Comparative Performance of High Efficiency Ship Propulsion Systems for Destroyer Hull Types. Volume I

Abstract : A comparative study of fuel consumption for destroyer type propulsion systems is made. Gas turbines have been assumed as prime movers and twin screw propellers used in all variations. It is concluded that substantial fuel savings and improvements in range can be attained by providing power transfer between shafts via electrical alternators, by adding small (5,000 hp) cruise turbines to supplement the main propulsion turbine or by utilizing a superconductive electrical propulsion system. The use of cruise turbines and alternators shows promise for application to propulsion systems in the near future while superconductive propulsion shows the greatest promise for future systems where the ship is designed around the propulsion system.