Operational experience of Operating IEP in hot climates

摘要

The Royal Navy (RN) has recently commissioned into service two Landing Platform Docks (LPD's), HMS ALBION in 2003 and HMS BULWARK in 2004. Both of these vessels are fitted with an Integrated Electric Propulsion (IEP) system consisting of two main diesel generators and two auxiliary diesel generators supplying power to hotel services and propulsion. There are two shafts, each one directly driven by a synchronous motor, controlled by a synchroconverter. Both vessels have been constructed according to the regulations laid down by the Lloyds classification society, with the intention being to use as much Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) equipment as possible. To provide the RN with an extremely cost effective enhanced level of operational capability over the previous class (HMS FEARLESS and HMS INTREPID). Both initial procurement and the Through Life Costs (TLC) were design drivers from the outset. Operational experience, particularly in very hot climates, has led to a number of improvements to key equipment and main machinery space layout. Although the majority of these improvements were initiated by a requirement to improve resilience of the plant and enhance crew safety in the face of potential shipboard emergencies and action damage, they have also provided the opportunity to reap significant improvements to the operability and sustainability of these warships through major improvements in heat management across the IEP installation. Careful development of operating procedures following this enhancement package has ensured that these vessels are now capable of operating well beyond the original specified climate envelope whilst still delivering maximum Operational Capability.