Increasing Fuel Efficiency through Propeller Upgrades

[ninth1dr]

Hello,

I am looking into ways to increase the fuel efficiency in a various number and type of ships, with engines running from diesels to steam plants to gas turbines. I was wondering where I might find information on the state of the art practices with propeller design.

Specifically, what is better for constant low speeds, high speeds, fast acceleration, etc.

I've read about contra-rotating thrusters, highly skewed propellers, BTL, TVF, and many others. What parameters are best to look for to assess the practicality of energy savings with different propeller designs?

 

[Navin A S]

The best place to find out more about the state of the art practices with propeller design is in publications from the marine engineering field. Journals like the International Journal of Marine Engineering, Marine Technology, and Progress in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering are good sources of information. Additionally, conferences such as SNAME's International Maritime Exposition and the International Conference on Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering provide forums for discussion and exchange of ideas about the latest advances in propeller design and other marine engineering topics.You may also want to consult with a naval architect or marine engineer. They can provide advice on the best propeller design for a particular application and discuss the parameters that need to be considered in assessing the practicality of energy savings. For instance, they can help you consider factors such as the size and shape of the propeller, its revolutions per minute, and the power and speed requirements of a vessel. Finally, you may wish to consult the websites of shipbuilding companies and manufacturers of propellers, which often include technical documents and case studies related to propeller design. I hope this information is helpful. Good luck with your research!