Integrated electric propulsion

An example of integrated electric propulsion in the Type 45 destroyer
(GT: gas turbine; DG: diesel generator)

Integrated electric propulsion (IEP), full electric propulsion (FEP) or integrated full electric propulsion (IFEP) is an arrangement of marine propulsion systems such that gas turbines or diesel generators or both generate three-phase[1] electricity which is then used to power electric motors[2] turning either propellers or waterjet impellors. It is a modification of the combined diesel-electric and gas propulsion system for ships which eliminates the need for clutches and reduces or eliminates the need for gearboxes[2][3] by using electrical transmission rather than mechanical transmission of energy, so it is a series hybrid electric propulsion, instead of parallel.

Some newer nuclear-powered warships also use a form of IEP. A nuclear power plant produces the steam to operate turbine generators; these in turn power electric propulsion motors.

  1. ^ Dr. Timothy J. McCoy and Dr. John V. Amy Jr. "The State-of-the-Art of Integrated Electric Power and Propulsion Systems and Technologies on Ships" (PDF). American Society of Naval Engineers. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 18, 2014. Retrieved 2012-09-10.
  2. ^ a b [1] [dead link]
  3. ^ "Type 45 ("D" Class) Destroyer". Archived from the original on August 31, 2012. Retrieved September 10, 2012.

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