Advanced Degaussing Systems PDF
Advanced Degaussing Systems PDF
Advanced Degaussing Systems PDF
from
Polyamp
RSwN Styrs
The Threat
Modern influence sea mines detect a vessels magnetic signature, i.e. the magnetic disturbance of a vessel, in
the Earths Magnetic Field. This Signature is the most significant of the influences that trigger the mine.
The Countermeasure
To minimise this magnetic threat, Naval vessels are normally fitted with on-board Degaussing Systems that
generate a counter-acting field to reduce their magnetic signature. This is achieved by controlling the currents
through the individual loops of their internal coiling system configurations. Typically 90- 95% of the ships
signature can be neutralised with a well-designed 3-dimensional Degaussing system.
Page 2
Degaussing System Capability
Polyamp specialise in the design, manufacture and support of Advanced Degaussing Systems (ADG), which in
general terms means that the coil system is 3-dimensional and that each coil in the configuration, is individually
controlled by one loop coil amplifier.
The naval operational area priority has shifted from blue to brown/shallow water. This increases the threat as
ships come much closer to the influence mines and consequently improved performance degaussing systems,
relative to those previously used, are now required.
Relevant Experience
The Companys experience in degaussing is considerable and includes all phases from feasibility and design
studies, through system development to manufacture and supply of all types of degaussing systems. Experience
over the past 25 years covers the design and supply of degaussing equipment for submarines, steel surface ships
and the more demanding mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs).
Polyamp degaussing systems and equipment are currently installed in over 35 in-service or under construction
naval vessels around the world. These vessels have now accumulated a total of well over 50 years of elapsed
running hours of successful operation. They include:
Royal Swedish Navy Landsdort Class Minehunters
Royal Swedish Navy Styrs Class MCMVs
Royal Swedish Navy Stockholm Class Corvettes
Royal Swedish Navy Gothenburg Class Corvettes
Royal Swedish Navy Sjormen Class Submarines
Royal Swedish Navy Gotland Class Submarines
Royal Swedish Navy Visby Class Stealth Corvettes
Republic of Singapore Navy Bedok Class Minehunters
Republic of Singapore Navy Challenger Class Submarines
US Navy CVN77 carrier San Antonio Class Landing
Platform Docks
Royal Danish Navy Flexible Support Ships and more
Reactivated Hunt Class of MCMV
Page 3
Degaussing Performance
System configuration, complexity and detailed design depend on the vessels characteristics, the geographic
operational area and the target residual magnetic signature. In conjunction with the customer and shipbuilder,
Polyamp provide complete assessment, design, production, installation and support services. The SWECADE
software packages and modeling techniques are used for both signature prediction and system design.
The optimised coiling system and compatible power and
control system are selected to achieve the specified target
residual signature. Coil positions and cable details are
defined as well as the power system requirements. The
undegaussed signature and operational performance are
then predicted.
M2 M3 M4 MN
M5
Within the coiling configuration Horizontal (M) coils coun- M1 L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 L6 L7 LN
Magnetometers give the ultimate best control signals for the De-
gaussing system. This is because magnetic deviations and natural
changes in the earth magnetic field are continuously measured by the
magnetometer and used as control signals in the DG. Navigational
system data control combined with a magnetic map system such as
GEOMAG cannot track those small but important details of the earth
magnetic field. Magnetometers also have very favourable MTBF and
reliability. Real time performance is also superior compared to gyro
systems. All this will enable a vessel equipped with magnetometer
control to achieve far better magnetic compensation and thus magnetic
signature when it is most needed. I.e. Particularly in brown (shallow)
water areas. Typical magnetometer
With ADG the signature is adjusted by changing loop-coil currents. Worldwide operation can be maintained wit-
hout the need to change connections at the junction boxes or to check ranging before reaching the operational area
Page 4
Magnetic and Electric Signature Control
An Advanced Degaussing System (ADG) with a full 3-dimensional coil arrangement and distributed Bi Polar
Amplifier Units (BPAUs) is required to meet current performance requirements. A computerised Degaussing
Control Unit (DCU) controls the amplifiers with inputs from Magnetometer and Navigational sensors for world-
wide operation.
The degaussing equipment provides computer controlled currents to the ships degaussing coils based on the Earths
magnetic field encountered by the ship in each of its three axes (induced magnetization). The magnetometer
determines the magnitude and direction of the earths field in relation to the ships reference plane. Then, using
the magnetometer parameters, the DCU calculates the outputs in real time current demand signals to control the
BPAU output currents into the coils. The Royal Swedish Navy Stealth Corvette VISBY Class and its Polyamp
degaussing system make use of two magnetometer inputs. Magnetometer control has a proven record on Corvet-
tes and Submarines using a unique steel hull distortion algorithm. The magnetometer interface allows the use of
multiple magnetometer inputs to the ADG with appropriate CLDG algorithms for future CLDG enhancements.
An automatic backup mode of control uses input data from the ships navigation system. In this case the DCU
determines the magnitude and direction of the Earths field in relation to the ships course and position by reference
to an in-built geomagnetic map. Then using ship motion and heading parameters from the ships gyro system, the
controller calculates the outputs in real time current demand signals to control the coil drivers for the compensa-
tion the induced magnetization.
Compensation for the ships permanent magnetization in all of the axes of the vessel is done by adding a suitable
constant current to the above-mentioned induced compensation current used in respective amplifier units.
In the manual mode of control the ships heading and local magnetic parameter can be entered at the keyboard
on the Operators Console. The 3-axis control signals to the BPAUs are generated if the magnetometer/naviga-
tion system fails to give correct inputs. This redundant mode enables a very high degree of magnetic compen-
sation to be achieved even with major system damage.
Power
Degaussing
input
loop-coil
IP
P/
TA
Console
DA
DAT
A
SIGN
ALS
Gyro
DAT
A
Amplifier Units
Degaussing
Control Unit
Magnetometers
Page 5
Magnetic and Electric Signature Control
The Bipolar Power Amplifier Units (BPAUs) ope-
rate with a very high efficiency. Therefore cooling
of the BPAU can be made by convection / forced air-
cooling.
Key Features
Centralized digitally controlled bipolar current loop-coil amplifiers
Very low ripple on the coil outputs eliminate interference to a passive sonar system
Computerized multiprocessor system running Polyamp Degaussing control software
Operators Interface uses a standard PC design for ease of operating
Operators Interface may be integrated as a Software Window
Facilities to measure and store important parameters in the degaussing system
Built-in test equipment for fault analysis and recording
Suitable for a wide range of ships with favorable commonality
Key Benefits
A high level of protection Guaranteed reduced magnetic signatures
Unattended automatic operation - Reduced manning levels
High efficiency bipolar loop coil amplifiers Minimal wild heat generated
High accuracy bipolar loop coil amplifier- Optimized performance
Fully computerized digital control - Optimized performance
Operators Interface software (Microsoft Windows) - Ship compatibility
Modular design - System flexibility and growth potential
Full logistics and support - Maximum availability and favorable Life Cycle Cost
High reliability and availability - High user confidence
Optimized design from a proven degaussing supplier - Low risk procurement
Page 6
Design and Evaluation Criteria
The ship characteristics and environment in which the Degaussing system has to operate directly influence its
design. The design criteria used by Polyamp are the same criteria used by the shipbuilders. To gain maximum
benefit from this approach the impact of that design on the overall Degaussing System, other ship systems and
through life support should be considered and not only the initial hardware procurement costs.
Performance
Weight
Benefits of the Polyamp Advanced Degaussing System
Cost
Risk
The Advanced Degaussing System Features
Unattended automatic operation - Potential for reduced manning levels
Magnetometer, Gyro with Geomagnetic Map, and Manual control modes available
Distributed higher voltage system - less cables, increased flexibility, improved system redundancy
and significant overall cost saving.
Technical performance and ease of use in service
Compliant with the technical requirement.
Improved worldwide operation performance and less risk in not achieving the target signature.
Less sensitive to individual failures and battle damage
Automatic digital control & monitoring of a distributed system from a central controller
Facilities to measure, store or print important system parameters
Operators Console uses a standard PC design and ship compatibility software (WinNT)
Initial and production quantity equipment procurements
Existing Equipment Designs - No significant NREs
Established manufacturing facilities - Current production
Flexibility and Support during ship design, system integration & installation
Accommodates sectional modular block shipbuilding techniques
Reduced ranging complexity and time duration
Reduced size and quantity of cables for easier installation by the shipyards
Allows a multi turn, smaller diameter cable to be used for the coiling system.
Reduced number and smaller diameter tank penetrating pipes for the coil cables
Minimum overall system cost and weight to achieve target signature
High efficiency bipolar loop-coil amplifiers - No heat management problems
Flexibility to accommodate ship design changes & capability to provide future growth
Modular design - System flexibility and growth potential
Potential to upgrade at a later date
Remote control facility- more efficient ranging
Integrated Logistic Support and Through life costs
Built-in online users manual and test equipment for fault tree analysis & recording
Proven in service operational reliability
Full logistic and support facilities - Maximum availability
Designed for operation, full support and design growth throughout the ships life
Low Risk Procurement
Proven equipment - Successfully qualified and operational
Experienced Supplier - Established International system & equipment contractor
Page 7
Magnetic and Electric Signature Control
Polyamp AB
Box 925
191 29 SOLLENTUNA
Sweden www.polyamp.com
Tel: +46 - (8) 594 693 00
Fax: +46 - (8) 594 693 05 This document only a general description of the products and services
offered and shall not form part of any contract. From time to time, changes
[email protected] may be made to the services or conditions of supply.
www.polyamp.com
Copyright Polyamp AB 2011