Germany: Voith Develops State-of-the-Art VIP Rim Drive System

New Super Light Carbon Fiber 45mt of Kaiserwerft will use the revolutionary Voith Inline Propulsor System for a better efficiency and more economical cruise. In collaboration with Kaiserwerft shipyard, Voith is driving numeric and tank tests since long time in Vienna Model Basin Ltd.

A Revolutionary Propulsor System

Using the latest technology, Voith developed this state-of-the-art rim drive system: Voith Inline Propulsor (VIP). The steerable Voith Inline Propulsor (VIP), combined with a nozzle, is designed as a main propulsor or assist system for DP or tracking modes, while providing the highest comfort-class criteria.

General specifications

The Voith Inline Propulsor systems are driven by an integrated permanent magnetic (PM) synchronous ring motor.

The motor windings are housed in the stator, the permanent magnets are housed in the rotor. The rotor is supported by water-lubricated bearings for the radial and axial load. The propeller blades made from Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) are directly connected to the inner ring of the rotor, which eliminates the need for a central shaft or gearbox. The sense of rotation, as well as the speed, is controlled by frequency converters.

Thruster housings are pressure-tested to verify water tightness and are filled with resin to encapsulate all electric parts and permanent magnets.

Blades

The fixed pitch blades are made from Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (CFRP). Each blade, employing a special coating system, is individually replaceable and highly resistant to cavitation. Power and monitoring cables Voith uses high-performance underwater cables and connectors for the monitoring as well as for the power supply of the thruster systems.

Performance

Exceptionally high dynamic performance. PM motors deliver high torques – even at low revolutions. High acceleration in combination with instant thrust values increase the dynamic behavior of the vessel. VIP thruster is designed for optimum thrust in its preferred operating direction.

Reduced noise / Vibration emissions

The unique design of the VIP results in significantly reduced noise and vibration emissions. With conventional propellers there are two key reasons for noise:

• The propeller tip clearance, i.e. the distance between hull and the tip of the blades
• Shaft-induced cavitation due to the support structure

Both elements are not present in the VIP design, therefore noise and vibration emissions are greatly reduced.

Less installation space

New compact azimuthing propulsion system requires significantly less installation space without any other propulsion elements outside of the engine room such as Shaft, P-Bracket or Rudder.

Test facility – FAT

Voith tests all propellers under realistic conditions by using an in-water test facility. During factory acceptance tests, thrusters are operated per classification rules in real conditions. The test program includes verification of thrust performance, thermal behavior, endurance, insulation, and high voltage test.

[mappress]

Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, November 02, 2012