipment fitted in the emerging classes of Royal Navy vessels will be equally as rugged.

ELECTRIC SHIP TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATOR (ESTD)

The Electric Ship Technology Demonstrator, at the Whittle Research Centre at Whetstone, provides a facility to de-risk electric propulsion for future warships. An AIM and converter, together with MV and LV switchboards and loads, filters, transformers and a four-quadrant load allows full simulation of future platforms. Testing is also being carried out on novel energy storage systems, such as flywheels and fuel cells.

FUTURE AIRCRAFT CARRIER: PROPULSION SYSTEM

As part of the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, Converteam is the power and propulsion system authority for the preliminary design studies of this major warship programme. An Integrated Electric Propulsion System, offering through life cost benefits, is being advocated with a number of propulsion drive train options being considered. An IEP system also facilitates the use of a novel aircraft launch system called EMCAT (Electro-Magnetic Catapult) exploiting Converteam's converter expertise and linear motor technology.

LANDING HELICOPTER DOCKS: PROPULSION SYSTEMS

Mistral and Tonnerre, the French Navy's new projection and command vessels, will be equipped with podded propulsion systems. Each vessel will be equipped with two variable frequency propulsion systems, harmonic filters and a power management system. The propulsion system comprises two propulsion transformers of 4,500kVA each, two six-pulse synchroconverters and one double winding synchronous motor of 7MW, 156rpm.

OTHER NAVAL Electric Power and Propulsion Package PROJECTS

Converteam has also provided the propulsion system for the USCGC Icebreaker Healy. This comprises two 11.2MW motors. For this project Converteam provided a full turnkey propulsion package, including 24/7 on-line machinery surveillance and full ILS support. Converteam is also providing an electric propulsion package for the T-AKE class of dry cargo and explosive carrier for the USN and is supplying a 5MW auxiliary electric drive for the United States Navy LHD-8 Amphibious Support Vessel.

See also:
Offshore Technology - Converteam - Dynamic Positioning, Vessel Control and Power and Propulsion Systems
Ship Technology - Converteam - Marine Propulsion Systems