Propulsion powered electric guns-a comparison of power system architectures

Alternative power system architectures and interface technologies for driving high-energy pulsed loads from the propulsion equipment of naval surface combatants are compared. Gas turbine mechanical and gas turbine integrated electric drive propulsion trains are considered as prime power sources. Focus is on the energy path between the ship´s prime power and the pulsed load, comparing system candidates on a size, weight, and component cost basis. A capacitor-based pulse forming network (PFN) supplying an electrothermal chemical gun is utilized as the common load for all configurations. Results indicate that dedicated auxiliary generators driven from propulsion gas turbine engines are the preferred method of powering electric gun PFNs from ship drive-train equipment. Auxiliary generator-based systems are compact and lightweight over a wide power range, are equally attractive with both electric and mechanical drive trains, and demonstrate retrofit potential to the current fleet