Superconducting technology for electric propulsion

Abstract

The thesis analyzes the superconducting technology for a shipboard electric propulsion system. Superconductor operational operational limits, and magnet design requirements were established. The magnetic field requirements for a large scale superconducting propulsion plant were analyzed from experimental information on copper and aluminum-stabilized NbTi superconductors. Experimental results were followed with a feasibility study in the conversion of a DD963 Spruance Class Destroyer from mechanical to superconducting electric drive. The results of the conversion are an increase in survivability, speed, usable deck area (4,954 ft(2), maintainability, propeller efficiency and endurance range (+71%) along with a decrease in displacement (-2.83%) and self radiated noise without compromising existing mission capabilities. The estimated cost of the conversion is $1 18.8 million dollars. Theses. (FR)