Dynamics of a Marine Propulsion System With a Diesel Engine and a Propeller Subject To Waves

Abstract

When travelling in waves, the efficiency of the propulsion system is in most cases reduced, due to a variety of different effects. Traditionally, the performance of propeller and engine is analyzed separately. However, there might be important interaction effects, which this paper attempts to explore.

Engine and propeller models have been coupled to obtain realistic response of the propulsion machinery and to observe the effect of interaction between engine and propeller. Experimental wake data have been used in the simulations. The effects of different factors affecting ship propulsion in waves have been noted and their effects have been calculated separately to analyze the influence of each of the factors on ship operation.

A ship travelling in three different wavelengths of three different waveheights has been simulated. Influence of these waves on engine power and fuel efficiency has been studied. This paper is a step towards optimization of installed power through better prediction of sea margin with improved insights into the propulsion performance in waves.