Distributed Propulsion Systems for Shallow Draft Vessels

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of distributed propulsion systems used on inland and coastal navigation in shallow water. Five layouts were assessed by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The hull/propulsion layout cases have been analyzed for discrete flow speed values in the range 0–6 m/s. All cases have been examined under restricted draft conditions in shallow water with a minimum of 0.3 m under keel clearance (UKC) and under unrestricted draft conditions in deep water. The results show that distributed propulsion consisting of 6 or 8 (in some cases, even more) units produces noticeable higher thrust effects in shallow water than the traditional layout. Under restricted conditions, the thrust increase between two distributed layouts with different numbers of propulsors is higher, in contrast to deep water, where differences in performance are not so significant.

Concept and Performance Analysis of Propulsion Units Intended for Distributed Ship Systems

“…This is a very important finding that the investigated propulsion units, located on the side of the hull, practically do not lose performance in limited conditions (shallow water), in contrast to the traditional stern arrangement of the propulsion units. This is also confirmed by the interpretation of the results of the analyses carried out in the first stage of the research [21] and is another argument for the choice of serially-arranged distributed propulsion systems placed symmetrically on both sides of the ship.…”

“…The research was conducted on numerical methods CFD, which allowed the calculation and comparison of the performance characteristics of propellers through direct recording of their hydrodynamic quantities during the analysis. These methods are described in detail in pilot studies [18,21]. The creation of a spatial CFD domain for vessel navigation analysis usually starts in a 3D modeling program.…”

“…In the case of distributed propulsion units, it is necessary to examine the position of the propellers and their efficiency, suitable design, and interaction with the ship's surroundings. The results of the first part of the research are focused on the location of distributed units (side-mounted); the study by Illes confirmed at the CFD simulation level that distributed units can operate efficiently by eliminating the side-effects of traditional propellers mounted on the ship's stern [21]. The results of the research proved the most suitable solution to be the installation of six to eight propulsion units.…”

Determination of the Waterway Parameters as a Component of Safety Management System

“…The authors that presented the research focused on the waterway parameters, type of the vessel, and their size i.e., length, breadth, and draft. The propulsion system was not taken into account, but it is of great importance in the context of the manoeuvrability of the vesselin particular, modifications affecting the vessel's behaviour in shallow waters [18][19][20]. The same aspect concerns the shape of the hull [21].…”

Enhancing A Reliable Ship Performance Evaluation in Dynamic Maneuvering Conditions – A Gap Analysis

“…However, knowledge and data on the hull-propeller interaction properties in various maneuvering conditions are very limited (Ye et al, 2012;Sutulo and Soares, 2011;Artyszuk, 2003;Harvald, 1976). The work of Harvald (1977Harvald ( , 1967 as the pioneer (Artyszuk, 2003) since more than a half-century ago is still referred to by various researchers in the field and related areas up to now (Illes et al, 2021(Illes et al, , 2020Sunarsih, 2018;Trodden and Haroutunian, 2018;Sutulo and Soares, 2011). Only recently, Sunarsih (2018) was recorded to execute similar research and took advantage of the properties developed to evaluate ship-stopping ability based on the Standards framework.…”