Power converter cuts submarine downtime

Vanguard nuclear vessels will be fitted with an electrical power conversion system

Britain’s fleet of Vanguard nuclear submarines is to be fitted with an electrical power conversion system that should result in reduced maintenance.

Main static converters (MSCs) are being fitted as an alternative to traditional motor generators for electrical power conversion. The MSCs provide fixed, solid-state power electronics architecture that avoids the need for rotating machinery. This delivers advantages over motor generators, which suffer wear and performance degradation during operation – often leading to reduced submarine availability.  

The MSC suites being installed on Vanguard are a derivative of a system originally designed for the Astute-class submarines. Among the design and installation challenges has been the need for the Vanguard-class MSC to meet the higher power demands of ballistic nuclear submarines, while being smaller than the Astute class version so it fits within the available compartment space.

As part of the development programme, which is being overseen by Babcock, electrical, constructive and mechanical integration requirements have been identified and addressed. Babcock assessed the auxiliary machinery spaces on the Vanguard fleet using laser scanning. Size and space have been key issues, both for positioning and installation within the compartment and for shipping routes into the submarine. Other considerations have included electrical integration, integration into the control systems, determining the best method to shock-mount the new suites, and minimising changes to the cooling water system.

Installation of the MSCs on HMS Vengeance has begun, with the cutting through of the main structure of the MG bedplates this month, and will be complete by autumn.

Mike Homer, Babcock Submarines’ managing director, said the work would improve submarine availability to perform the at-sea deterrence role.

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