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Thread: Diesel Sub Propulsion Question

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    Diesel Sub Propulsion Question

    I understand that the motors on diesel sub are AC induction and the generator produces Dc current and the sub needs inverters to convert it from DC to AC power to drive the motor. AC to DC conversion is pretty quiet and all you hear is a buzz noise( think tube lights). And a DC to AC converter is much noisier (things you plug into the cigarrete lighter in your car so you can play videogame s, plug in your radio,hairdryer, etc).

    I want to know if a large DC to AC inverter shielded with the amount of sound insulating foam an SSK would use noise level will approach that of a turbine's with the amount of sound insulating foam around it an SSN will use ?

    Any ideas?

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    Finger-breaking territory methinks!
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    While converting AC to DC requires rectifiers which are silent, DC to AC conversions would require a transformer. Which produce a high frequency noise. Shielding the transformer should be good enough. I think high frequency noise emanated in the transformer in a submarine should not travel long distances. OTOH turbines though operating at high speeds will produce low freq noise which will travel much farther distances and much harder to attenuate.

    So IMO the DC to AC conversion via a transformer, producing HF noise should be more silent than a turbine ship. I'm just using basic principles here sir, i could be wrong though if i missed out something.

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    Quote Originally Posted by subba View Post
    ...DC to AC conversions would require a transformer.
    Transformers are for stepping AC voltage up or down or inducing energy from one circuit to another. Converting DC to AC requires an inverter.
    Last edited by highsea; 09 Feb 07, at 18:28.
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    Quote Originally Posted by subba View Post
    While converting AC to DC requires rectifiers which are silent, DC to AC conversions would require a transformer. Which produce a high frequency noise. Shielding the transformer should be good enough. I think high frequency noise emanated in the transformer in a submarine should not travel long distances. OTOH turbines though operating at high speeds will produce low freq noise which will travel much farther distances and much harder to attenuate.

    So IMO the DC to AC conversion via a transformer, producing HF noise should be more silent than a turbine ship. I'm just using basic principles here sir, i could be wrong though if i missed out something.
    Well the SSN has more space=more foam, and will obviously have a different type of foam for the turbine not to mention other quieting techniques.

    One advanatge SSN's have is their pumpjet propulsors which are much quieter than any conventional propellors so in propulsion noise the SSN has the advanatge.
    However quieting isn't everything for a sub you still need other things which an SSN clealry has the advanatge in.

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    Only some SSNs have pump-jet propulsors, and that isn't limited to SSNs - it's a straight replacement for a prop.
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    False "pdf" (and I don't like you signature, very immature).
    Pump-jet needs a lot of energy, that makes it irrelevant for diesel-electrics.

    Boycott british food should I say? Poah!

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    Transformers are for stepping AC voltage up or down or inducing energy from one circuit to another. Converting DC to AC requires an inverter.
    Highsea sir, you are correct. But wrt the noise component, i mentioned the transformer as it will be a part of the inverter. Rest of the components of the inverter will produce maybe heat but not noise. Thats why i mentioned the transformer only.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Francois View Post
    False "pdf" (and I don't like you signature, very immature).
    So grow a sense of humour then and stop taking yourself so seriously. FFS!

    Quote Originally Posted by Francois View Post
    Pump-jet needs a lot of energy, that makes it irrelevant for diesel-electrics.
    Unclear - plenty of references saying so, but in theory efficiency should be higher as there is reduced swirl in the water leaving the prop.
    And there are some conventional designs using it - for example the BMT Marine SSGT design - linky: New High Mobility Submarine
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    Your no-respect and arrogance has killed what could have been a debate.
    Bye.

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    Quote Originally Posted by pdf27 View Post
    Only some SSNs have pump-jet propulsors, and that isn't limited to SSNs - it's a straight replacement for a prop.
    All of the US's top SSN's have it (Seawolf and Virginia)
    and Pumpjet propulsors are very heavy, no SSK has one.

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    Quote Originally Posted by urmomma158 View Post
    All of the US's top SSN's have it (Seawolf and Virginia)
    and Pumpjet propulsors are very heavy, no SSK has one.
    Read pdf's link.
    I enjoy being wrong too much to change my mind.

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    Quote Originally Posted by ArmchairGeneral View Post
    Read pdf's link.
    It isn't something that has actually been built yet and the power source is gas turbines rather than diesels, but BMT marine are really very good at what they do and wouldn't release a drawing like that if it wasn't possible. The UK CVF carrier design is pretty much all their work.

    I suspect what is going on will be that pump jet units are more expensive and suffer greater fouling problems, but give major signature reduction at higher speeds. At low speeds, they probably won't make much or any difference.
    SSNs and the SSGT I linked to are designed to transit at high speed, while SSKs very rarely go fast. Hence the lack of diesel-electric subs using them.
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    Makes sense.
    I enjoy being wrong too much to change my mind.

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    why would the current need ac-dc-ac conversion? why not use ac generators and ac motors for propulsion?

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