Alternative Propulsion Plant for Naval Auxiliary Ships.

摘要

Due to the rising fuel cost, marine engineers and ship operators alike are searching for more fuel efficient propulsion plants to power ocean-going vessels. This thesis describes an alternative propulsion plant for the U.S. Navy's newest fleet oiler, the AO-177, in order to solve the problem of rising fuel costs. An analysis of converting the present geared steam turbine propulsion plant is performed, and the economic benefits of such a conversion are examined. The results of this analysis show that it is feasible to convert the AO-177 class fleet oiler to a diesel powered vessel provided that the conversion is performed prior to the end of the ship's third year of life. Two candidate diesel plants were studied with the most economical plant being selected for use in the conversion. (Author)