OCT15-03: NAVSEA Initiative Supports Fleet, Saves Millions
From Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Corporate Communications
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Initial testing of Naval Sea Systems Command's (NAVSEA) Combustion Trim Loop initiative concluded Oct. 9 aboard USS Peleliu (LHA 5) in San Diego.
The initiative improves boiler efficiencies used to propel the ship by automatically controlling trim air. The successful testing is part of NAVSEA's Fleet Readiness Research & Development Program (FRR&DP) and is expected to realize more than $3.6 million in annual cost avoidance.
"The Combustion Trim Loop will replace obsolete boiler control system components on general purpose assault ships LHAs and LHDs with new components that allow system operators to adjust boiler inputs for maximum efficiency," said NAVSEA FRR&DP Program Manager Petter Kristiansen.
The ship will undergo follow-on testing and an evaluation period that will continue through the third quarter of fiscal year 2010. Fuel savings validation data will be compiled from the evaluation period and presented to sponsors for possible fleet implementation shortly thereafter.
The savings translate into a projected fuel avoidance of 3,066 barrels of fuel per year/ship.
"The average consumer's budget today is being challenged by the price of fuel," said Kristiansen. "Those increases are being felt by the Navy, as well, and this program examines what technologies are available today to help reduce fuel consumption on ships, provide a long-term reduction in fuel costs and still meet mission requirements."
Established in October 2007, FRR&DP operates under NAVSEA's Washington, D.C.-based Fleet Readiness Engineering Office and focuses on reducing shipboard energy consumption by identifying and evaluating fuel-saving technologies for fleet implementation.