Electric & Hybrid Electric Ship Propulsion Systems

Leonardo DRS motor and drive systems provide advantages in flexibility, modularity, and commonality – supporting requirements for growing power efficiency demands and lower emissions on future navy ships.

Efficient, Power-Dense, Flexible Solutions for Advanced Naval Ship Propulsion

We provide solutions for integrated electric drive (IED) and hybrid electric drive (HED) ship propulsion systems. HED arrangements can be gear-mounted or shaft-mounted depending on the ship’s architecture.

Efficient Naval Power

Our marine electric propulsion systems are constructed with permanent magnet (PM) technology that is extremely efficient and delivers remarkable power density, impressive durability, and easier maintainability when compared to induction or wound rotor synchronous machines. Any propulsion system that leverages electric drive will lower emissions. However, PM technology is uniquely suited to provide the maximum range of electric drive benefits for ship propulsion and power for ship systems.

Reducing Risks

During replenishment at sea, the time spent alongside the re-fueling ship puts both ships at greater risk. HED propulsion systems reduce refueling requirements providing more time on station and less time at risk.

Benefits of Our E-Drive Technology

Improving Efficiency & Emissions

  • Prime movers operate at most efficient, constant speed
  • Controllable pitch propellers may also be eliminated
  • Power generation equipment can be switched on and off as needed

Advancing Survivability & Flexibility Architecture

  • Flexibility in locating the prime movers across the platform (IED)
  • Additional redundancy on the drive shaft (HED)
  • Ability to send the power where needed (IED)
  • No need to align prime movers with the shafting (IED)

Reducing Noise & Vibration

  • For all-electric configurations noise and vibration are improved by elimination of the main reduction gear
  • Shaft-mounted hybrid electric drive makes it possible to decouple the reduction gear
  • Both configurations benefit from prime movers running at a constant speed

Lowering Maintenance Costs

  • Reduction of the total number of prime movers to maintain
  • Possible elimination of controllable pitch propellers and their support systems
  • Less wear and tear on prime movers as they are operated under less stressful conditions

Machine Configuration Examples

Integrated Electric Drive (IED) and Hybrid Electric Drive (HED) Motors

Hybrid Electric Drive Gear or Shaft-Mounted Arrangements

Request Information

Looking for more information on Electric and Hybrid Electric Ship Propulsion Systems? We would like to hear from you.

Contact

Clive Wilgress-Pipe

Director, Business Development Naval Power Systems

+1 978 353 5500