PD-33
Developments in Rolls-Royce Marine Gas Turbines to meet market changes
Michael L. Parker*
ABSTRACT
The marine market, both naval and commercial is currently undergoing a major change. The navies of the world are assessing their future warship requirements with a greater emphasis on through life cost. A growth in the cruise market coupled with considerations for the environment and passenger comfort are providing new market opportunities for gas turbines. The realisation of international shopping as a result of the Internet and E commerce requires a new form of ship freight which is fast and reliable.
The recent technological advancements in gas turbines provide cost effective propulsion solutions that have operational capability and reliability to satisfy all markets.
Key Words: WR-21, Marine Trent, Fastship, Gas Turbine, Endurance, Emissions, Trent, Naval, Commercial
1. INTRODUCTION
The following paper describes the recent changes in the naval and commercial marine markets. The effect of these changes have provided new opportunities in the field of marine gas turbines. Rolls-Royce have within its product portfolio two new gas turbine systems featuring state of the art technology that meet these merging market opportunities. The WR-21 advanced cycle gas turbine and the Marine Trent 50 MW gas turbine are described and benefits to the customer identified.
2. MARKET CHANGES
Over the past decade a number of changes have occurred that have altered the market requirements for both naval and commercial marine applications. These changes are described in the following sections.
2.1 Naval Market
The major navies worldwide are currently assessing and updating their fleets. Gone are the days when operational capability was the only consideration. Today's warship design must consider both operational and economic requirements. Warships have to be designed to be cheaper to procure and run without impacting on operational effectiveness. This objective impacts on all aspects of the ship including propulsion power and electrical generation.
The use of Combined Diesel Electric and Gas (CODLAG) Turbine systems using diesel engines for both cruise propulsion and electrical power generation have provided ship running cost savings. With this realisation additional studies have revealed additional savings through Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) using advanced cycle gas turbines.
The advanced cycle gas turbines provide high fuel efficiency at part loads as well as full load and offers the following additional benefits over large diesel and simple cycle engines.
1) Provides low at sea maintenance and supports a reduced manpower requirement
2) Provides high reliability and availability
3) Provides minimum through life costs
4) Provides a high power density
5) Reduces noise and infra red signatures
6) Provides reduced emission outputs
7) Provides improved warfare capability through the ability to drive the ship further, faster or stay on station longer for a given fuel load
Gas Turbines currently being developed for Naval use shall remain in service for the next 30-40 years. As a consequence the Navies wish to ensure that their products shall be supportable throughout this program. This assurity is achieved by the customers mandate that future Gas Turbine products derive from the latest aero engine technology. This ensures a sound aero production/manufacturing base, worldwide overhaul facilities and supporting infra structure. It also ensures that technological advances made within the aero engine parents can be adopted into the marine derivative providing potential performance, life, costand power growth improvements.
* Rolls-Royce Naval Marine
Ansty, Coventry, CV79JR, England
Fax +44-24-76623500
E-Mail: michael.parker@rolls-royce.com
