gets directed through the propeller in the right direction. This will improve hydrodynamic efficiency by 5 to 10 percent, depending on the application,” Lehtelä explains.
While Azipod D version has already been sold for use in various ships, the Azipod XL will be officially launched for sales in early 2017 for power ranges up to 17.5 MW, with further models for other power ranges expected to follow.
Mr. Lehtelä notes that the R & D work for the Azipod XL took several years at ABB’ s marine laboratory in Helsinki, Finland.
” In the development stages, numerous possible solutions were tested. Various scale-model tests were required.”
” The new products are more energyefficient, more reliable and easier to access for service work than the older models. New technology will bring savings in fuel costs. Furthermore, environmental emissions will be reduced.”
” Furthermore, a system for continuous measurement will provide telemetry data that can be transmitted via satellite links to ABB’ s three Integrated Operation Centres worldwide, making it easier to plan overhauls before any serious faults occur,” recounts Lehtelä. photo: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC.
NEW-GENERATION DUCTED PROPULSOR
Steerprop Ltd. has launched a new generation of ducted azimuth propulsors with new features and upgraded design specifications. Solutions are available for various vessel types.
” Amongst the novelties is a new propeller nozzle type, HJ4. Steerprop’ s R & D team combined experience with new design and produced a nozzle profile that will yield better propulsion characteristics than older models,” notes hydrodynamist Hannu Jukola from Steerprop Ltd., based in Rauma in Finland.
” Also, the new nozzle is easier and cheaper to manufacture than previous nozzle types, while no compromises have been made with the operational specifications.”
” By adapting the propeller and rudder into one propulsive unit, Promas offers increased propulsive efficiency and improved manoeuvrability,” says Göran Grunditz, Manager of the Rolls-Royce Hydrodynamic Research Centre( HRC).
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Virtually any vessel will benefit.
The new propeller nozzle has been designed specifically for tugs, anchor handlers, push boats and other support ships that require high bollard pull.
” For these types of ships, the bollard pull characteristics are particularly significant. The HJ4 nozzle guarantees superior bollard pull without compromising the propulsive efficiency,” Jukola says.
BETTER FUEL ECONOMY
According to Mr. Jukola, the new propulsor type has been created with modern design technology.
” Seen from the outside the unit may resemble previous versions, but they incorporate the latest hi-tech solutions.”
” The shape of the underwater housing has been designed for optimised hydrodynamics. The R & D team utilised 3-D design tools in order to produce a more slender body and a smaller hub ratio than those of older models. Furthermore, the devices now have improved efficiency, endurance, and fuel economy, producing a new degree of high performance.”
The underwater part of propulsor is now manufactured with steel cast housing for enhanced robustness.
” The cast also makes the device more cost-efficient to produce at the workshop,” Jukola mentions.
It took approximately one year of R & D work to design the new propulsion unit. It has just been launched to the market, with first deliveries expected in 2017.
” In addition, we are in the process of developing a new solution for Ferries and RoPax ships as well as ice class vessels: the CRP ECO LM-unit. This innovation, incorporating an integrated perma-
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