Controllable-pitch propeller design process for a wind-powered car-carrier optimising for total energy consumption

Wind-powered ship propulsion (WPSP) is the concept where wind main source of thrust, while traditional system operates when needed. This type can lead to considerably reduced emissions, something that shipping community striving for. A well-known example WPSP Oceanbird with goal cut emissions up 90%. In this study, propeller design process for a wind-powered car-carrier (wPCC) such as investigated, what various challenges are and therefore how an automated optimisation procedure should be approached. controllable-pitch was selected suitable operation wPCC, functions windmilling, feathering harvesting have been explored. Regarding procedure, essential input definition operational profile, in order determine most important conditions route. The objective minimisation total energy consumption (TEC), calculated based on selection using potential flow solver MPUF-3A. Cavitation has evaluated by blade designer, through interactive method. results showed designing optimising highly loaded condition led solutions lowest TEC.