An Electric Start System for an advanced ship propulsion gas turbine engine is offered as a drop-in replacement of the existing air turbine starter. The ESS technology will produce the required starting torque for the turbine engine, while operating at lower nominal speeds. This will significantly improve the start system reliability. The ESS will provide low-cost starting with less scheduled maintenance, thus reducing the life cycle costs of the main engine. The ESS can provide all operating modes supported by the air starter, and additional modes that will further dilute the cost. Combat readiness will be improved by using more available electrical energy sources for starting power. Valuable shiboard space will be gained by removal of air ducting, pumps, and tanks associated with the air starter. This project will fabricate and an ESS brassboard and a pre-production prototype model, based on the Phase I detailed design of the Electric Start Motor and Electronic Start Controller. These prototypes will demonstrate and test the ESS concept and unique features, and prepare its full scale Phase III qualification testing and development. The electric machine technology is proven, and has become cost competitive due to advances in power semiconductor technology, used in controlling the electric machine. The flexibility associated with the electronic control will provide customized start profiles to further enhance engine start performance.
Keywords: Electronic Start System Permanent Magnet Motor Power Electronics Turbine Engine Start Inverter Motor
