A new film focused on a rigorous set of model test at MARIN verifies how real-world performance of ABB Dynafin™ propulsion will match expectations when installed on a superyacht.
The trials, conducted over a six-month period, are the culmination of a two-year collaboration between ABB and OCEANCO to refine the revolutionary ABB Dynafin™ propulsion solution for a superyacht application. The film documents model tests overseen by Dr. Jie Dang, Senior Project Manager, MARIN, which confirm that efficiency gains anticipated for the revolutionary propulsion system in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations are reflected in reality.
Inspired by the movement of a whale’s tail, ABB Dynafin™ is a pioneering cycloidal propulsion concept resulting from over a decade of research, development, and testing. With individually controlled vertical blades creating a ‘trochoidal’ blade path, the technology is highly efficient.
Commenting on the trials, OCEANCO Research Development Manager, Evy de Maeyer, explains how yacht owners increasingly focus on efficiency and sustainability, as well as guest comfort, when they consider vessel performance. New regulations, higher operating costs and – most importantly – client demands are driving requirements to reduce fuel costs and carbon emissions.
“This is where ABB Dynafin™ hybrid propulsion comes in”, de Maeyer says. "Combined with batteries, the solution will allow a yacht to switch seamlessly from silent emission free electric mode in harbor to high- speed cruising with generators running on methanol or Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). The hybrid approach offers a versatile and energy efficient solution that we believe is the future of yachting.”
Marco Meinardi, Project Design Manager, OCEANCO, says that the new research shows that potential exists to reduce fuel consumption by 20 percent using ABB Dynafin™, “which is a big step forward in sustainable yachting.”
“OCEANCO is proud to be at the forefront of this development, collaborating together with ABB to push the boundaries of what’s possible within the yachting industry,” adds Paris Baloumis, Group Marketing Director, OCEANCO.
“ABB Dynafin™ is all about high efficiency combined with superior maneuverability. We are excited about this collaboration with OCEANCO and look forward to implementing Dynafin™ together with our customers,” says Janne Pohjalainen, Global Product Line Manager, ABB Dynafin™, ABB’s Marine & Ports division.
