Superconducting electric propulsion systems for advanced ship concepts

Application studies of superconducting electrical propulsion systems to advanced marine vehicle concepts indicate the realizability of advantages in design flexibility and weight-volume reduction. In several marine vehicle concepts, including advanced displacement vehicles and hydrodynamic and aerostatic lift-augmented configurations, systems integration has been conducted regarding vehicle concept, propulsion requirements and the constraints of concept geometry. Results indicate that the superconducting electrical propulsion system may prove to be among the only feasible and competitive methods of energy conversion compatible with the demands of the marine environment. Principal system elements are discussed in the light of developmental progress of superconducting electrical propulsion systems.