Siemens unveils new FLEX PM modular submarine propulsion motors

Siemens premiered its new generation of modular scalable permanent magnet submarine propulsion motors at the Underwater Defence Technology (UDT) 2019 exhibition in Stockholm.

To provide solutions across a wider range of applications, Siemens is evolving its Permasyn permanent magnet compact submarine propulsion motor.

The current Permasyn offering is available with ratings of approximately 2 MW and 4 MW, and has to date been used on Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems’ Type 212A and Type 214 submarine designs, with the first motor delivered for installation in 2000.

Several years ago, the company sought to develop a new, larger motor in the 6 MW class. The new flexible Permasyn (FLEX PM) modular solution, however, aims to cover a range from 1.5 MW to 8 MW.

The new motors are planned in three baseline frame sizes, with the diameter determining three power ranges. The specific power rating within one range is then fine-tuned with the length of the stator and rotor. The ultimate size and weight are also driven by the associated inverters, which are integrated in the motor itself.

According to Siemens, the specifications for this drive concept have been completed and initial development work has commenced.

With the new FLEX PM development, Siemens is also expecting improvements in reducing acoustic and magnetic signatures.

The move to a modular system is meant to create more common parts across several motors, to simplify the supply chain and reduce the risk of obsolescence while making it easier to develop new motor variants.