Diesel-electric synchronous motor ship drives — Propulsion control problems

Although the many obvious advantages of ship propulsion drives with synchronous motors and generators, and with power supplied by Diesel engines, have been realized for some time, no actual installations were made in this country until a few years ago when a trial installation was completed on a 12,000 horsepower twin-screw vessel. Experience gained from operation of this vessel has established that this type of drive in many respects is superior to other drives, and indications are that it may find extensive use on future vessels. The paper discusses control problems associated with the drive and describes methods of control and types of control equipment which have been found best suited for the drive.