Azipod. Ship Design. Machinery
Azipod Propulsion System. General information.
Azipod propulsion system is considered to be one of the most effective systems of additional thrust installed on the ships. However, its installation may cause some changes in the design of the ship due to the need for the fitting of some additional modules for Azipod itself (Bos, 2013). Azipod is widely used on cruise liners and heavy bulkers in order to increase their maneuverability. Hence, this system is really popular all over the world. Yet many specialists argue that Azipod has a lot of drawbacks that may in the future lead to the main engine dysfunction (Lehtelä, 2012).
Installation of the Azipod Propulsion System
In order to install Azipod propulsion system the engineers should take a few factors into account. The first thing to do is to choose the Azipod system. It may be either medium or slow speed engine. The next step is mounting of Azipod on the ship. This should be done carefully in order to get the most efficiency from the use of the Azipod system (Niini, 1997). The main advantage of Azipod engine works on electricity and is installed separately from the main engines. This means that the operational principle of the main engine is not altered and isnot influenced by Azipod engine. What is more the additional propulsion system allows to redistribute the loading between the main and additional engine (Petteri, 2004). However, Azipod requires additional modules that will control its operation. These modules should be connected to the main computer and what is of more importance it should be done properly so that to avoid software conflicts (Bos, 2013). Moreover, engineers should mount steering control and Azipod propulsion control. Azipod engine is installed in the vessel at the late stage just before ship launching (Lehtelä, 2012). This means improved cash flow for the builder as the parts are delivered to the yards right on time. In the scenario Azipod propulsion system is to be installed on a cruise liner. This way, the ship builders should discuss the type of Azipod system, which will be mounted on a vessel. There are quite a few types of the engines depending on their power, shape and operational principle.
Advantages of the Azipod
The main advantage of the Azipod is that it can be fitted almost on all types of ships. Moreover, it allows to control the noise produced by the engines as Azipod runs on electricity and it is fitted outside the ship’s hull (Bos, 2013). As given in the scenario the Azipod propulsion is due to be installed on a cruise liner. This decision will enable the vessel to be more independent from the tugboats given that Azipod system will increase the maneuverability of the ship (New.abb.com, 2017). In addition to that, Azipod serves to decrease the amount of fuel consumed by the main engine. These factors are vital for every ship builder. That is why Azipod was chosen as the most economically advantageous option.
When it comes to energy saving …
