An Electric Ship is more than just using electric power to propel ships through water, most ships use auxiliary systems that are steam, hydraulic or pneumatically powered. Conversion of these other systems to electric power combined with electric drive propulsion is how an authentic electric ship is developed. Cruise ships, large yachts and navy ships all currently employ ship propellers that are driven by powerful electric motors. Electric motors can deliver on the variable energy demands of large ships more efficiently and rapidly than diesel engines whose primary strength is operating at constant engine speeds.

The US Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR) is researching advanced naval power for the all electric ship including power generation; distribution and control; energy storage; heat transfer and thermal management, motors and actuators. A key component to all electric ships is Integrated Power Systems, a common power source responsible for driving nearly all shipboard systems including propulsion, radar, weaponry and communications. Using Integrated Power Systems allows for swift redirection of electrical power in the event of an emergency. To learn more about Integrated Power Systems, read the ESTS '09 Naval Sea Systems Command Future Fleet Report.

Other potential benefits of all electric ships include reduced manpower, increased speed and the ability to quickly reconfigure power. The Navy is looking to more efficiently use on-board power and to cut fuel consumption. Using prior year fuel indexing, the shift to fuel cell technology alone could save $1 million per ship, per year in service and fuel costs. [1]

The expected growth in the Electric Ship Industry commands further exploration. A conference scheduled for April 13-15, 2011 addresses several current issues in electric ship technology. Topics include: Electric Power Generation, Electric Propulsion, Power Distribution, Control and Automation, System Impact of Pulsed Power Loads and Electric Ship System Integration. For an up to date program Click Here.

References:

[1] http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/archive/2007/November/Pages/All-Electric2453.aspx