Next-Generation Power and Energy: Maybe Not So Next Generation†

Through many a technical society paper and/or presentation, such as this, future high-power mission loads such as Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, Electromagnetic Rail Gun, and Free Electron Laser that will provide capabilities far greater than can be achieved by existing platforms, have been presented. With these high-power and energy mission loads comes the need for next-generation integrated power systems possessing higher voltage distribution systems (AC or DC), compact/power-dense conversion modules, high-speed power-dense power generation modules, energy storage modules, and appropriate supervisory and machinery controls to provide and partition the available power and energy to the right load, with the right power and at the right time. This remains the vision for the “Navy after Next” all-electric warship (AEW). However, “Navy Now” and “Next Navy” platforms have challenges and needs that ongoing investments and advanced developments in power and energy technologies can help to meet. Such challenges include reduced dependency on foreign-supplied fossil fuel, increasing demand for installed ship power, controlling ship procurement and life-cycle costs. This paper will present planned and ongoing efforts that can be aligned to meet these nearer term ship challenges, and at the same time, with an eye on the future power and energy requirements when they materialize, be refocused to enable and support the high-power and energy demands of the AEW.