Diesel engine generator configuration and operation strategy for the integrated fully electric propulsion destroyer based on the actual operation profile

Abstract

Looking at the case of the UK navy, which adopted integrated fully electric propulsion (IFEP) as a vessel's propulsion system prior to the Republic of Korea (ROK) navy, various problems were derived from the aspects of the IFEP generator selection and operation. Moreover, recently, the UK navy has decided to increase the number of diesel engine generators from two to three. Based on this, the ROK navy is also considering the number of diesel engine generators for the next destroyer. In this research, when the propulsion system of destroyers currently operated by the ROK navy was configured based on IFEP, the changes in the fuel consump-tion owing to the number of diesel engine generators and operation strategies were calculated, and the effect on economic efficiency was obtained. We also examined whether the created economic efficiency could offset the space and weight required for an additional diesel engine generator. In this process, instead of the simple operation profile of the vessel presented in the initial required process of the vessel, the actual operation profiles for a year of three target destroyers were investigated and applied to the research to complement reality. As a result of the calculation, it was confirmed that, under the specified conditions examined, installing three diesel engine generators would produce an excellent economic effect. The effect remains even if the space and weight requirements owing to the increased number of diesel engine generators are offset. From the viewpoint of the operation strategies of the diesel engine generators, it is necessary for the diesel engine generators to take charge of the low load power range of the vessel and to have a rest period in the medium - high load power range.