Integrated main reduction gears for hybrid drive surface ship applications

Hybrid electric drive installations are being considered for back-fit into existing Navy surface combatants, such as the DDG 51 class. Current plans call for adapting an electric rotating machine (ERM) to the existing main reduction gear (MRG). This approach limits the hybrid electric drive capability to limits imposed by MRG design and physical space constraints. This paper reports on an architecture study completed by Northrop Grumman Electronics Systems - Marine Systems exploring new MRG configurations which integrate the hybrid electric machine with the MRG. This approach ensures the system design is appropriate for the application and optimizes the size and weight of the system.