Efficient, sustainable and bioinspired electric marine propulsion system
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Dolprop Industries AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 675 000 |
| Project duration | October 2021 - March 2024 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Eurostars |
Important results from the project
The purpose of the project has been to bring new technology to market that is clean, quiet and efficient compared to existing marine propulsion systems. By combining Dolprop´s fluke technology with SeaDrive´s pod technology, this has proven possible. The project´s primary objective has been to produce a pre-commercial prototype for a new maritime propulsion system based on a combination of fin and pod technology. This objective is met and the technology´s functionality proven through tests performed in an operational environment on full-scale commercial hulls from Strana eBoats.
Expected long term effects
The expected outcome of the project was to demonstrate the advantages of combining pod technology with genetic engineering in order to achieve increased efficiency and a lower noise level. The project results show an efficiency at the level of expected results. Lower noise is follow as an inevitable effect of the fluke not cavitating, which is one of the main sources of the problematic underwater noise caused by traditional propulsion systems. Further and more detailed measurements of this will be made in coming development stages.
Approach and implementation
The project has been divided into several work packages (WP). WP 1 has been about optimization of the fluke technology. WP2 has been about pod optimization. WP3 has been about mechanical integration of the fluke technology into the pod. WP4 has been about the full system integration, including drive&control aspects and benchmarking. WP5 has been about piloting the technology together with end-users, in practical terms together with Orust e-boats. Extensive theory analysis has been conducted, including CFD-analyses. Tests in operational environment is fulfilled for verification.