Converteam ships first 36 MW generator for new British aircraft carrier

Power conversion specialist Converteam has shipped the first of two massive 75 tonne, 36 Megawatt generators designed specifically to match the electrical power requirement of the propulsion motors for the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) aircraft carriers.

Queen Elizabeth is expected to enter service in 2016. The vessel will displace about 65,000 tonnes, be 284 metres (932 ft) long and capable of carrying up to 40 aircraft and will become the Royal Navy’s largest ever warship.

The generators are major components of the electrical system for the two new carriers for which Converteam has designed the innovative Integrated Full Electric Power (IFEP) and propulsion system. The two 36 MW generators, manufactured in Rugby, England, will supply the four 20 MW Converteam Advanced Induction Motors. The generators will be coupled with Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines before final installation in the ship.

Converteam UK is a founder member of the Power and Propulsion Sub Alliance for the two carriers, along with Rolls-Royce, Thales UK and L3 Communications. This partnership has brought together eading companies in their specific fields in order to provide a cost effective mechanism for delivery of an integrated power and propulsion system for Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales. In addition to the supply of propulsion motors and associated generators, Converteam’s work scope includes four additional electrical power generators, the high voltage switchboards, the variable speed drives and harmonic filters plus the Electrical Power Control and Management System (EPCAMS).

Mark Dannatt, Director Naval at Converteam commented: “The relationship with our sub alliance partners(2) has proven invaluable in ensuring the successful integration of these complex machines into complete systems. With the ability to communicate easily between our partner companies’ engineering departments and ourselves, we are confident in continuing to meet the program requirements for integration and assembly of our power, propulsion and control systems throughout the life of the project.”

This contract confirms Converteam’s expertise in electrical design and machine manufacturing. In addition to the supply of propulsion motors and associated generators, the scope includes four additional electrical power generators, the high voltage switchboards, the variable speed drives and harmonic filters plus the Electrical Power Control and Management System (EPCAMS).

May 31, 2011