Built for heavy duty operations, designed with focus on hydrodynamic- and total energy efficiency with low drag, good manoeuvrability and course stability
Through its high propulsion- and hydrodynamic efficiency and operational reliability, Brunvoll Propulsion Azimuth Thruster is an important contribution to reduced operating expenses for owners and operators.
Combined with Brunvoll’s industry leading service and support, the azimuth thruster is a perfect choice for most ships where operational reliability and excellent operating characteristics in demanding conditions matters.
For shipyards, the azimuth thruster design allows for an easy and problem free installation.
The thruster has proven high propulsion and hydrodynamic efficiency with optimal manoeuvrability and course stability. It is designed for maximum uptime, longevity, and serviceability.
Low noise and vibration levels and hydrodynamic efficiency are paramount factors. Structure and hydrodynamic integration is therefore always detailed in close cooperation with the ship designer and yard.
Full Feathering is an option on standard CP-propeller systems. On a feathering propeller the blade angle can be adjusted to be in line with the water flow for minimum resistance in transit and additional energy savings.
The Direct On-Line (DOL) starter consists of a contactor and a protection device such as a circuit breaker. The contactor is energized when the start button is pressed, and the full line voltage is connected to the motor. Motor is started with propeller in zero pitch position (IZP).
The star-delta starter method applies reduced voltage to the motor, thus reducing current, during startup. This method requires that both ends of motor winding terminals are available. When connected in star each winding has less voltage (1 / √3 ~ 60%), and thus will have reduced starting current and torque. When full speed is reached the motor is connected in delta, having full torque available. Propeller pitch can be increased, and load applied when motor is connected in delta. Motor is started with propeller in zero pitch position (IZP).
Auto-Transformer also applies reduced voltage in steps to the motor during startup. The transformer voltage ratio can be designed to the application, typically having a 50-70% motor voltage during startup. The motor consumes less current at a lower starting voltage. For example, with a 50% tap on the Auto-Transformer, the motor draws half its rated current, or about 25% of what it would draw with a DOL starter. Motor is started with propeller in zero pitch position (IZP).
An electronic soft starter is a starting device that controls the way electricity is provided to the motor by using active switching devices such as thyristors. The device works in both in-line and in-delta configuration modes in three-phase motors.
This starting method is ramping up the motor voltage in the starting sequence resulting in a reduced start-up current, allowing for a smooth and surge-free increase in motor torque. The voltage dips, stress, and wear and tear on the mechanical parts are all reduced as a result. Due to the thyristors there will be harmonic distortion of the current, and the influence on system voltage will depend on starting current and system impedance. Motor is started with propeller in zero pitch position (IZP).
This is an electronic-controlled approach for starting asynchronous motors smoothly. It controls the frequency and current for the motor with electronics inverter circuits, avoiding large startup current. The thruster system's mechanical parts will be protected from high load because of the smooth start-up, and the this will also reduce the load on generators during startup compared to line-starter options. Depending on required performance torque and current may be below nominal values during startup. This is the high-end solution for the starting the thrusters, giving benefits such as smooth start, better energy economy, reduced wear and tear and process optimization. Other benefits include motor speed stability during load changes and a longer motor life overall. Motor is started with propeller in zero pitch position (IZP).
Frequency converter starters may have different interface towards the main switchboard where 6-pulse rectifier is the most common, but both 12/24 pulse and Active Frontend (AFE) are used.6-pulse starters are the most common type, widely used due to the compact design and availability.The disadvantage with the 6-pulse starter is the increased THD during startup, particularly in smaller power system with large thrusters this might be an issue.
To mitigate the THD a 12 or 24 pulse transformer and rectifier may be chosen, typically used for larger thrusters in larger ships.
Frequency converter starters with active front end guarantees sinusoidal current and does not require a transformer. The AFE rectifier and LCL filter is more spacious than the 6-pulse rectifier and is suitable for high end solutions and ships with relatively small power system compared to thruster power.
Brunvoll is a system supplier that takes responsibility from the early design phase or the conceptual design. As a system supplier we recommend completing our propulsion and thruster systems with our propulsion and thruster controls, and systems for positioning, manoeuvring and condition monitoring. The earlier Brunvoll is involved in a project, the better our products and systems can be integrated and optimised for the specific vessel.
One source - one responsibility
For optimal performance Brunvoll takes responsibility for delivering complete systems and for providing support throughout the lifetime; from design, production, installation and commissioning, through daily operation.
Ask us for a complete system including:
Compile your vessel from Brunvoll's product range
The wide product range gives a unique configuration flexibility of integrated propulsion, manoeuvring and automation systems, see Propulsion Systems.
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