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Why did this ship have 5-way redundancy in electrical power generation, yet zero redundancy with propulsion? I understand power is more important, but even so,
by londons_explore 2y ago
Why did this ship have 5-way redundancy in electrical power generation, yet zero redundancy with propulsion?
I understand power is more important, but even so, isn't 5x redundancy overkill? Wouldn't they have been better to switch out 1 of those diesel generators for a 1000 HP propulsive engine, allowing the ship to limp home at 2 knots if the main engine fails (speed is very nonlinear with power)?
- LeChuck 2y agoIt's not 5x redundancy in that sense. There are times when the ship needs all five auxiliary engines. There are five smaller engines because it allows for more efficient utilization. The main engine, which provides the propulsion, is a two-stroke engine connected directly to the propeller shaft. If the ship needs to reverse the engine is stopped, and started again going the other way. Consequently, there's no way to make use of some sort of fall back propulsion. Lastly, I doubt a 1000 HP engine is powerful enough to do anything useful. Especially because it would only be needed for emergency maneuvering.