Americas News
New Fuel-Saving System for U.S. Navy Ship
The U.S. Navy says it has installed new control systems on command ship USS Mount Whitney designed to reduce fuel use.
The systems improve automation on shipboard engineering components, reducing fuel consumption and demand for electricity.
"For example, upgrading the main engine lube oil pressure system from constant two speed pumps to variable speed drives allows the pumps to throttle at speeds between 10 and 100 percent," said Todd Woltjen, mechanical engineer with Auxiliary Machinery Automation Branch.
"This ability uses less electricity and maintains more stable pressure, which saves money."
The automation improvements also reduce crew workload.
"Military Sealift Command-operated ships like the Mount Whitney traditionally have lower manning levels, therefore being able to operate many systems from one central control unit is essential," said Matthew Douglass, Auxiliary Machinery Automation Branch head.
"The automation of the controls greatly improves the quality of life for the professional engineers aboard."
The ship, which was commissioned in 1971, according to its website, previously allowed too much air into is power systems, resulting in higher fuel consumption.
"With current automation we can accurately measure more processes such as combustible gases," said Woltjen.
General Electric [NYSE:GE]'s Power Conversion business says it has signed a contract for up to $14 million to retrofit the Mount Whitney with an electrical system including nine switchboards, two power supplies with batteries and a power management system.
"Through this project, the U.S. Navy will be able to extend the life of its USS Mount Whitney platform instead of building a new ship to replace it, saving money and increasing efficiency through the replacement of outdated equipment with GE's latest technology," said Mike Archibald, global services leader, GE's Power Conversion business.
