Modular IPS machinery arrangement in early-stage naval ship design

Electrical power demands for naval surface combatants are projected to rise with the development of increasingly complex and power intensive combat systems. This trend coincides with the need to achieve maximum fuel efficiency at both high and low hull speeds. A proposed solution to meet current and future energy needs of conventionally powered naval surface combatants is through the use of an Integrated Power System (IPS), which is seen as the next evolution in naval ship design. In an effort to enhance the relationship between new-concept designs and historically-based ship design processes, this paper focuses on a novel approach of incorporating IPS at the earliest stage of the design process as part of assessing system-level tradeoffs early within the ship design process. This paper describes a methodology for the systematic design and arrangement of an IPS machinery plant to meet a desired power generation level. In conjunction with the methodology development, a hierarchical process and design tool were produced to assist in rapid development and evaluation of various IPS arrangements. The result of this process, through several case studies, provides insight into equipment selection philosophy, the initial sizing of the ship´s machinery box, and the initial definition of electrical zones.