At the Euronaval trade fair in Paris, the Power Systems division of Rolls-Royce is presenting a new mtu on-board power generator with significantly higher output for submarines. This on-board charging unit, powered by a 20-cylinder mtu Series 4000 engine specially adapted for submarines, is designed to meet the demands of modern submarines for more electrical power and faster battery charging.
The latest and future generations of submarines require more electrical power due to their increasingly extensive electronic equipment and advanced battery storage systems that allow faster charging. Additionally, a space-saving design is crucial. Rolls-Royce addresses these needs with a more powerful mtu on-board power generator, driven by the future 20-cylinder version of the mtu Series 4000 submarine engine.
This version, with eight more cylinders than the traditional twelve-cylinder engine, offers higher power output, enabling faster battery charging and minimizing surface time for the submarine. The compact genset design saves space by allowing two 20-cylinder generators to replace the tasks of three smaller gensets. Modifications in charge air and combustion systems make the submarine variant difficult to locate, proving its suitability for modern submarine integration.
Additionally, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is extending its offerings with the mtu NautIQ Master automation system. This sophisticated, integrated control and monitoring system for sub-surface platforms controls both the propulsion system and power supply, monitors unit conditions, and can be expanded with modules for damage control, on-board training, alarms and monitoring, navigation, and communication. All integrated systems can be controlled via a standardized user interface.
The mtu NautIQ Master system has already proven itself in naval surface vessels, and Rolls-Royce is now applying this experience to underwater applications, moving up from component supplier to solution provider in the submarine market.