Marine Diesel Propulsion Plants for the U.S. Navy: Requirements for Geared Medium-Speed Engines

Economic considerations for reduced operational costs of U.S. Navy diesel ships and the experience of European operators with diesel propulsion can no longer be ignored. The operational characteristics of high-powered diesel engines, compared with those of the steam or gas turbines, as prime movers, is different with respect to the propulsion system balance of torque variations. Maintenance is also quite different when compared to that of turbine installations. From an engineering point of view it is essential to have well-defined criteria for achieving balanced main components and system design. The sudden turn of American operators—with predominant knowledge and confidence in steam or gas turbine propulsion design and operation—towards marine diesel plants could result in unacceptable operational scenarios of existing diesel ships and eventual abundance or long delay of diesel power plant applications in the United States. This paper provides a broader understanding and greater appreciation of the technical aspects governing the application, design and operation of a state-of-the-art diesel propulsion plant.