Unmanned underwater vehicle propulsion system including an AC power distribution bus
AssigneeHamilton Sundstrand Corporation
InventorRichard A. Himmelmann
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A propulsion system for an unmanned underwater vehicle includes a turbine engine having a rotational output, an electrical generator mechanically connected to the rotational output and electrically connected to an Alternating Current (AC) power bus. A magnitude of an AC output of the electrical generator is independent of rotational speed of the rotational input. An electrical motor connected to the AC power bus, and includes a mechanical output.
Claims20
A propulsion system for an unmanned underwater vehicle comprising:
- a turbine engine including a rotational output;
- an electrical generator mechanically connected to the rotational output and electrically connected to an Alternating Current (AC) power bus, wherein a magnitude of an AC output of the electrical generator is independent of rotational speed of the rotational input;
- and
- an electrical motor connected to the AC power bus, and including a mechanical output.
An unmanned underwater vehicle comprising:
- at least one fuel storage tank;
- a propulsion system including:
- a turbine engine, the turbine engine including a combustor and a turbine, and the combustor being connected to the fuel storage tank;
- an alternating current (AC) generator connected to the turbine engine such that rotation of the turbine engine drives rotation of the AC generator;
- an AC bus connected directly to an electrical output of the AC generator;
- an induction motor including an AC input connected directly to the AC bus;
- and
- a propulsor mechanically connected to a rotational output of the induction motor.
A method for operating an unmanned underwater vehicle propulsion system comprising:
- operating a turbine at rotational speed corresponding to a peak turbine efficiency;
- generating AC electrical energy by translating rotation of the turbine to rotation of a voltage controlled generator;
- providing the AC electrical energy directly to a motor via an AC bus;
- and
- driving a propulsor using the motor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.