ALSTOM POWER CONVERSION LIMITED – RUGBY
       
   

ALSTOM POWER CONVERSION LIMITED – RUGBY will feature a scaled model of ALSTOM advanced propulsion drive system comprising:

  • ALSTOM 15 Phase Advanced Induction Motor (AIM) and
  • Its associated PWM converter model

A full scale automation console featuring power management, alarm and monitoring systems and many other ship’s automation features.

The ALSTOM AIM and its associated PWM converter are the most compact propulsion drive system in operation in the world. The PWM converter is the most powerful drive of its design in operation without any supply transformers in the world.

The multi-phase design is very innovative and has demonstrated unchallenged performance.

The AIM has been developed from a standard industrial induction motor already used in extremely demanding and harsh steel and mining industries environment, with important enhancements such as:

  • Improved power factor
  • Higher efficiency
  • Larger air gap
  • Redundancy
  • Improved signatures (achieved by PWM control, waveform, multi-phase design and reduced harmonic field current)
  • Higher torque and power density
  • Suitable for PWM waveforms and switching frequencies
  • Soft starting compatible with PWM variable speed drive

Whilst maintaining the inherent advantages of:

  • Robust design
  • No excitation system
  • Low maintenance

The ALSTOM Propulsion AIMs are designed for both low signatures and high redundancy as required by advanced and naval propulsion systems applications.

Each propulsion motor has 15 phases, supplied by three independent 5-phase propulsion converter channels.

The variable speed converter is a modular multi-phase voltage source inverter, with standard features that include redundancy for high availability, high packing density, shock hardening and compatibility with untreated water cooling systems.The converter consists of three identical channels, where each channel is an electrically and mechanically an independent converter.

Since its development, the ALSTOM AIM and its associated PWM converter has been successfully installed and tested at:

  • The US Navy integrated Power System full scale advanced development land base test facility in Philadelphia
  • The UK MoD and French DGA state of the art full scale Electric Ship Technology Demonstrator in ALSTOM facilities whetstone UK.

The ALSTOM AIMs and their associated PWM converters:

  • Is the selected electric propulsion drive system for UK HMS Daring Class Type 45 Destroyer. The AIM’s and their associated PWM converters are already installed on the T45 Destroyer First of Class HMS Daring.
  • Is the baseline propulsion drive system for the UK Aircraft Carriers CVF programme
  • Is the baseline propulsion drive system for the US DD(X) Destroyer programme.
  • Is a strong contender for the French Aircraft Carrier PA2 programme, should electric propulsion be selected

ALSTOM projects, products and integrated systems posters – these will portray ALSTOM projects specifics, capabilities and high performance products and integrated power and propulsion systems complete with the highly flexible and multi-functional control and automation systems.

The exhibits are of particular relevance to the: ICMES – Marine Engineering; INEC – Naval Engineering; Commercial Shipping; Offshore Oil and Gas; and MAREC – Marine Renewable Energy streams of WMTC 2006

Interesting ALSTOM facts and figures:

  • ALSTOM has accumulated more than 700 references in electric propulsion, with an impressive installed electric power capacity, now in excess of 5000 MW.
  • ALSTOM is the world leader and the most experienced electric system provider in the field of naval electric propulsion.
  • ALSTOM has supplied equipment and has been involved with almost all of the warships fitted with electric propulsion systems currently in service with the Royal Navy. ALSTOM has also supplied integrated electric power & propulsion systems, complete with automation systems to the Royal Australian Navy, the Canadian Navy, the French Navy, the United States Navy and many other Navies.
  • ALSTOM’s involvement in the US Navy Integrated Power System (IPS) and the UK Royal Navy Electric Ship Technology Demonstrator (ESTD) test facility to de-risk technologies and system architecture enables key “know-how”, advanced technologies and architectures to be available for naval platforms.

The key components and technologies of the electric propulsion system are based on sound and proven experience of many programmes. ALSTOM is in a unique position to offer validated, de-risked technologies and deliver true fully integrated systems to the world’s navies.

ALSTOM has more than 100 years manufacturing experience and is an industry leader in electrical engineering, systems integration and design / manufacture of a wide range of electrical machines, power electronic converter drives, drive systems, switchboards, controls and automation systems. The Power Conversion business of ALSTOM provides single source solutions in products and systems with a proven pedigree. Each product and system has built its own track record of proven, reliable operation in some of the world’s most difficult environments and includes:

  • Total power system design and integration
  • Multiple designs & topologies
    • Diesel generator sets
    • Generators
    • Motors
  • Converters AC, DC
  • Drive Systems
  • Power quality systems
    • Passive & active harmonic filtering
  • Switchboards, distribution
    • MV, LV, MCC - AC, DC
  • Automation products
    • Power management
    • Vessel management
    • Alarm & monitoring
    • Dynamic positioning
  • Automation Architecture
    • Simplex, duplex, triplex
  • Control & automation

Further information from Dr M Benatmane, Naval Business Manager, ALSTOM Power Conversion Ltd - E-mail: makhlouf.benatmane@powerconv.alstom.com;
Website: www.powerconv.alstom.com/home