Automated propulsion and generation flexibility for strategic naval warfare advantages

This paper describes various propulsion system options for Hybrid and Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) arrangements. It describes ongoing electrical power density and recharge frequency challenges which navies and their engineers face with the development of future weapon systems (DEWs; lasers, rail guns) and aircraft launch systems (EMALS; electromagnetic catapults). It also explains advantages which vast national and localised (island mode) electrical grids have found by multi-tasking flywheel motor / generators by adding a simple automatic clutch mechanism. The paper draws comparisons between naval and terrestrial power generation systems, concluding how such commonality could lead to improved on-board energy distribution and therefore also weapon performance.