Lessons Learnt for Complex Power & Propulsion Systems Integration

This paper critically examines the challenges, and exposes the lessons learnt, resulting from the integration of a propulsion system, an integrated platform management system, and a power generation plant for a modern stealthy corvette. The propulsion system consisted of a four-diesel engine plant, exhaust gas system, combining gearboxes and two controllable pitch propellers. The machinery met very demanding requirements for quality, acoustic noise and military shock standards. The paper describes how the system integration activities went about matching all propulsion, automation and power generation components to perform as one unit. This was not without challenges and the paper openly discusses some of the problems and lessons learnt in how to do this efficiently and effectively.