|
Friday, August 23, 2013
Chinese shipbuilder develops electric propulsion technology
China Shipbuilding Industry Corp announced it has developed integrated propulsion technology with an eye toward modernizing the country’s shipping fleets.
China Shipbuilding’s Wuhan Institute of Marine Electric Propulsion completed its integrated electric propulsion system in July, according to the company, which said the new technology would alleviate China’s dependence on imported parts for ship manufacturing.
Most ships in China use mechanical transmissions in which movement is initiated by a motor or engine spinning a propeller. Some Western countries have adopted integrated electric propulsion, in which gas turbines or diesel generators produce electricity that powers electric motors.
"Chinese ships usually use steam engines, multiple-stroke diesel engines or gas turbine engines," said Wang Dan, deputy editor-in-chief of Modern Ships magazine. "Chinese navy ships that need to reach fast speeds would have ‘combined diesel or gas' propulsion systems."
The adoption of integrated electric propulsion may resolve engine problems that have long plagued China and its navy. A lack of domestic companies that can make gas turbine engines to support long distance voyages has been an issue of concern.
Wang said integrated electric propulsion can save more space, is easier to control, can help reduce a ship's weight and noise, and allows vessels to sail at faster speeds for longer spans of time.
For more of the People Daily story: english.peopledaily.com.cn
More Techwire stories
New mobile scanner checks transshipment containers for radiation material
World’s heaviest freight train manufactured in China
Navy sponsors first Maritime RobotX student robotics competition
First four lock gates arrive at Panama Canal (video)
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to retire
|
Click to browse past stories on these topics:
Logistics
Ports & Infrastructure
Economic Outlook
Environmental Impact
Technology |
