ABB introduces electric propulsion system for marine vessels
1 November 2016
Shaft power components
Azipod XL, the latest version of ABB’s podded electric propulsion system, further increases vessel fuel efficiency by up to 20% compared to modern shaft line propulsion systems. The efficiency gain is achieved by a unique nozzle system that accelerates the water flow into the propeller to increase thrust, and by redesigning the thruster for reduced water resistance. Since the first installation 25 years ago, Azipod propulsion systems have accumulated more than 12 million running hours with an availability of 99.8%, saving over 700 000 tons of fuel, thus helping to reduce the maritime carbon dioxide footprint.
An industry standard for the marine industry, Azipod propulsion is a gearless steerable propulsion system with the electric drive motor located in a submerged pod outside the ship hull. Having 360° manoeuvrability, it is used to steer and drive a broad variety of vessels.
“We continuously strive to advance our technology to the benefit of our customers and the environment, as part of our Next Level strategy. Azipod XL is a perfect example for this approach as it represents the biggest jump in the systems’ fuel efficiency in recent years,” said Peter Terwiesch, president of ABB’s Process Automation division. “To put it in perspective, replacing all existing Azipod units with the new model would save the shipping industry an additional 2,2 million tons of fuel and 7 million tons of carbon dioxide over the next 25 years.”
The Azipod XL concept can be designed to give high bollard pull thrust at lower speed and still have good characteristics at higher speeds. Thus it fits vessels such as tugs and offshore construction vessels. Other suitable ship types are ferries and LNG tankers.
Azipod XL’s features include the capability for advanced condition monitoring utilising ABB’s concept of the Internet of Things, Services and People (IoTSP) and its Integrated Operations Centers for Marine, continuously monitoring equipment and performance parameters of more than 600 vessels.
Efficient maintenance counts Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
Shaft power components
BMG’s total plant management solutions encompass a technical advisory service for maintenance programmes that includes correct chain and sprocket selection, which is a critical factor in any power transmission system.
Read more...Optimise your plant assets SKF South Africa
Shaft power components
The SKF Rotating Equipment Performance Centre provides anyone from anywhere with easy access to a comprehensive suite of advanced condition monitoring, analytical and diagnostic solutions.
Read more...Advanced solutions for valves Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
Shaft power components
BMG delivers state-of-the-art valve solutions to diverse industries across Africa, in collaboration with InterApp, a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-quality valves.
Read more...Monitoring the health of systems SA Gauge
Editor's Choice Shaft power components
Pressure and temperature gauges are vital instruments in various industries. However, they are susceptible to failures that can compromise their accuracy and reliability. When these gauges fail, the consequences can be severe.
Read more...Cogged raw edge belts SKF South Africa
Shaft power components
SKF’s cogged raw edge belts are ideally suited for essentially any industrial application that runs on ISO wedge and classical V-belt pulleys.
Read more...The torque of the town
Shaft power components
Bolt and Engineering Distributors (B.E.D.) is pleased to announce its new distribution agreement with torque and tensioning company Bolt Torque, which has a comprehensive range of manual, hydraulic, electric and battery bolt torque, and bolt tensioning solutions.
Read more...Taking reliability to the trenches SKF South Africa
Shaft power components
SKF’s maintenance-free Y Bearing Unit has significantly extended equipment uptime for key customer Gibela, a leading level 5CE CIBD-rated civils company with more than ten years of experience in the field.
Read more...Quick couplings to prevent leakage
Shaft power components
Research and development in the quick coupling industry is advancing beyond functionality, and is focusing on manufacturing leak-free quick couplers which also minimise impact on the environment.
Read more...Nord-Lock’s CE marked securing washers Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
Shaft power components
The Nord-Lock range of securing washers, distributed and supported by BMG, is the only brand on the market that currently displays the CE quality mark of approval from leading global authorities.
printer friendly version