Propeller Optimization in Marine Power Systems: Exploring Its Contribution and Correlation with Renewable Energy Solutions

• Published in: Journal of marine science and engineering Vol. 12; no. 5; p. 843
• Main Authors: Bacalja Bašić, Bruna, Krčum, Maja, Jurić, Zdeslav
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.05.2024
• Subjects: Alternative energy sources; Automation; Carbon dioxide; Carbon dioxide emissions; Carbon footprint; Cavitation; Composite materials; Cost control; Design; Electric power systems; Emissions; Emissions control; Energy consumption; Energy efficiency; Energy industry; Energy resources; Environmental aspects; Fuel consumption; Fuel oils; Geometry; Green technology; Greenhouse gases; Hypotheses; International trade; Marine energy; Optimization; Passenger ships; propeller optimization; Propellers; Renewable energy; Renewable energy sources; Sea trials; Shipping industry; solar power application; Supply and demand; SWOT analysis; Threat evaluation; Velocity; Vibrations; Wind power; wind power application
• ISSN: 2077-1312; 2077-1312
• DOI: 10.3390/jmse12050843

The goal of increasing fuel efficiency and decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has increased interest in the application of renewable energy sources and the usage of new technologies in the maritime industry. In order to implement the most suitable source, factors such as voyage duration, storage availability, and the condition of existing vessels as well as those that are still under construction should be taken into account. Propeller optimization is proposed as a long-term solution. This paper investigates the environmental aspects of propeller optimization, focusing on its potential to reduce ship vibrations fuel consumption, and, therefore, the ship’s carbon footprint. The case study presents propeller optimization on a Ro-Ro passenger ship. The data collected during sea trials before and after propeller optimization will be compared. Expected fuel oil consumption will be correlated to the CO2 emission reduction. Besides propeller optimization, the paper performs a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis comparing it with solar and wind power applications on ships.