CFD Investigation of Hydrodynamic Performance Enhancement of B-Series Propeller with Different Boss Cap Fins

Abstract

The need to improve propulsion systems is being required, especially the current trends for transition into renewable energy that continuously boost the development of electric-powered vehicles, including marine transportation such as electric boats. Propeller Boss Cap Fins (PBCF) are most simple yet effective for increasing the propulsion system’s efficiency, which is urgently needed to ensure the reliability of the electric boat’s propulsion. This paper presents a numerical investigation into the improvement of propeller B-series by adding various PBCFs with converging and diverging boss caps configurations with different fin profiles; the standard rectangular and hydrofoil NACA 4412. The open-water performance test is conducted using the MRF (moving-reference frame) method with the k-ω SST turbulence model to evaluate the following system and reproduce the optimized propeller’s performance curve. The investigation proves that using the PBCF in the overall model successfully lowers the hub vortex strength, thus reducing the net absorbed torque, increasing the blade thrust and improving the propeller’s efficiency. Hydrofoil fin profiles achieve the highest possible output by up to +1.98% and +4.6% efficiency increase on convergent and divergent caps, respectively. Finally, it is expected that the improvement could elevate the capability of electric boat’s propulsion, lower operational costs, extend battery usage and ensure its reliability as water transportation for mobilizing people, goods and services.