During trade show Europort, Finnish maritime technology group Wärtsilä is revealing its new pre-swirl stator announcing a higher fuel efficiency by up to 10 %.
The so-called »EnergoFlow« is described as an energy saving solution that will return ship operators‘ investment »in les[ds_preview]s than two years« by reducing the power losses which occur in the propeller‘s slipstream with an optimised inflow.
The design is said to guide one side of the stern flow in the opposite direction of the propeller rotation. The stator‘s multiple fins, which are attached to the ship‘s hull, »optimise the flow into the propeller and prevent power losses. The curved fins minimise the viscous resistance while the ring connecting the fins at their tips decreases the peak stress of each fin.«
Largest impact on full form vessels
»Wärtsilä‘s solution enables the accurate directing of the pre-swirl flow. This in turn supports our customers in their fuel saving efforts by lowering resistance,« says Tamara de Gruyter, Vice President, Propulsion System Services.
According to an official statement, the impact of the EnergoFlow on fuel consumption is the largest on bulk carriers, tankers, and other full form vessels. Bulk carriers, for instance, can see fuel savings in the 10 % range. However, regardless of ship type, »the EnergoFlow pays for itself within 1-2 years of operation.«
