Other engineers are focused on testing lighter and more efficient power systems to conserve precious space on the next generation of all-electric vessels.
Twentieth-century ships employed massive engines that used mechanical power to turn the propeller shafts. The new ships will rely on turbine generators to power advanced electrical motors. The all-electric systems are more efficient and easier to maintain.
Each ship will become a floating power plant with its own grid, producing up to 100 megawatts of electricity that will supply everything from the radar to communications. Such systems will require advanced software to manage loads, as well as to survive attacks.
The Navy's research into how to develop power systems that can recover from an attack also has civilian applications, said Zimmerman. The contractors who are helping the Navy build systems to survive a direct hit also are thinking about ways to deploy the techniques in cities, to protect them from terrorists.
"Most of our vendors also have their eye on the commercial power market," he said. Those are the types of businesses that could be encouraged to set roots in the Navy Yard.
Contact staff writer Andrew Maykuth at 215-854-2947 or amaykuth@phillynews.com.
