While high propulsion powers in capital warships have previously been addressed(1), the application of integrated electric propulsion (IEP) architectures to combatants with restricted hull forms has become a quest that is currently the subject of much research activity. Significant advances have been made in the power densities of high powered propulsion systems that include the militarised Advanced Induction Motor (AIM), its transformerless Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) converter, High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) machines and power system architectures. However, reduced defence budgets, an increasing emphasis on modified commercial off the shelf (COTS) equipment and more compact equipment - all without any detriment to performance, are pushing technology boundaries in hulls of less than circa 3000 tonnes. To capitalise on the now recognised long term cost benefits of IEP in smaller vessels, the power densities of propulsion motors, converters, transformers (where required), filters and switchboards either have to be increased or alternative architectures sought. Of the technologies available now or in the immediate future, HTS machines currently being developed for the renewable energy market show much promise. It can be shown that further benefits can be expected by integrating the power converters and propulsion machine. Additionally, when combined with an advanced self-healing power distribution architecture for low voltage ship services and medium voltage propulsion systems, it is expected that the onerous demands of through life cost reductions and increased performance from warships with restricted hull size will be adequately met. This paper sets out to review some of the various technologies available and proposes cost effective power and propulsion solutions that can provide the least risk in power dense IEP applications for smaller combatants.
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