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What Is Azipod Propulsion System On Ship Marine Insight

The azipod propulsion system combines propulsion and steering into a single unit called a pod. The pod contains an electric motor that drives a submerged propeller and can rotate 360 degrees. This allows the ship to change direction without rudders and provides greater maneuverability compared to conventional fixed propeller systems. The azipod system takes up less space as it lacks shafting and engines, and provides environmental benefits like lower emissions. However, azipods require more initial investment and power generation than traditional systems.

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Affan Khalif
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504 views4 pages

What Is Azipod Propulsion System On Ship Marine Insight

The azipod propulsion system combines propulsion and steering into a single unit called a pod. The pod contains an electric motor that drives a submerged propeller and can rotate 360 degrees. This allows the ship to change direction without rudders and provides greater maneuverability compared to conventional fixed propeller systems. The azipod system takes up less space as it lacks shafting and engines, and provides environmental benefits like lower emissions. However, azipods require more initial investment and power generation than traditional systems.

Uploaded by

Affan Khalif
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is Azipod Propulsion System on Ship?

Azipod system used on ships is combination of both propulsion and steering systems. In conventional
propulsion system, a large two stroke engine is connected to a shaft, which passes through shaft tunnel
and stern tube and connects to the propeller outside the hull in the aft part of the ship. The steering of
such system is done with the help of a rudder placed in the aft of the propeller.

However, in azipod arrangement, the propulsion and steering systems are combined and made into one
part. The system consists of a propeller which is driven by an electrical motor and the propeller is turned
by the rudder which is connected to the system.

The motor is placed inside the sealed pod and is connected to the propeller. It should be noted that the
sealing of the pod should be perfect otherwise it can damage the whole motor and make the ship
handicap from maneuvering. The motor used for this system is variable frequency electric motor. Using
variable frequency, the rotational speed of the propeller can be controlled i.e. the speed can be increased
or decreased.

The azipod system is also known as POD drive system, where POD stands for Propulsion with Outboard
Electric motor. The whole azipod system is situated outside the hull in the aft of the ship. The azipod can
turn in all the directions i.e. 360 degrees with the help of a rudder, and thus provides a thrust in any
direction which is not possible in the conventional system. The propeller in the pod system is moved by
the rudder which is placed in the steering flat, also the power module for the system.

Understanding the Azipod System

The azipod system is a type of electric propulsion system which consists of three main components:
1) Supply Transformer

The power produced from the generators is as high as 6600 KV, which is stepped down to the necessary
voltage by the supply transformer required and is provided to the motor placed in the pod.

2) Propulsion motor

Propulsion motor is used to drive or to produce thrust. The system needs some method for rotating the
propeller and this is done with the help of electric motor.

3) Frequency Controller/converter

This is used to change the frequency of the supplied power so that the rotating speed of the motor can be
controlled depending on the requirement.
Advantages of Azipod System

1) Greater maneuverability as the propeller can be turned in all directions. This enables better stop
distance during crash maneuvering than that provided by the conventional system.

2) In case of ships having large breadth, two or more azipods which are independent of each other can be
used. This provides subtle maneuvering.

3) It saves a lot of space in the engine room as there is no engine, propeller, shafting and other
arrangements. The saved space can thus be used for storing more cargo.

4) The system can be placed below the ship’s height thus providing more efficiency than the conventional
system.

5) Use of side thruster is eliminated as the pods can be used for providing the side thrust.

6) Low noise and vibrations than the conventional system.

7) Low fuel and lube oil consumption.

8) Environment friendly as emissions are extremely low.

Disadvantages

1) Azipod system requires massive initial cost.

2) A large number of diesel generators are required for producing power.

3) There is a limitation to the power produced by the motor. As of now the maximum power available is
21 MW.

4) Cannot be installed in large ships with heavy cargo which need a lot of power and large motors.

Related posts:

1. Electrical Propulsion System in Ships


2. Electric Propulsion System for Ship: Does it have a Future in the Shipping?
3. The Cutting Edge Emergency Propulsion System by Marinevest Engineering
4. SISHIP EcoProp: A Diesel-Electric Hybrid Propulsion System by Siemen
5. The Sail Propulsion System for Cargo Ships by B9 Shipping

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