According to German propulsion company Schottel, owners, naval architects and shipyards are increasingly turning to environmentally friendly propulsion technologies for large yachts, focusing on thruster efficiency and thruster usability in conjunction with diesel-electric ship concepts.
The Schottel EcoPeller (SRE) is considered to meet these requirements. It can be ordered with power ratings up to 5,400kW per thruster and is currently provided for several new build yachts. With lengths of up to 100m, the super- and gigayachts will each be equipped with two SREs ranging from power ratings of 560kW up to models with 1,250kW per unit. With many other projects on the way, the company is seeing the SRE rapidly rise in popularity in the yacht sector.
Because the SRE is a 360-degree azimuth thruster, it offers maximum manoeuvrability. This advantage is extremely valuable in ports or other places requiring high-precision manoeuvring. In addition to this, it provides course-keeping stability and fuel efficiency. It is believed suitable for medium ship speeds in the range between 16 and 18 knots and optimised for open seas and coastal operating conditions. Depending on the general operating conditions, the SRE allows maximum speeds of up to 25 knots.
Thanks to the combination of powerful propeller thrust and lateral force, the SRE fulfils the requirements of a modern high-performance propulsion unit. Its design enables it to produce maximum steering forces with minimum steering angles. It minimises the oblique inflow to the propellers, which leads to ultra-silent operation and top values in terms of overall efficiency. This reduces fuel consumption and ensures lower operating costs and emissions per nautical mile. The fuel savings can also significantly increase the operational range of yachts and allow them to spend more time at sea.
Schottel’s LeaCon seal monitoring system is certified by DNV. As an optional feature of the SRE, it offers protection against seawater contamination caused by operating materials. Separate seals to the seawater and gearbox side ensure that, in the event of seawater coming into the system or gear oil going out of the system, the liquids are collected in an intermediate chamber. LeaCon is used to monitor the condition of the seals, so operational wear can be detected at an early stage and unscheduled maintenance avoided. Given the increasingly stringent environmental regulations, which may result in entry prohibitions for certain areas or ports, LeaCon is thought to represent a sensible investment for yacht owners.
The EcoPeller is considered one of the most space-saving propulsion systems due to its compact design. The combination of an ultra-compact azimuth module and an electric motor with low installation height (’embedded L-Drive’) gives designers and architects more freedom and leaves more space to be used for other purposes. The system’s PM motors can be supplied by SCHOTTEL or obtained from the customer’s choice of manufacturer.
The patented HTG gearbox, which is standard in the SRE, ensures low noise and vibration levels. In addition, the well of the thruster can be decoupled from the hull by means of an elastic installation, which further dampens vibration and sound transmission. This ensures undisturbed comfort. As the EcoPeller combines modern propulsion with comfort and efficiency, SCHOTTEL expects a steady increase in demand.
