Abstract
This paper presents a comparative analysis between single and twin-screw propulsion systems of a bulk carrier to evaluate the ship and propeller performance in terms of fuel consumption as well as to discuss the cavitation and noise criteria. An optimization model is developed to select the optimum propeller geometry and operational point along the engine load diagram for the selected engines of each case. The engines are selected from the same series due to the same behaviour along the engine load diagram. The propellers are selected from the B-series as fixed-pitch propellers. It has been concluded that while the components of the single-screw propulsion system are larger than the twin-screw, the single-screw propulsion system shows a reduction in fuel consumption than the twin screw by around 19%, thus affecting the amount of exhaust emissions from the ship. This model helps the ship designers to select a suitable propeller to improve the energy efficiency of the ships.
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Abbreviations
- A, b :
-
Linear inequality constraints
- A eq, b eq :
-
Linear equality constraints
- BSFC:
-
Brake-specific fuel consumption
- c :
-
Inequality constraints
- CAPEX:
-
Capital expenditure
- c eq :
-
Equality constraints
- CFD:
-
Computational fluid dynamics
- CO2 :
-
Carbon dioxide
- CPP:
-
Controllable-pitch propellers
- D :
-
Propeller diameter
- EAR:
-
Expanded area ratio
- EGR:
-
Exhaust gas recirculation
- f(x):
-
Objective of the optimization model
- FC:
-
Fuel consumption
- FPP:
-
Fixed-pitch propellers
- g :
-
Penalty function
- GBR:
-
Gearbox ratio
- IMO:
-
International Maritime Organization
- j :
-
Number of constraints
- J A :
-
Advance speed
- k q :
-
Torque coefficient
- K T :
-
Thrust coefficient
- lb :
-
Lower bounds
- N :
-
Propeller speed
- NOx :
-
Nitrogen oxides
- OPEX:
-
Operating expenses
- P :
-
Propeller pitch
- P B :
-
Brake power
- R :
-
Constant
- RPM:
-
Revoluation per minute
- R Total :
-
Ship resistance
- SOx :
-
Sulphur oxides
- t :
-
Thrust deduction fraction
- ub:
-
Upper bounds
- V s :
-
Ship speed
- V s-max :
-
Top ship speed
- w :
-
Wake fraction
- x :
-
Optimization variables
- Z :
-
Propeller blades
- η o :
-
Open water efficiency
- ηRR:
-
Relative rotative efficiency
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Competing interest C. Guedes Soares is one of Editors for the Journal of Marine Science and Application and was not involved in the editorial review, or the decision to publish this article. All authors declare that there are no other competing interests.
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Article Highlights
• A comparative analysis between single and twin-screw propulsion systems of a bulk carrier is performed.
• An optimization model is developed to select the optimum propeller geometry and operational point along the engine load diagram.
• The single-screw propulsion system shows a reduction in fuel consumption than the twin screw by around 19%.
• The developed model helps in the selection of a suitable propeller.
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Tadros, M., Ventura, M. & Guedes Soares, C. Fuel Consumption Analysis of Single and Twin-Screw Propulsion Systems of a Bulk Carrier. J. Marine. Sci. Appl. 22, 741–750 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11804-023-00372-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11804-023-00372-4