U.S. Navy launches plans for electric armada

The U.S. Navy is funding scientists at Florida State University to research and develop an electric-powered ship

By Environmental News Network staff

The deafening noise and polluting emissions of diesel-powered U.S. Navy ships will one day be replaced by the efficient hum and low emissions of compact, electric-drive technology, thanks to an alliance of the military and the scientific community.

The Office of Naval Research said today it will give Florida State University $10.9 million over three years to research and develop a new generation of ships built with electric drive and integrated power systems.

Representatives of ONR, FSU and the shipbuilding, aviation and public utilities industries are participating today in a special workshop in Tallahassee that marks the start of the R&D campaign.

Officials say the new class of ship, known as the 21st Century Land Attack Destroyer or DD-21, will be deployed in 2011.

The Navy is considering liquid fuel-powered turbines to power an integrated, electric-drive system to propel the DD-21.

The integrated power system will also provide electricity for lighting and heating. Engineers believe the system will save fuel and reduce maintenance.

The technology will effectively eliminate the large gearboxes, long drive shafts, massive boilers, big compressors and giant fuel tanks commonly used in today's diesel- and steam-powered Navy ships.

The retooling will increase hull space and reduce weight, making the ships faster and more efficient.

"Just converting a ship from a general mechanical system to an electrical system will save space and weight," said Jim Ferner, program director at the Center for Advanced Power Systems, a research department at FSU created with Navy funds.

Electrical systems operate with fewer moving parts, supplying a quieter ride.

The electric ships will emit nearly no nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides, said Terry Ericsen, program officer in the ONR's ship hull, mechanical, and electrical systems division. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency monitors nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides as pollutants.

"The Navy also has a long-term interest in fuel cells," said Ferner.

The fuel cells under consideration would not use hydrogen, a hazard to carry in large quantities. Instead, processed fuels that will not harm fuel cells will be used.

The scientists in the electric ship project believe the technology developed for the Navy will have applications in aerospace, commerce and electric utilities.

"Power system problems that you see in a ship are similar to ones you see with electric utilities," said Ferner.

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Office of Naval Research
Florida State University
21st Century Land Attack Destroyer
Program Exceutive Office for Surface Strike
Fuel Cells 2000

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