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Energy Saving Devices (ESDs) for Shipping

Optimization of water flow around a ship's propeller with Energy Saving Devices (ESDs), shown in a flow simulation.

Energy Saving Devices (ESDs) are innovative technologies that enhance the performance of ships by optimizing propulsion and reducing fuel consumption. These systems reduce hydrodynamic losses, lower harmful emissions, and help to meet international environmental standards. ESDs can be divided into two categories: Pre-swirl and Post-swirl devices. Pre-swirl devices, such as the Pre-Duct and Pre-Swirl Stator (PSS), are positioned ahead of the propeller to improve water flow. Post-swirl devices, such as the Propeller Boss Cap Fin (PBCF), Twisted Rudder, and Rudder Bulb, are placed behind the propeller to reduce vortices and optimize thrust. Discover the Energy Saving Devices (ESDs) from our partner VICUSdt and see how these technologies contribute to a more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly shipping industry.

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Energy Saving Devices (ESDs) for Shipping

Discover the Energy Saving Devices (ESDs) from our partner VICUSdt and see how these technologies contribute to a more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly shipping industry.

Request a quote
Energy Saving Devices (ESDs) improve the efficiency of the ship's propeller through optimized water flow.

Introduction

Energy Saving Devices (ESDs) are innovative technologies that enhance the performance of ships by optimizing propulsion and reducing fuel consumption. These systems reduce hydrodynamic losses, lower harmful emissions, and help to meet international environmental standards.

ESDs can be divided into two categories: Pre-swirl and Post-swirl devices. Pre-swirl devices, such as the Pre-Duct and Pre-Swirl Stator (PSS), are positioned ahead of the propeller to improve water flow. Post-swirl devices, such as the Propeller Boss Cap Fin (PBCF), Twisted Rudder, and Rudder Bulb, are placed behind the propeller to reduce vortices and optimize thrust.

Design of ESDs with CFD and FEM Analysis

During the development of Energy Saving Devices (ESDs), the engineers use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This validated design method simulates the water flow around the ship and the ESDs using numerical models and simulations. By digitally simulating various operational conditions, the engineers can precisely analyze how an ESD performs and where improvements can be made.

CFD simulations, also known as flow simulations, provide insights into factors such as speed, pressure, and turbulence of the water around components like the Pre-Swirl Stator or Twisted Rudder. This helps the engineers identify energy losses and vortices that can reduce propulsion efficiency. Thanks to this method, the designs of Energy Saving Devices, such as the Pre-Duct, Pre-Swirl Stator (PSS), Propeller Boss Cap Fin (PBCF), Twisted Rudder, and Rudder Bulb, can be efficiently tested.

Physical towing tank tests, where a scale model is towed through water to measure performance such as resistance and vortices, also provide valuable data. However, this method is time-consuming and expensive. CFD offers a faster and more cost-effective alternative by simulating the same flow processes digitally with comparable accuracy.

In addition to CFD calculations, Finite Element Method (FEM) analyses are applied to ensure the structural integrity of ESDs. FEM divides the Energy Saving Device (ESD) into thousands of small elements, which are analyzed for their response to forces such as static water pressure and dynamic vibrations. This technique helps identify stress concentrations and deformations, preventing structural weaknesses. These studies contribute to longer service life, lower maintenance costs, and reliable performance, even under harsh conditions.

Pre-Duct (ESD) optimizes the water flow to the ship's propeller, improves propulsion, saves fuel, and reduces CO2 emissions.

Pre-Duct:
A Powerful ESD

The Pre-Duct is an advanced energy-saving system that is positioned as a nozzle ahead of the propeller to optimize water flow towards the propeller.

This environmentally friendly and cost-saving technology directly contributes to more efficient and sustainable propulsion, lower fuel costs, and improved operational performance.

The robust design strengthens the ship’s structure and reduces vibrations, resulting in a longer ship lifespan and a quieter, more comfortable stay for the crew.

For full-bodied vessels, such as tankers and bulk carriers that often sail at low speeds, the Pre-Duct can achieve energy savings of 2 to 6%, providing significant cost advantages and reduced CO2 emissions.

Pre-Swirl Stator (ESD) optimizes water flow to the ship's propeller for more efficient propulsion and lower emissions.

Pre-Swirl Stator (PSS): Innovative Energy Saving Device

The Pre-Swirl Stator (PSS) is a high-quality Energy Saving Device designed to improve the flow efficiency of ships. Strategically positioned fins create a controlled counterflow in the water before it reaches the propeller, reducing energy losses caused by the swirl of the rotating propeller. This leads to increased thrust per unit of energy consumed, resulting in better performance and lower fuel consumption.

Using scientifically validated numerical flow analyses (CFD), the engineers can accurately determine the optimal position and angle of the fins. Factors such as speed, load, and sea state are taken into account to ensure the system performs optimally under various operational conditions.

The Pre-Swirl Stator can achieve fuel savings of 4 to 8%, directly contributing to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. This technology, together with other Pre-swirl and Post-swirl devices, supports the environmental objectives of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), such as the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). These initiatives aim to improve the energy performance of ships and reduce the ecological footprint of global shipping.

This type of ESD can be applied to both newbuilds and existing vessels, ensuring lasting efficiency improvements for various ship types, such as dry cargo ships, RoRo vessels, and passenger ships. By continuously contributing to better propulsion performance and reduced environmental impact, this technology supports the transition to more sustainable shipping.

Propeller Boss Cap Fin (PBCF) reduces propeller vortices for more efficient propulsion and lower fuel consumption.

Propeller Boss Cap Fin (PBCF): An Effective ESD

The Propeller Boss Cap Fin (PBCF) is an innovative addition to the ship’s propeller that increases the ship’s thrust.

Unlike standard boss caps, which primarily serve to protect the propeller, the PBCF offers measurable benefits for propulsion.

The optimized design of this ESD improves the flow around the propeller hub, reducing tip vortices and vibrations, as well as decreasing cavitation.

This results in more efficient propulsion and less noise, contributing to greater onboard comfort.

Integration of
a PBCF

Integrating the Propeller Boss Cap Fin (PBCF) into the propeller system can provide fuel savings of 0.5 to 2%, depending on operational conditions and ship type.

Although this percentage may seem modest, larger vessels, such as container ships and bulk carriers, can still realize significant annual savings in both fuel costs and CO2 emissions.

The exact savings of this energy-optimizing system depend on factors such as speed, load, and sea conditions. These factors can be analyzed in detail with computer-controlled flow simulations (CFD).

Rudder Bulb (ESD) reduces vortices behind the propeller for more efficient ship propulsion and lower emissions.

ESDs: Twisted Rudder and Rudder Bulb

The Rudder Bulb helps recover energy by weakening the hub vortex caused by the ship’s propeller. This reduces energy loss and optimizes flow along the rudder.

The Twisted Rudder has a curved leading edge that further improves flow, leading to better propulsion performance.

Together, these technologies can improve a ship’s thrust by up to 5%, depending on the conditions. Additionally, these energy-saving devices contribute to lower fuel costs and reduce harmful emissions, reducing the shipping industry’s environmental footprint.

Energy Saving Device (ESD) in Practice

As an example, a ship management company installed a Pre-Swirl Stator (PSS) on two existing coastal vessels.

A CFD study showed that this type of Energy Saving Device (ESD) significantly improved propulsion efficiency, with an increase of more than 4%.

This improvement in energy efficiency led to a payback period of less than two years, making the PSS a highly cost-effective solution for both fuel savings and promoting sustainability in maritime and coastal shipping.

More about this project
Explore more projects >
Installation of a Pre-Swirl Stator (PSS) on a coastal vessel for more efficient ship propulsion and lower emissions.

Design of ESDs with
CFD and FEM Analysis

During the development of Energy Saving Devices (ESDs), the engineers use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This validated design method simulates the water flow around the ship and the ESDs using numerical models and simulations. By digitally simulating various operational conditions, the engineers can precisely analyze how an ESD performs and where improvements can be made.

CFD simulations, also known as flow simulations, provide insights into factors such as speed, pressure, and turbulence of the water around components like the Pre-Swirl Stator or Twisted Rudder. This helps the engineers identify energy losses and vortices that can reduce propulsion efficiency. Thanks to this method, the designs of Energy Saving Devices, such as the Pre-Duct, Pre-Swirl Stator (PSS), Propeller Boss Cap Fin (PBCF), Twisted Rudder, and Rudder Bulb, can be efficiently tested.

Physical towing tank tests, where a scale model is towed through water to measure performance such as resistance and vortices, also provide valuable data. However, this method is time-consuming and expensive. CFD offers a faster and more cost-effective alternative by simulating the same flow processes digitally with comparable accuracy.

In addition to CFD calculations, Finite Element Method (FEM) analyses are applied to ensure the structural integrity of ESDs. FEM divides the Energy Saving Device (ESD) into thousands of small elements, which are analyzed for their response to forces such as static water pressure and dynamic vibrations. This technique helps identify stress concentrations and deformations, preventing structural weaknesses. These studies contribute to longer service life, lower maintenance costs, and reliable performance, even under harsh conditions.

Pre-Duct: A Powerful ESD

The Pre-Duct is an advanced energy-saving system that is positioned as a nozzle ahead of the propeller to optimize water flow towards the propeller. This environmentally friendly and cost-saving technology directly contributes to more efficient and sustainable propulsion, lower fuel costs, and improved operational performance. The robust design strengthens the ship’s structure and reduces vibrations, resulting in a longer ship lifespan and a quieter, more comfortable stay for the crew. For full-bodied vessels, such as tankers and bulk carriers that often sail at low speeds, the Pre-Duct can achieve energy savings of 2 to 6%, providing significant cost advantages and reduced CO2 emissions.

Pre-Duct (ESD) optimizes the water flow to the ship's propeller, improves propulsion, saves fuel, and reduces CO2 emissions.
Pre-Swirl Stator (ESD) optimizes water flow to the ship's propeller for more efficient propulsion and lower emissions.

Pre-Swirl Stator (PSS):
Innovative Energy Saving Device

The Pre-Swirl Stator (PSS) is a high-quality Energy Saving Device designed to improve the flow efficiency of ships. Strategically positioned fins create a controlled counterflow in the water before it reaches the propeller, reducing energy losses caused by the swirl of the rotating propeller. This leads to increased thrust per unit of energy consumed, resulting in better performance and lower fuel consumption.

Using scientifically validated numerical flow analyses (CFD), the engineers can accurately determine the optimal position and angle of the fins. Factors such as speed, load, and sea state are taken into account to ensure the system performs optimally under various operational conditions.

The Pre-Swirl Stator can achieve fuel savings of 4 to 8%, directly contributing to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. This technology, together with other Pre-swirl and Post-swirl devices, supports the environmental objectives of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), such as the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). These initiatives aim to improve the energy performance of ships and reduce the ecological footprint of global shipping.

This type of ESD can be applied to both newbuilds and existing vessels, ensuring lasting efficiency improvements for various ship types, such as dry cargo ships, RoRo vessels, and passenger ships. By continuously contributing to better propulsion performance and reduced environmental impact, this technology supports the transition to more sustainable shipping.

Propeller Boss Cap Fin (PBCF) reduces propeller vortices for more efficient propulsion and lower fuel consumption.

Propeller Boss Cap Fin (PBCF): An Effective ESD

The Propeller Boss Cap Fin (PBCF) is an innovative addition to the ship’s propeller that increases the ship’s thrust. Unlike standard boss caps, which primarily serve to protect the propeller, the PBCF offers measurable benefits for propulsion. The optimized design of this ESD improves the flow around the propeller hub, reducing tip vortices and vibrations, as well as decreasing cavitation. This results in more efficient propulsion and less noise, contributing to greater onboard comfort.

Integration of a PBCF

Integrating the Propeller Boss Cap Fin (PBCF) into the propeller system can provide fuel savings of 0.5 to 2%, depending on operational conditions and ship type. Although this percentage may seem modest, larger vessels, such as container ships and bulk carriers, can still realize significant annual savings in both fuel costs and CO2 emissions. The exact savings of this energy-optimizing system depend on factors such as speed, load, and sea conditions. These factors can be analyzed in detail with computer-controlled flow simulations (CFD).

ESDs: Twisted Rudder and Rudder Bulb

The Rudder Bulb helps recover energy by weakening the hub vortex caused by the ship’s propeller. This reduces energy loss and optimizes flow along the rudder. The Twisted Rudder has a curved leading edge that further improves flow, leading to better propulsion performance. Together, these technologies can improve a ship’s thrust by up to 5%, depending on the conditions. Additionally, these energy-saving devices contribute to lower fuel costs and reduce harmful emissions, reducing the shipping industry’s environmental footprint.

Rudder Bulb (ESD) reduces vortices behind the propeller for more efficient ship propulsion and lower emissions.

Energy Saving Device (ESD) in Practice

As an example, a ship management company installed a Pre-Swirl Stator (PSS) on two existing coastal vessels. A CFD study showed that this type of Energy Saving Device (ESD) significantly improved propulsion efficiency, with an increase of more than 4%. This improvement in energy efficiency led to a payback period of less than two years, making the PSS a highly cost-effective solution for both fuel savings and promoting sustainability in maritime and coastal shipping.

More about this project
Explore more projects >
Installation of a Pre-Swirl Stator (PSS) on a coastal vessel for more efficient ship propulsion and lower emissions.

Contact Us

Contact Details Berger Maritiem:

Street and Postal Code:

Steur 50, 3344 JJ

City:

Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht

Country:

Netherlands

Phone Number:

+31 78 6 414 525

Email Address:

[email protected]

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Project Information: Energy Saving Devices

  • Customer: Samshipping
  • Energy Saving Device (ESD): Pre-Swirl Stator (PSS)
  • Destination: Two coastal vessels
  • Executed by our partner: VICUSdt

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