SHIP PROPULSION

Ship (Marine) propulsion

Mechanism used to move a ship across water

(engine turning a propeller)

Choice of a suitable powerplant depends on:

size of the ship speed (type of cargo) length, duration of voyage cost (operational expenses) fuel

Diesel Engine
In 1892 Rudolph Diesel

invented the compression ignition engine The most widely used propulsion Two-stroke (large engines) Four-stroke (auxiliary e.)

Diesel Engine
PROS: most efficient prime mover lower fuel consumption less bunker space CONS: more expensive to build and maintain more noise and vibration heavier

Steam Turbine
Marine steam turbine was

developed by Sir Charles Algernon Parsons Low noise, low weight, low maintenance costs, more space obtained (power /weight ratio raised) BUT higher fuel consumption

Steam Turbine
Most new-build ships with

steam turbines are specialist vessels such as nuclear-powered vessels, and certain merchant vessels (LNG, coal carriers) where cargo can be used as bunker fuel.

Diesel electric drive

Large cruiser, tankers,

ferries, ro-ro passenger ships and LNG carriers PRINCIPLE 1. diesel engine connected to a generator
2. Generators drive

electric motors
3. Electric motors drive

the shaft

Turbo-electric drive
PRINCIPLE
1.Turbines generate

mechanical energy and drive generators

Generators convert

mechanical into electrical energy and drive motors

Motors convert back the

electrical into mechanical energy and drive the propeller shaft

Gas turbine
A compressor draws in

and compresses atmospheric air. A combustion system where fuel is injected, mixed with compressed air and burned. Power turbine to the shaft. Poor thermal efficiency at low power.

Nuclear propulsion
Submarines,

navy ships (aircraft carriers), icebreakers.