Subscribe to one of our news e-mail lists. Officials say the new class of ship, known as the 21st Century Land Attack Destroyer or DD-21, will be deployed in 2011. The integrated power system will also provide electricity for lighting and heating. Engineers believe the system will save fuel and reduce maintenance. The retooling will increase hull space and reduce weight, making the ships faster and more efficient.
Electrical systems operate with fewer moving parts, supplying a quieter ride.
The electric ships will emit nearly no nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides, said Terry Ericsen, program officer in the ONR's ship hull, mechanical, and electrical systems division. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency monitors nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides as pollutants. The fuel cells under consideration would not use hydrogen, a hazard to carry in large quantities. Instead, processed fuels that will not harm fuel cells will be used. The scientists in the electric ship project believe the technology developed for the Navy will have applications in aerospace, commerce and electric utilities.