Already delivering decisive efficiency gains to an ever-increasing variety of ship types, ABB AzipodĀ® electric propulsion now benefits from an automated steering function that helps further minimize fuel consumption and emissions.
The new digital solution, ABB Abilityā¢ OptimE ā Toe Angle Optimization for Propulsion, supports crew in achieving maximum propulsion efficiency by automatically selecting the optimal steering angle for the shipās AzipodĀ® system. With ABB Abilityā¢ OptimE, further fuel savings of up to 1.5 percent are achievable depending on a shipās operating profile, in addition to AzipodĀ® propulsionās ability to cut fuel consumption by up to 20 percent when compared with a traditional shaftline setup.
Without requiring any additional skills from the crew, the digital solution adds a new dimension to proven AzipodĀ® systems efficiencies, which have already saved more than 1,000,000 tons of fuel in the cruise sector alone. ABB Abilityā¢ OptimE automatically adjusts the steering angle to achieve continuous optimal flow through the propulsors, taking prevailing operational needs and working conditions into account.
āMaximizing the energy efficiency of assets is a top priority for ABB and we are delighted to demonstrate yet further fuel savings and emission reductions in our AzipodĀ® propulsion systems,ā said Antto Shemeikka, Vice President Digital Services, ABB Marine & Ports. āWe view the ship as a system where hardware and software operate seamlessly together to deliver maximum efficiency. We believe that every shipowner using AzipodĀ® technology will want to capitalize on the further efficiency gains enabled by ABB Abilityā¢ OptimE.ā
Suitable both for newbuilds and retrofitting, ABB Abilityā¢ OptimE is the latest example of the growing number of ABB Marine & Ports āBridge to Propellerā integrated solutions for ships, which include bridge control, sensors, digital reporting, automation, and propulsion technology.
ABB AzipodĀ® propulsion is a gearless steerable propulsion system where the electric drive motor is in a submerged pod outside the shipās hull. AzipodĀ® units can rotate through 360 degrees to increase maneuverability and operating efficiency. Due to minimal noise and vibration, AzipodĀ® propulsion also improves passenger and crew comfort.
ABBĀ is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABBās success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries.Ā www.abb.com