Integrating MT30 Into the UK’s Future Aircraft Carrier: Power at the Heart of the Electric Propulsion System

Abstract

At 65,000 tonnes Britain’s new carrier (CVF) represents a step change in British force projection capability, able to embark more than 30 aircraft of various types to undertake a range of roles. For such a ship there must be a power generation system that is able to provide large amounts of power for propulsion and ship’s services, rapidly, reliably and economically. An Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system has been selected as the most suitable for this task. At the heart of this system are two Rolls-Royce MT30 Gas Turbine Alternators (GTAs), each capable of producing 35MW of electrical power to propel the ship at the high speeds necessary to launch advanced fighter aircraft. A variety of challenges are currently being faced to integrate these large, modern GTAs into a power and propulsion system that also features diesel generators, power electronic converters and Advanced Induction Motors (AIMs). Solutions to these issues are currently being developed by the Alliance responsible for procuring the ship, working closely with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the engine manufacturer to provide a robust and responsive power source that is fully integrated with the power system. This paper begins with an overview of CVF’s integrated full electric power and propulsion system and the performance requirements placed on the prime movers. It will include a discussion of the reasons for and the advantages of the power generation system design. There follows a brief description of the MT30 gas turbine and the characteristics that make it suitable for use in CVF. The main body of the text focuses on the issues relating to, and challenges faced in integrating MT30 into such a large and complex power system and a ship of this nature. Also examined are the solutions being developed to ensure the GTA is at the heart of the IFEP system, and the paper will conclude by looking at the validation of the power generation system.