Vertical Axis Rotors

VSP_am_Modell_SeiteVSP_Antrieb_CAD_small

Vertical axis rotors like the Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP) are special propulsion systems that give ships very good maneouvrability with very short control times. These systems are therefore often installed on double-ended ferries and special purpose vessels. In the SVA many ships with VSP’s were examined, such as tugboats, double-ended ferries with 2 and 4 VSP’s, and offshore supply ships. To get a deeper insight into the mechanism of action of Voith Schneider Propellers, several research projects were conducted [1], [2] in the SVA Potsdam. Among other things, the interaction of VSP and hull on double-enders [3], [4] was investigated. Here, a special SVA measuring balance was developed which in comparison to the standard methods, enables the measurement of the thrust in the model test and thus to determine the interaction parameters in propulsions tests. The interaction parameters can provide information on optimisation potentials.

In the project “Offshore Support Vessels with Voith Schneider Propellers” basic investigations were performed for the propulsion of OSV’s with VSP’s [6]. The focus was again on the interaction between VSP and hull. Simultaneously, the current methods of evaluation have been reviewed.

For model testing, VSP models are provided by the Voith company. For normal power and speed prediction, the thrust measurement on VSP’s is not absolutely necessary. However, the additional amount of preparation and testing time lends itself to optimisation questions.

 

Context Related References / Research Projects

[1] Heinke, H.-J.: Model tests with Voith Schneider Propellers at high thrust coefficients, Hydrodynamic Symposium – Voith Schneider Propulsion, Heidenheim, März 2006
[2] Heinke, H.-J.: High-Speed Camera Observations of the Cavitation at a Voith Schneider Propeller, 2nd Symposium Voith Schneider Technology, Heidenheim, June 2008
[2] Jürgens, D.; Grabert, R.: New Hydrodynamic Aspects of Double Ended Ferries with Voith-Schneider Propeller, 2nd International Conference on Double Ended Ferries, Alesund, Norway, 2003
[4] Grabert, R.: New Insight into the Hydrodynamics of Double-Ended Ferries with Voith Schneider Propellers, 3rd Hydrodynamic Symposium on Voith Schneider Propulsion, Constance, 16 – 18 June 2010
[5] Grabert, R.: Analysis of the Interaction VSP – Hull of Modern OSV, 4th Hydrodynamic Symposium on Voith Schneider Propulsion, Heidenheim, 12 – 14 June 2012
[6] Heinke, C.: Investigations of OSV with VSP Propulsors at SVA Potsdam, 5th Hydrodynamic Symposium on Voith Schneider Propulsion , Heidenheim, 30.9. – 2.10. 2014