UK: Converteam Delivers First Aircraft Carrier Motor for HMS Queen Elizabeth

Power conversion specialist Converteam has completed delivery of the first of the propulsion motors for the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) aircraft carriers as a part of the company’s contract to design and supply major components of the electric propulsion systems for the two new ships. At 65,000 tons each the two aircraft carriers will be the largest ships ever built for the Royal Navy and they will be propelled by a Converteam designed Integrated Full Electric Power (IFEP) system. Each ship is designed with two shaft lines, each driven by two of Converteam’s Advanced Induction Motors (AIMs). The first AIM, weighing approximately 110 tons, recently left Converteam’s Rugby factory on a 72 wheel trailer for a three day journey to BAE Systems’ Govan shipyard where it was craned into position in one of the construction blocks of Queen Elizabeth almost immediately. Converteam’s electrical propulsion expertise is also being brought to bear via further critical elements of the IFEP system including the six generators, four high voltage (11kV) switchboards, twelve VDM25000 variable speed drives, the harmonic filters and the Electrical Power Control and Management System (EPCAMS). Mark Dannatt, Director Naval at Converteam , commented. “To date we have delivered all equipment to meet the program dates; a real credit to everyone involved. The remaining three propulsion motors for Queen Elizabeth are complete and ready to go and I am also pleased to announce that work is now starting on the construction of the four motors for the second ship; the Prince of Wales.” Converteam UK is a founder member of the Power and Propulsion Sub Alliance along with Rolls Royce, Thales UK and L3 Communications. This partnership has brought together these leading companies in their specific fields in order to provide the most cost effective mechanism for delivery of an integrated power and propulsion system for Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales. [mappress] Source: converteam,April 4, 2011;