GOVERNING SHIP PROPULSION GAS TURBINE ENGINES

Ship propulsion gas turbines operate in an environment of constantly varying propeller load due to the seaway and turning maneuvers. The engine governing system should be designed to cope with this environment and prevent or minimize undesirable propulsion system cycling and control interactions. This paper presents the results of analytical studies, computer simulations and ships' trials in the investigation of the propeller loading mechanism, propulsion system cycling, and propulsion system response to speed and power governing in a seaway and in turning maneuvers. Performance, tradeoffs and design criteria for governing systems are discussed.