Future Marine Power, Propulsion and Energy Systems

In Future Marine Propulsion Systems the characteristics of ship propulsors are discussed in relation to their prime movers as well as the ships they operate on. It combines insights gathered from the fields of ship hydromechanics and marine engineering into practical situations which arise during the design and operation of both ships and ship systems. Different aspects of ship propulsion systems are discussed and include typical system configurations, hydromechanics, propulsive efficiency, system efficiency optimization, cavitation, pressure pulses, noise and vibrations, model test analyses, numerical simulation, influence of various types of prime movers, selection criteria, static and dynamic behavior, control strategies, free sailing performance, maneuvering, dynamic positioning, high speed ship propulsion, mechanical design of propulsors, classification requirements, cost analyses, auxiliary systems and relevant environmental issues.

This course discusses the various types of propulsors and their characteristics:

• Fixed Pitch Propellers

• Controllable Pitch Propellers

• Marine Gearboxes

• Steerable Thrusters

• Podded propulsors

• Transverse Tunnel Thrusters

• Maneuvering and rudders

• Waterjets

• Voith Schneider Propellers

As energy saving is in many cases the dominant selection criterion of propulsion systems, extra attention is given to various kinds of energy saving devices and their basic working principles. These energy saving devices typically focus on reclaiming or preventing some of the losses that occur during the propulsion of ships.

The application of nozzles benefits propulsion mainly during maneuvering and slow ship speed operation, but it may contribute to the ships performance also for free sailing applications. The various choices for nozzle types are discussed and compared in this course.

Another aspect that is discussed is the proper matching of propeller and the various types of driving machines, mainly 4-stroke and 2-stroke internal combustion engines as well as electric motors. What are the consequences of the choices made for the propulsion drivetrain with regards to fuel economy, maneuverability, comfort, dynamic behavior as well as initial and operational costs.

Rather than a defined set of competences, this course will familiarize students with sometimes complex interaction between the various set of variable boundary conditions and the consequences of the design choices to a vessel's propulsion performance. This course will create a mind-set with which you can assess analytically the merits and drawbacks of different choices of propulsors and their driving machinery.

Hot topics in marine propulsion systems research will be discussed in research-oriented lectures. Topics may include (but are not limited to):

• Wind-assisted ship propulsion

• Air lubrication

• Advanced pitch / propulsion control

• Alternative fuels and required technology

• Alternative power generation (e.g. fuel cells)

• Emission Abatement Systems.