Compressed air is used for many applications on-board modern naval ships. A centralised high-pressure system offers costs advantages in hardware and especially in software costs, as the number of different compressors installed is reduced, resulting in less technical specification, less integration and less ILS work. The WP5000 and WP5500 compressors are in use in many navies throughout the world as an essential part of this centralised high-pressure system.
Pneumatic GT starting has the advantage of far fewer system requirements compared to hydraulic starting or starting by an auxiliary power unit (APU), as in most cases a high-pressure air system has to be installed on-board for other applications. In addition, the pneumatic power can easily be stored in high-pressure bottles and is instantly available.
If more than one GT is installed, pneumatic starting allows bleed air from a GT already running to start another GT. As a result of these advantages pneumatic starting remains the preferred starting method for today’s naval design.
A compressed air system consists of the compressors and accessories such as filters and dryers, air receivers, regulating and control valves and the air piping system. The air system is vitally important to ensure platform survival. All equipment for the compressed air system is installed to meet full naval shock and vibration-proof requirements and provide a degree of redundancy.
Alternatives for Compressed Air System On-Board Naval Vessels
The selection of an optimal system at the initial design phase allows the yard as well as the user to save considerable cost. Basically there are two options for a compressed air system for naval surface ships:
- Air system with dedicated low, medium and high pressure air compressors
- Centralised high-pressure air system
In a compressed air system with dedicated air compressors, each requirement for low, medium and high-pressure air is analysed independently of each other and subsequently different specifications are developed for these systems. Based on these specifications, the most technically acceptable and cost effective solution will be selected for each system and in some cases even from different suppliers.
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