Azimuth Thruster

[NavArch007]

Dear All,

Im researching how i can fit an azimuthing tunnel thruster in one of the vessel. The bottleneck here is that the azimuthing thruster will protrude 400mm below the baseline; which is not acceptable unless we fit a bigger skeg; however this will increase the draught which is unwanted ( draught limitation). Is it possible to fit the azimuthing thruster without changing the lines? Is it possible to make propeller tunnels on the hull? How will that affect production in terms of the fitting of the thruster unit into the ship. Please raise your comments.

Best Regards,
Nav Ach 007.

[jehardiman]

Google "White Gill Thruster"

EDIT: Fun stuff and fine print: I am in no way connected with Tees White Gill and the above comment does not constitue an endorsement or recommendation of suitability for their products.

[baeckmo]

Could you show a few typical sections in the bow? It is not obvious what is causing your problem!

[NavArch007]

To avoid convusion please note we are not talking about a bow thruster. Its an azimuthing thruster capable of 360 degree steering ( i.e no rudder). We are thinking of decreasing the length of the shaft arm. Any other suggestions?

Originally Posted by NavArch007

To avoid convusion please note we are not talking about a bow thruster. Its an azimuthing thruster capable of 360 degree steering ( i.e no rudder). We are thinking of decreasing the length of the shaft arm. Any other suggestions?

Assuming you are referring to a "Azipod" drive as a main propulsion, you have no choice.
You either bear with the additional draught, or you go for another system.

Regards
Richard

[baeckmo]

Originally Posted by NavArch007

To avoid convusion please note we are not talking about a bow thruster. Its an azimuthing thruster capable of 360 degree steering ( i.e no rudder). We are thinking of decreasing the length of the shaft arm. Any other suggestions?

Ok, my misunderstanding. Try Schottel, they have a variety of arrangements. The "Schottel Pump jet" is installed flush with bottom. Its more a question of what power you need.

[quote=baeckmo;361398. The "Schottel Pump jet" [/QUOTE]

My recommendation since ages (and part of the propulsion on my own project), but efficiency is a issue, compared with props.

[jehardiman]

Originally Posted by NavArch007

To avoid convusion please note we are not talking about a bow thruster. Its an azimuthing thruster capable of 360 degree steering ( i.e no rudder). We are thinking of decreasing the length of the shaft arm. Any other suggestions?

Same problem as baeckmo, thruster implies secondary propulsor, not the main screw.

First, why do you need a nozzle? and why such a draft restriction? Nozzles, especially azimuthing nozzles, are only used in tugs and towboats. If this is for a tractor tug or z-drive with a draft limitation then you need to raise hull at the foundation or find a shallower unit, but it is unlikely that if you are handling ships that they will have a draft shallower than the tug. If that severe of a draft limit is real, and you are handling barges, go to a tunnel towboat design with flanking rudders as it is much cheaper.

[conceptia]

guys do u know what is the difference between z-drive and l-drive azimuth propellers. Wikipedia and google couldnt help me much..

[NavArch007]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

Some contractural obligations deny us from discussing somethings in detail; however that shouldnt affect the technical discussion.

In any case, the best option now is to go for a propeller tunnel on the hull such that the azimuth thruster can be raised.

It would help already when you would tell us what you are talking about!

Is it a thruster? The main propulsion? What do you mean with prop. tunnel?

A Azipod does´nt work in a tunnel.

[Boston]

I gotta go with Apex on this one
not quite sure what you are talking about Navy