Whitelegg, I;
(2016)
On the integration of electromagnetic railguns with warship electric power systems.
Doctoral thesis (PhD), UCL (University College London).
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Abstract
Electromagnetic railguns have reached levels of maturity whereby they are now being considered for installation on warships. A critical review of previous research in this field has highlighted the potential adverse impact that electromagnetic railguns may have on the supply quality of electric power systems. Currently, there is limited collective knowledge of this impact particularly when configured in a topology representative of a candidate warship. This research explores the impact of electromagnetic railguns on a candidate warship electric power system. This research employs a validated gas turbine alternator model of the Rolls-Royce MT30 capable of assessing performance when powering an electromagnetic railgun. A novel control circuit to interface the electromagnetic railgun with the gas turbine alternator and control the rate of fire was developed. A mathematical analysis of the system was then undertaken to understand the challenges in greater detail. A system model was then developed to explore the transient and harmonic impact of electromagnetic railgun firing on the warship electric power system using time-domain simulations. The key finding of this research is that the current practice of warship electric power system design is not robust enough to withstand electromagnetic railgun operations and that under-voltage, under-frequency, over-frequency and excessive waveform distortion result due to the high power demand of the electromagnetic railgun. To mitigate these consequences it is recommended that firing constraints be placed on the electromagnetic railgun and the maximum waveform distortion at the high voltage bus be limited to 8% total harmonic distortion. Failure to adhere to the recommended limits may result in the mal-operation, reduced efficiency and reduced life expectancy of the electric power system.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Qualification: | PhD |
| Title: | On the integration of electromagnetic railguns with warship electric power systems |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| Language: | English |
| Keywords: | Railgun, Warship, Electric power systems |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1489650 |
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