Converteam - Naval Electric Power, Propulsion and Control Systems

Converteam is a leading supplier of electric power and propulsion packages for the navies of the world. Drawing on a century of experience in major 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 drive with synchronous motors or advanced induction motors (AIM), Converteam provides solutions, from concept studies and initial design though procurement to installation, commissioning and through-life support, including integrated logistic support.

Additionally we are a leading supplier of integrated vessel control systems (VCS), dynamic position (DP) control systems and an advanced damage control system known as Distributed Incident Recording And Display (DIRAD).

Type 45 destroyers

The UK Royal Navy’s Type 45 Daring Class destroyers are powered by two of Converteam's 20MW AIMS, which are controlled by our VDM25000 drive. Converteam is electrical integrator and supplier of the 21MW alternators for the gas turbine, the diesel generator sets, the HV switchboards, the propulsion management system and associated propulsion auxiliaries.

LPD(R) and auxiliary oilers

HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark are each fitted with two 6MW Converteam motors, each controlled by 12-pulse converters.

The two Wave Class auxiliary oilers, built for the Ministry of Defence for operation by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, are each powered by two 7MW tandem motors on a single shaft and controlled by two 12-pulse converters. The diesel generator sets, switchboards, ship service transformers, tunnel thrusters, integrated platform management and joystick manoeuvring systems are also supplied by Converteam.

Type 23 frigates

The Royal Navy’s Duke Class frigates form the backbone of the United Kingdom's maritime anti-submarine force. The Converteam DC electric motors and DC propulsion converters have steamed an aggregate of well over 2.5 million nautical miles without serious breakdown.

Electric ship technology demonstrator (ESTD)

The ESTD, at the Whittle Research Centre at Whetstone (UK), 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.

Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers

The Royal Navy’s HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales are due to enter service in 2014 and 2016 respectively. Working with strategic partners Converteam has responsibility for an electric propulsion system on a grand scale. Each ship is propelled by two shafts each driven by two of Converteam’s 20MW AIMs through VDM25000 converters. HV switchboards, generators, transformers and an advanced power management system (EPCAMS) also feature in Converteam’s scope of responsibility.

Landing helicopter docks

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

The French Navy has recently placed an order for a third projection and command vessel . Converteam will supply the same propulsion system as they did for the other two previous vessels. This third vessel will be named Dixmude.

Service, support and upgrades

With strategically located worldwide service capability Converteam offers true 24/7 integrated logistic support (ILS) including breakdown intervention, spare parts, routine service and training.

Ultra rapid intervention and support is provided through our Visor remote support system which enables Converteam engineers to observe, investigate and assist Visor-equipped ships from suitably equipped and authorised access points worldwide.

Full lifecycle support ensures maximum plant efficiency and availability; we are always on hand to advise and manage upgrades and enhancements as they become available.