Author: pa

Timed as Planned

The on-board measurements for the “AutoPlan” (funded by BMWi; reference number 03SX523) research project on a semi-planing boat were successfully completed in the Sea of Marmara near Istanbul. In addition to the on-board measurements, the boat, built by the UZMAR shipyard, was presented to the public for the first time at a formal ceremony.

SVA Potsdam was in charge of the on-board measurements. Measurement parameters included thrust and torque measurements on both ship shafts, rudder angle measurements and pressure pulse measurements in the ship’s outer skin at a speed of approx. 27.5 knots. The test program was developed in close coordination of all partners and included autonomously driven Z-maneuvers and turning circle investigations at different rudder angles. The intensive evaluation of the measurement campaign and the comparison to the model measurements resp. simulation calculations is the task of all project partners for the next weeks and months.

The R&D project “AutoPlan – Automatic Navigation Assistance System for Planing
and Semi-planing Crafts”

The project “AutoPlan” is aimed at the safe and environmentally friendly operation of (semi) planing crafts. The issue of safety is determined by the sporadic occurrence of unstable behavior: the so-called porpoising (pitching or trimming motion) and corkscrewing behavior with rolling motions. These phenomena significantly impair the safety of people and the ship and, last but not least, pose a threat to the mission objectives also due to time delays and additional fuel consumption.

Project partner:

UZMAR SHIPYARD (Kocaeli / Türkei)
Offshore Engineering Solutions Inc. (Mersin / Türkei)
FRIENDSHIP SYSTEMS AG (Potsdam Deutschland)
TU Berlin – Lehrstuhl Dynmaik Maritimer Systeme (Berlin / Deutschland)
SVA Potsdam GmbH (Potsdam / Deutschland)
Piri Reis University – Marine Engineering Department (Istanbul / Türkei)

Figure 1: Presentation of the certificate of appreciation by A. Noyan Altug (CEO – UZMAR) to Kay Domke (Division Manager “Dynamics & Acoustics” – SVA Potsdam)

Picture 2: Photo of all project partners in front of the built semi-planing boat “AUTOPLAN”.

The semi-planing boat “AUTOPLAN”.
Turning circle manouvre with 20° rudder angle.
20°/20° zig-zag manoeuvre.

Isolated Consideration of Influence Factors in Open Water Tests of Podded Propulsion Systems

In order to improve the power prediction and propeller design aspects of a podded propulsion system an extensive model test series with four propellers in two scales has been conducted at Potsdam Model Basin (SVA). To isolate the interaction effects between elements of a podded propulsion unit, a range of test setups have been developed including different alternative systems as well as model scale pod units. For all setups, open water tests have been executed. By comparing the results regarding the different setups, interaction coefficients could be determined to describe the influence, isolated parts of the propulsion unit have. The interaction coefficients are calculated analogue to propulsion coefficients in a self-propulsion test. Outcome of this series of model tests is a deeper insight of the effect that especially the shape of the aft fairing can have on the propeller characteristics, causing significant differences. For propeller design purposes of podded drives the knowledge of the interaction between propeller and pod can increase the certainty of the design process significantly. For powering and speed, the prediction of forces acting on the pod housing and the boss cap need to be considered.

You can read the full article here.

German Environmental Award 2022

On October 30th, the German Environmental Award was presented to our former colleague Friedrich Mewis and Mr. Dirk Lehmann for the development of the energy-saving device Becker-Mewis-Duct. We sincerely congratulate on this award.

SVA Potsdam On SMM 2022

September 6 – 9

Hall B4, first floor, booth no. 102.

We look forward to presenting you with the latest information at our booth.

Among others, the following persons will be at your disposal as contact persons:

Dr. Masilge, Managing Director SVA Potsdam GmbH
Mr. Grabert, Head of “Resistance and Propulsion”
Mr. Froitzheim, Head of “Propeller and Cavitation”
Mr. Domke, Head of “Dynamics and Acoustics”
Mr. Lübke, “Computational Fluid Dynamics”

as well as other colleagues from the different disciplines.

Emission-free autonomous towing system
(11/2021 – 04/2024)

The aim of this research topic is to develop a concept for the increased use of inland waterways by inland freight transport. This involves providing a modern version of an old transport system, towage, taking into account modern drive and control technology. This will be made possible by modern tractor systems, i.e. autonomously operating lafettes or tractors on a rail system similar to a guardrail. The main advantage is that these tractors can be supplied with the necessary energy via the rail system. This should make an important contribution to the decarbonisation of freight transport on inland waterways. Continue reading “Emission-free autonomous towing system
(11/2021 – 04/2024)”