As Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWAP-C) becomes a real differentiator in ship design, alternatives to costly construction methods should be strongly considered in the shipboard electrical distribution system. High energy loads such as Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) and new combat systems are increasingly being integrated onboard current and future Naval warships. With these new systems it has become important to analyze alternative energy conduits and installation methods to save the Navy and shipbuilding industry time and money. For example, cable pulling is on the critical path of any ship construction process and is a significant cost driver. The US shipbuilding process includes installing cabling (primarily 350-500 MCM) post-assembly of the vessel. This paper provides a technical overview of Insulated Bus Pipe (IBP) and a cost benefit analysis of replacing shipboard cabling with IBP while presenting detailed IBP studies by Europe and others that have used IBP in shipbuilding. IBP is a solid conductor, offering prefabrication of up to 30 foot sections with a tight bend radius and is ideal across the Navy's diverse power systems. To study possible applications of IBP on the HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy visited Meyer Werft, a shipyard in Papenburg, Germany which builds cruise ships and uses IBP. Notably, the report shows [1]: 1. 31% cost savings for the acquisition and installation of IBP 2. 43% cross-sectional savings for IBP and installation hardware 3. 57.7% weight savings for IBP and installation hardware 4. Main feeder lines reduced from fifty-four, 300 MCM cables to three IBP The use of IBP fits well into the Flexible Ship mindset and modular concepts of modern day shipbuilding connecting multiple erection units. Instead of installing the cabling during the final stage of construction, IBP supports modular construction by being installed alongside pipes and similar structures, simplifying construction and resulting in significant savings in costs and schedule. Savings are also seen during repairs from the modular nature of IBP allowing for rapid replacement of damaged sections. These benefits make IBP the ideal choice to ensure affordable ship construction with high power demands on the electrical distribution system.
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