High Power Density Electric Machines
Chair: Michael Mazzola, UNC Charlotte
The marine industry is beginning to electrify and needs new classes of High Power Density (HPD) generators and motors in the 5-50 MW power range. These HPD machines are 30-50% smaller and lighter than both conventional and permanent magnet machines in this power range. The power density is increased via the adoption of proven technologies from large utility generators in combination with new, proprietary product designs and thermal management systems. These products are targeted for applications in which weight and volume are the key drivers, such as electric ships, off-shore O&G, wind turbines and mobile power.
One option is to further develop High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) technologies; which has successfully been implemented in products ranging from motors and generators to transformers and transmission lines. The current focus for HTS is on large utility generators, but all designs and technologies are directly applicable to the lower power HPD products also.
A three-member team drawn from industry, academia, and government will explore the opportunities and challenges ahead for further developing and maturing the needed HPD products for both commercial and defense maritime applications.
Panel members include:
- Bob Warren, Siemens Energy
- Dr. Scott Sudhoff, Purdue University
- Dr. John Amy, U.S. Navy
Engineering Challenges of Autonomous Vessels
Chair: Raja Suresh, General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems
Autonomous and unmanned vessels are at the forefront of new technologies that have the potential to revolutionize marine transportation and operations in both the commercial and military sectors. Advances in many areas such as artificial intelligence, controls, power electronics, batteries, and sensing are enabling this revolution. The operational use of these vessels raises a plethora of new questions, requiring research and development to respond: What power and energy technologies will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of these vessels? What changes in design can be realized if personnel are never onboard underway? What improvements in robustness and resilience are necessary for the vessel to operate for extended periods without human intervention? Join our panel of experts as we discuss the latest advances in autonomous vessels and the need for new solutions to new problems.
Panel members include:
- Dr. Raja Suresh, Director, R&D at General Dynamics Mission Systems
- Dr. Andrew Nuss, Program Manager in the Defense, Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Tactical Technologies Office (TTO)
- Dr. Joseph Fontaine, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane
- Alex Lorman, Director of Maritime Engineering at ThayerMahan
- Dr. Jason Strickland, Technical Director, Unmanned Surface Warfare, Naval Sea Systems Command