DRS Technologies [DRS] has successfully completed full-power testing, as required by the Navy, of its power-dense Permanent Magnet Motor (PMM) and drive at the Navy’s Integrated Power System (IPS) Land-Based Test Site (LBTS) in Philadelphia, Pa., the company said this week.
Engineering, design and development of the motor and drive were contracted to DRS as part of the DD(X) destroyer, now the DDG-1000 Zumwalt-class Multi-Mission Surface Combatant, Engineering Development Model (EDM) program, for inclusion into the IPS testing program, DRS said.
DRS’ PMM provides 36.5 megawatts (approximately 50,000 horsepower) and over two million foot-pounds of torque in a dual-ring design. During testing, the motor ran at full power on a single ring at 18.25 megawatts, the maximum load available at the Land-Based Test Site. This test validated the thermal and electrical operation of the motor and drive, according to DRS.
“This milestone achievement validates that the company’s Permanent Magnet Motor technology is a viable alternative for naval ship propulsion applications,” the company said. “DRS’ Permanent Magnet Motor technology offers several benefits and advantages to the Navy over conventional ship propulsion systems, including high power density resulting in lower weight and volume than traditional motors, increased operating efficiency resulting in fuel savings, increased power and improved performance.”
DRS has now embarked on an enhanced design of the motor, which incorporates lessons learned from the EDM testing. The company’s evolutionary motor design will provide additional benefits to the Navy, including lower weight, decreased volume and greater performance, the company added.
“The validation of Permanent Magnet Motor technology is a significant milestone for the Navy and DRS,” Roger Sexauer, president of DRS’ Power Systems business, said. “The completion of this test and our improved PMM motor design now provide the Navy with the confidence that the substantial weight, volume, cost and performance advantages of PMM technology can be realized in future ship designs.”
PMM technology is a key component of next-generation all-electric drive ship systems. All-electric ships with integrated power systems allow an electric generation plant to supply sufficient power for all the ship’s electrical requirements, including advanced weapons launch, combat and sonar systems, ship’s maneuver and propulsion, among other power needs, DRS said.
DRS’ PMM technology is applicable for all military electric drive propulsion systems and platforms, including DDG-1000, CG(X), submarines, mobile landing platforms and commercial marine applications, DRS added.