Hydrodynamic state of art review: Rotor ⇓ stator marine propulsor systems design

Abstract

The paper covers the important topic of rotor–stator propulsor system design and operation. For the stand-alone marine screw propeller, both the design criteria for loading distribution and the theoretical efficiency limits are well described in the basic literature. This is in contrast to the combined propulsor system like a propeller cooperating with a pre-swirl device. The paper describes the current state of the art, summarising results obtained by various researchers by installing energy-saving devices on particular vessels. The design methods utilised are briefly outlined, with the main characteristics underlined. Rough analysis of the gathered data confirms the expected trend that a higher efficiency gain due to ESD installation is possible for a higher propeller loading.