b'MEMBER NEWSABB Unveils Propulsion Concept Based on Motion of Whale TailsA BB recently introduced ABBsion power system, the concept is alsoincludingferriesforpassengersand Dynafinanewconceptfullycompatiblewithzero-emissionvehicles, offshore support vessels oper-, forapropulsionsysteminbattery and fuel cell technologies. ating at wind farms, and yachts. By re-the marine industry. Inspired by theducing vibrations and noise levels, the dynamic motions of a whales tail, theInitially available in the power rangesystem improves passenger and crew innovative concept is the result of overof 14 MW per unit, the new propul- comfort. In addition, the propulsion adecadeofresearch,development,sionconceptisparticularlyeffectiveconceptdeliverssuperiormaneuver-andtesting.PVAassociatememberfor medium-sized and smaller vessels,ability, and positioning performance.ABB estimates that the first prototype will be available in 2025.TheconceptfeaturesamainelectricINNOVATIVEmotorthatpowersalargewheelro-tating at a moderate 30-80 rounds perUNIQUE minute. Vertical blades, each controlled by an individual motor and control sys- PROVENtem, extend from the wheel. The com-bined motion of the wheel and blades generates propulsion and steering forc-es simultaneously, enabling operational efficiency and precision for ships. The conceptfollowsABBsdesignphilos-ophy in marine propulsion of gearless power transmission.An independent study of ABB Dynaf-in from OSK-ShipTech A/S of a pas-senger vessel design equipped with dif-ferent propulsion solutions has verified savings in propulsion energy consump-tion of up to 22 percent compared to PHOTO COURTESY OF ABBconventionalshaftlineconfiguration. This can deliver significant savings in fuelconsumptionandhelptoavoid emissions. As part of an electric propul- Bellingham, WA | 360.647.7602Sales@allamericanmarine.com41 JUNE 2023'