Chapter 830 Xuelong 2 nuclear-powered icebreaker
Huang Building, conference room.
"Over the years, our Mingzhou Group has built many different types of ships. Although this icebreaker is the first time, we also have sufficient design experience to ensure that the project is mature and reliable." Qin Tao said to the leaders: "Now, I will personally introduce our design plan to you."
In this world, Qin Tao is indeed building for the first time, but before time travel, when the motherland was building aircraft carriers and preparing for the next generation of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, the motherland had also begun to plan for big things like nuclear-powered icebreakers.
Around 2015, Dongfang Nuclear Industry Group Corporation established a subsidiary: Dongfang Nuclear Group Marine Nuclear Power Development Company. The goal of this company is to promote the development of "nuclear energy in surface combatants, offshore platforms and other engineering fields" and to "support Civil-Military Integration of Nuclear Powered Ships”.
Of course, the final design was handed over to the 701 Institute. After all, this institute has designed nuclear submarines and is the only unit with mature nuclear power system design and installation. Of course, this project must be handed over to them.
Qin Tao has not had detailed contact with this project, but he has never seen a pig running, so he has always eaten pork, right? Coupled with some references to Lao Maozi's nuclear-powered icebreaker, Qin Tao came up with this design plan. After reporting it to the naval leaders, the Mingzhou Group's aircraft carrier design office refined the plan.
"We know that the largest nuclear-powered icebreaker in Mauritius is currently 25,000 tons. After our icebreaker is built, it will become the largest icebreaker in the world and will have a profound impact on the Arctic routes. We have set the tonnage of the icebreaker at 50,000 tons tons, which is also determined by the power of our nuclear reactors.”
Lao Maozi's largest nuclear-powered icebreaker is the Type 10510 Leader-class icebreaker. The first one is the Damao. This icebreaker has a displacement of more than 70,000 tons. Although Lao Maozi does not have the ability to build an aircraft carrier, he still builds nuclear weapons one after another. The power icebreaker shows the important role of this kind of ship for Lao Maozi.
However, the keel of this ship was laid in 2020. Later, for some reasons, there was no movement just after the keel was laid. It is not yet known whether it can be completed.
One level lower than it is the Type 22220 nuclear-powered icebreaker, with a full load displacement of 33,000 tons. This icebreaker was also delivered after the 21st century and is still missing.
At present, Lao Maozi is using an Arctic-class icebreaker, which was built in 1975 and has a full load displacement of 25,000 tons. It is also the first water-based ship in the world to reach the North Pole. This icebreaker is still under construction, and the latest one, the 50-year-old Victory, was launched in 2007.
So, now Dongfang is going to build an icebreaker with a displacement of 50,000 tons, which will definitely become the largest icebreaker in the world.
As for this displacement, it is simply because its nuclear reactor is too big!
There is a big difference in power between nuclear reactors used on aircraft carriers and nuclear reactors used on submarines. The 150-megawatt nuclear reactor used on domestic submarines is already powerful enough to enable domestic nuclear submarines to achieve world-class underwater speeds. But if used on aircraft carriers , it will be like the Charles de Gaulle, lacking power and moving slowly.
Therefore, under the leadership of Krasnopolski, Minzhou Group is studying a new nuclear reactor for aircraft carriers. Its maximum thermal power has reached 700 megawatts. Even if the output power is reduced for insurance, it can still have With a thermal power of 550 megawatts, one is equivalent to four submarine nuclear reactors.
Finally, it enters the steam turbine, or even turns it into electricity, which can have 120 megawatts, which is twice that of the Laomaozi Arctic-class nuclear-powered icebreaker. Of course, the displacement can also be doubled, reaching the terrifying figure of 50,000 tons, ranking first in the world. .
“We plan to use the Linglong 1 nuclear reactor and directly adopt an electric propulsion solution, which can output 120 megawatts of electricity. We also plan to use a 40-megawatt gas turbine as an auxiliary engine.”
When they heard this, everyone was stunned.
“Mr. Qin, do our auxiliary engines need such high power?”
“Yes, it’s just an auxiliary engine. Just use a diesel engine.”
"This is of course for safety reasons. We don't know whether nuclear reactors will cause problems when used in high-intensity collisions. If there is an accident, then we can still have gas turbines as power to bring our nuclear-powered icebreakers back. ." After Qin Tao finished speaking, he looked at everyone: "Don't worry, the navy only needs to pay for the nuclear reactor. We will pay for the gas turbine."
Everyone felt relieved immediately.
Lao Maozi's nuclear-powered icebreakers all have two nuclear reactors. This is mainly because their nuclear reactors are insufficiently powerful, but at the same time, this also forms a backup. If one of them fails, there will be another one. As for both of them, break down? That chance is too low.
However, Dongfang only uses one nuclear reactor, and one has excess power. There is no need to use two. So, what if something breaks down?
If you only use a 1-megawatt diesel engine, there is no problem in providing power to the ship at ordinary times, but if there is a problem with the nuclear power system, it will be completely out of business.
If this happens, the 40-megawatt gas turbine can come in handy. Although it is only one-third of the output power of a nuclear reactor, it is definitely enough to get a huge nuclear-powered icebreaker out of trouble.
The only problem is that this thing is expensive!
Of course, expensive is for outsiders, but for Mingzhou Group itself, it is an internal purchase, and of course the price is also internal.
In fact, this is also a test for the gas turbine to see whether it can remain intact in the event of multiple collisions.
“If the power of the gas turbine and the nuclear reactor are output together, will our nuclear-powered icebreaker be faster?” Some people are curious.
"If all are used, the speed of the nuclear-powered icebreaker will exceed 30 knots, but it is not necessary. For an icebreaker, a speed of 20 knots is already very good. The design speed of our nuclear-powered icebreaker is 21 knots, but when walking on the ice, it can also reach a maximum speed of 18 knots, which is its most dazzling feature."
If the power of the icebreaker is small, it can only reverse, accelerate forward and hit the ice, then reverse again, and so on.
However, if the icebreaker has high power and large displacement, then use full power and keep moving forward. In this way, the icebreaker can continue to break the ice and reach a very high speed.
The task of the icebreaker is to open a channel for cargo ships, and the speed of cargo ships is generally not fast. A dozen knots is normal, and more than 20 knots are rare, so a nuclear-powered icebreaker with a speed of 21 knots is enough. No gas turbine is required to co-operate.
“The gas turbine is only used as a backup, and we even hope that we will never use it.” Qin Tao said: “When this icebreaker is decommissioned, the gas turbine can be removed and used on other warships.”
Everyone nodded.
Once the nuclear reactor is started, it must run continuously. Even if it is docked, the heat of the nuclear reactor is enough to drive the auxiliary engines to operate and provide a stable power supply to the entire ship. Therefore, there is no need for an auxiliary power system. Once this backup gas turbine is started, Getting up requires consuming fuel, so of course it’s best not to use it.
"Mr. Qin's consideration is very thoughtful!" People present began to agree. The navy doesn't cost money, so it can pretend to be whatever it wants!
"This 120 megawatts of power only needs to be output to the propellers to have 100 megawatts, which is enough, so we plan to use two propellers, arranged on both sides of the stern. Our stern and bow are the same. It is a V-shaped structure, which can not only break the ice frontally, but also break the ice when reversing." Qin Tao talked about the comprehensive design of the hull from the power system.
“At the same time, in order to increase the safety of the icebreaker, we adopt a double-hull structure.”
Speaking of double-layer structures, the most likely thing that comes to mind is submarines. In order to be able to float on the Arctic ice, Lao Maozi's nuclear submarines all adopt a double-shell structure. In this way, even if the outer shell is damaged, the internal pressure-resistant shell will not Something will go wrong.
In fact, not only submarines, but also many surface vessels will adopt double-hull structures, especially oil tankers. After the Exxon Valdez oil tanker accident in 1989, the International Maritime Organization stipulated that all oil tankers of more than 5,000 tons built after 1996 Must have double shell construction. After another oil tanker accident in 2001, the International Maritime Organization decided that from 2015 only double-hulled oil tankers can operate on the ocean. In this way, in the event of an accident and the outer shell of the tanker is damaged, the interior will still be intact and no crude oil will leak.
As for icebreakers, which are specialized ships that rely on collisions, double hulls can ensure their safety even more.
"In order to improve the impact resistance, we will use high-strength steel for the bow and stern. At the same time, the partitions between the double hulls will be denser and filled with ballast water, which can better improve the icebreaker's endurance. The impact force can also improve the safety of the hull." Qin Tao added: "These design experiences all come from the mature icebreakers of Lao Maozi."
There are a large number of Lao Maozi technicians in the Mingzhou Group, and some of them are familiar with the construction of nuclear-powered icebreakers. That is normal.
Of course, what is better than what is good is better than what is good. Dongfang's construction is more advanced, and the use of all-electric propulsion is one of them. Otherwise, once the nuclear reactor goes out, how the gas turbine will take over the work is really a big problem.
“Okay, let’s move on to other designs of the hull, which are all designed to increase icebreaking capabilities.” Qin Tao continued: “First of all, we want to introduce the rotary icebreaker.”
Wu Shengli opened his eyes wide. When he told Qin Tao, he was refuted by Qin Tao, but now, he obviously accepted it.
“This device is equipped on both sides of the bow and has two large rotating blades. When necessary, it can clear the ice on both sides of the front of the ship.”
“Why is it not arranged directly in front?”
“Is it because you are afraid of causing navigation resistance?”
Listening to these questions, Qin Tao shook his head: "Of course not. We will install a throwing ice-breaking hammer at the bow of the ship. You can think of it as a pile driver."
Since we want to build a professional icebreaker, of course we need to install some professional equipment. What Qin Tao said is not just a fancy idea, but something that will be actually equipped on icebreakers in future generations.
Reamers are placed on both sides of the bow of the icebreaker, which can rotate and cut the ice surface. In front of the bow, an icebreaker is installed. If you encounter an ice surface where the icebreaker cannot move, then use this icebreaker directly to cut the ice surface. Break it open!
"Well, this design is good. By the way, didn't you also say that you would use a jet engine to grill the ice?" Wu Shengli asked with a smile. You didn't agree with my plan at the time, but you still use it now?
What about your own plan? Why not use it?
“How was it modified?”
“Our icebreakers will store a certain amount of explosives. If we encounter difficult ice, we can just throw the explosives and blast the ice!”
The above are all physical methods and will not cause environmental pollution, but if the icebreaker is really trapped inside, who will care whether it will pollute the environment! The last resort is to use explosives!
When the Yellow River freezes, the Air Force will take off bombers, drop bombs, and blow up the ice. Now that the icebreakers have arrived at the North Pole, once they encounter ice that is difficult to break, of course they will use explosives in the end.
The shock wave generated by the explosion can directly shatter the ice surface, and no matter how thick the ice surface is, it will not block its impact.
“By the way, after talking for a long time, we still don’t know the icebreaking ability of this icebreaker.” A leader said.
“The icebreaker we designed has a maximum icebreaking capacity of four meters and can continue to move forward at a speed of 18 knots on three-meter-thick ice,” Qin Tao said.
Everyone opened their eyes wide, what?
The most advanced icebreaker in the country at present is a semi-finished product that Qin Tao purchased from the shipyard when he went to Lao Maozi to pick up junk. He brought it back and modified it. This icebreaker has a maximum icebreaking capacity of 1.5 meters and can also use 0.5 knots. It continuously broke through 1.2-meter-thick ice at a high speed. Relying on its powerful ice-breaking ability, it became the most advanced polar research ship in China and was named Snow Dragon.
What now? Our self-built nuclear-powered icebreaker already has this ice-breaking capability. The thickest ice surface in the Arctic is only three or four meters. In other words, it can sail at will in the Arctic!
Not in Antarctica, because there is a convention that prohibits the use of nuclear-powered icebreakers in Antarctica.
The icebreaker with the largest tonnage in the world must also have the strongest icebreaking ability in the world. Qin Tao looked at everyone's surprised eyes. Is this strange? Products produced by Mingzhou Group must be high-quality products.
"We have finished talking about the hull, and finally let's talk about the upper body." Qin Tao continued to introduce: "The main task of the icebreaker is to break the ice and clear the way for our cargo ships, but at the same time, it must also have other capabilities, such as scientific investigation , for example, sightseeing, so an icebreaker needs to carry enough passengers. Its upper deck is similar to a cruise ship, with multiple cabins that can meet the living needs of hundreds of people. It has large-capacity cold storage to store food and a restaurant. , with activity areas.”
General icebreakers are also designed in this way, with living areas in the front and a helicopter deck at the back, which can allow helicopters to take off and land, etc.
“Yes, the overall design of this nuclear-powered icebreaker is very good. Our navy has no objections. We are just waiting for Mingzhou Group to start construction. By the way, what is the name of this icebreaker?”
The last item: naming. It is not easy to come up with a name, and many people will have a headache.
However, it is very simple here in Qin Tao.
“How about Xuelong 2?”
What?
Snow Dragon 2?
It’s too straightforward for big guys to stare at small eyes, isn’t it?
“From now on, our icebreakers will all be called Xuelong. The next ones we build will be Xuelong 3, Xuelong 4, and so on.” Wu Shengli waved his hand: “That’s it!”
Hence, the name of the ship was decided, and future ship names were also announced. The project was officially on track after the decision was made!
Dongfang has started construction of nuclear-powered icebreakers. This is a new signal! The whole world knows that the East has paid more attention to the Arctic route!
Just as the news spread around the world, the expedition fleet heading to Europe also passed through the Arctic waters and appeared in the Barents Sea.
For Lao Maozi, he has always regarded this sea area as his own territorial waters, so when the formation appeared, it was normal for Lao Maozi to be accompanied by a modern-class destroyer.
Destroyer No. 167 is sailing at the front. It has a beautiful hull and the upper deck is tilted inward. The four-sided phased array radar on the top of the main mast is particularly dazzling. Above the hangar behind it, the flat-panel long-range radar is still rotating to search the sky for normal alert.
On its port side, the rusty Hyundai-class looks like a product of the past era, with thick black smoke coming out of the chimney, as if it is laboriously moving.
On its starboard side is the huge nanny-like comprehensive supply ship No. 615. The three warships form a formation, which is full of a sense of violation no matter how you look at it.
A helicopter appeared in the sky ahead. In the cabin, the camera was pointed downwards. A voice said excitedly: "Dear viewers, our Norwegian national television has filmed a warship from the East for the first time. This is the first time that a warship from the East has appeared in Europe. , the last time, it should be when Dongfang purchased ironclads from Germany, it came to us! We can see that Dongfang’s warships are full of modernity, especially the four-sided phased array radar on the top of its bridge mast, and even more It’s the symbol of a modern warship!”
Through the airwaves, the image spread throughout Europe.
The warships in the East are too powerful!
The four-sided phased array radar on the top mast is an eye-catching sight for countless people.
Germany, somewhere.
“This warship belongs to our motherland?” a voice said excitedly.
“Yes, Dad, this is from our motherland.”
“Are you coming to Germany for a visit?”
“Yes, the plan is to call at Wilhelmshaven.”
"take me."
“Dad, you are already 80 years old and cannot withstand the bumps of the journey.” The sixty-year-old son looked at his father Zhong Chuhua and said helplessly: “How about I go and see it for you?”
"No, I want to go in person." Zhong Chuhua said: "When I was a teenager, I crossed the ocean and came to Europe, and I never went back. Over the years, I have missed my motherland day and night. Now, The warships of the motherland are back. Of course I have to go and see them in person! Even though we have become German citizens, we are still orientals with yellow skin and black eyes, and the blood of the descendants of Yan and Huang is still flowing in our bodies! I must I want to see the warships of my motherland!”
“Okay, Dad, I’ll take you there.”
“Grandpa, I want to go too!”
A family of more than a dozen people set out on the road to Wilhelmshaven, a journey of several hundred kilometers, just to see the majestic warships of the motherland!
There are many old overseas Chinese like Zhong Chuhua throughout Europe. The arrival of Eastern warships has brought a huge shock to the overseas Chinese living in Europe. I don’t know how many people are full of expectations and hope that the warships of the motherland will come as soon as possible.
But there are also many people who are unhappy.
"Humph, they are not here to visit us in Europe. They were delayed for a long time along the way. They are here to contact Da Mao and visit us by the way." Schroeder said angrily.
"Yes, the Easterners have gone too far, but we still have to receive them, and we have to receive them warmly, otherwise, we will definitely be criticized. Now, we have to send warships to meet them. Which warship is best to send? ?”
Da Mao used the modern-class warships to **** them all the way. This kind of warship has a displacement of seven to eight thousand tons, which is larger than the No. 167. Although it is old, it is still not inferior. But, what about Germany?
Germany's most advanced frigate is the Brandenburg class, also known as the F123 class. This frigate has a full load displacement of less than 5,000 tons, which is one size smaller than Dongfang's. It also has no stealth layout and no four-sided phased array radar. , put them together, it would definitely be shameless.
It’s all the fault of the **** NFR-90 plan, which ended up being a mess and seriously delayed the replacement of the German Navy!
In 1985, Germany participated in this cheating NFR-90 plan. They originally planned to buy eight ships, but who would have thought that this plan turned into a mess. Therefore, in 1989, they could not bear it and withdrew from the plan, together with the Netherlands. Developed, built the F-123.
However, although this NFR-90 has deceived everyone, various countries already have a certain research and development foundation, so their progress is not slow. Germany even skipped the design stage and went directly to the construction of F-123.
Eight ships were reduced to four, and all were delivered in 1996. This is Germany's most modern frigate.
"Send the Mecklenburg over." Schroeder said: "We must show the style of our German navy. It cannot be compared. We will welcome their arrival in the northern part of the North Sea. As for the road ahead, let the Norwegian Navy visit Bar."
Mecklenburg is the last of the four F-123s. This frigate is in the best condition and is most suitable for the reception task.
After finishing speaking, Schroeder continued to look at the aerial photos. He felt that the No. 168 warship was beautiful. When his own F124 frigate enters service, it will definitely be even more beautiful than this warship! Humph, the main mast is in a four-sided phased array, and the rear mast is in a circular phased array. They are clearly imitating ours!
(End of this chapter)