Collaborative tests involving the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN), innovative ship owner LD Armateurs (LDA) and ABB have produced verified data showing the substantial performance advantage ABB’s Dynafin™ marine propulsion system offers over conventional technology.
Trials conducted at MARIN’s model basin facilities used identical ro-ro vessel hull forms to compare the performance of the ABB Dynafin™ to a conventional twin-shaftline propulsion configuration. The results echo findings established during earlier MARIN performance trials of ABB Dynafin™ while at the same time verifying that the testing methodology meets owner requirements.
Mimicking the movement of a whale’s tail, ABB Dynafin™ is a cycloidal propulsion system comprising a horizontal wheel rotating at 30–80 revolutions per minute (RPM) and vertically descending blades. The pitch and angle of the blades are individually controlled in real time, delivering optimal hydrodynamic efficiency and instant thrust vectoring while reducing noise and turbulence.
“ABB acknowledges that implementing ABB Dynafin™ propulsion for newbuild vessels requires further validation by independent third parties, and close collaboration with shipowners,” says Janne Pohjalainen, Global Product Line Manager, ABB Dynafin™. “Before this type of testing could take place at MARIN’s model basin, we needed to design and build the model-scale propulsion units, including all the control technologies and user interfaces.
Mimicking the movement of a whale’s tail, ABB Dynafin™ is a cycloidal propulsion system comprising a horizontal wheel rotating at 30–80 revolutions per minute (RPM) and vertically descending blades. Image credit – ABB
At the vessel’s design speed of 17 knots in ideal trial conditions, the ABB Dynafin™ units required approximately 22 percent less delivered power than the twin-shaftline setup. Image credit – ABB
Compelling results
LDA consistently encourages new and innovative technologies that improve ship efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint, always basing its position on evidence. According to Arthur Barret, Head of Engineering, Projects & Innovation, LDA, testing new technologies with highly skilled and reliable partners, using high-quality tools helps to build confidence, mitigate risks and ensure LDA’s choices win the trust of management and clients.
“LDA has shown real interest in cycloidal and trochoidal propulsion for many years without being able to achieve a convincing demonstration with a system,” Barrett says.
“The ABB Dynafin™ validation tests combined advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations, dedicated model tests, measuring systems and transducers to determine the hydrodynamic loads and propulsive efficiency of the system,” explains Dr. Jie Dang, Senior Project Manager, MARIN.
Two ABB Dynafin™ systems equipped with MARIN transducers were fitted at the stern of a ro-ro vessel model. “The thrust and torque on the main wheel, including the side force, as well as the torque on each fin, were measured,” says Dang. “Both the hull efficiency and the relative rotative efficiency were recorded as ‘larger than one’, meaning favorable interactions between the propulsors and the hull.”
The tests delivered compelling results. At the vessel’s design speed of 17 knots in ideal trial conditions, the ABB Dynafin™ units required approximately 22 percent less delivered power than the twin-shaftline setup, Barret was pleased to note.
“Even after deducting the electric losses inherent to diesel-electric propulsion, the gain remains substantial compared to conventional twin shaftlines,” comments Barret.
Forward propulsion
All three partners also suggest that the tests offer evidence that will encourage other stakeholders to set aside time for a deeper dive into the transformative efficiency gains ABB Dynafin™ can bring for cargo vessels.
“Even after deducting the electric losses inherent to diesel-electric propulsion, the gain remains substantial compared to conventional twin shaftlines,” comments Barret.
“ABB is ready to bring a highly efficient propulsion solution to the market, providing exceptional value such as competitive total cost of ownership and radical emission reductions,” comments Pohjalainen. Image credit – ABB center
MARIN’s Dr. Dang sees untapped potential to exploit the unit’s thrust vectoring capability for use with wind-assisted ships by incorporating AI-driven, self-learning controls to boost real-time fuel optimization, while also achieving roll damping and heeling correction and supporting better energy regeneration.
“ABB is ready to bring a highly efficient propulsion solution to the market, providing exceptional value such as competitive total cost of ownership and radical emission reductions,” comments Pohjalainen. “As these tests confirm, by working together with ship owners we can verify that ABB Dynafin™ is economically – as well as technically – the best solution for next generation of energy-efficient ships.”