Hybrid Marine Pod Drive Layout for Compact Dual-Propeller Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine pod drives with two propellers face challenges in achieving compact dimensions and high reliability while meeting environmental and efficiency demands, particularly with the integration of electric drive machines.
Innovation Solution
A marine pod drive design with a first propeller at the trailing end and a second propeller at the leading end, driven by a combination of a mechanical drive machine inside the hull and an electric motor within the pod, allowing independent operation and control, and featuring a hybrid or all-electric configuration for enhanced efficiency and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical drive train with shafts and transmission elements is used to connect the drive machine to the propellers, then the power transmission is reliable, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the lower bevel gear unit from the drive train, extracting the problematic mechanical transmission element that caused complexity and maintenance issues. The drive machine is repositioned to eliminate the need for this gear unit, simplifying the overall drive train while maintaining reliable power transmission to both propellers.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system is segmented into two independent drive machines - one for each propeller. This segmentation allows each propeller to be driven independently, reducing the complexity of the overall system while maintaining reliable power transmission. Each drive machine can be optimized separately, and failures in one do not necessarily affect the other.
2Volume of moving object
If the drive machine is positioned inside the pod to achieve compact dimensions, then the pod outline dimensions are reduced, but the drive machine arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The drive machine is repositioned from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement within the pod. This dimensional change allows the drive train components to be stacked vertically rather than arranged horizontally, achieving compact pod dimensions while simplifying the mechanical connection to the propellers and reducing the number of transmission elements required.
3Power
If conventional marine pod drives with two propellers are used, then propulsion capability is improved, but the pod dimensions and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drive machines and their associated drive trains into a single integrated pod unit. By combining both drive machines and their simplified drive trains within one compact pod, the system achieves high propulsion power while minimizing the overall volume occupied by the propulsion system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging the propellers in a conventional configuration, the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning both propellers at the rear of the pod, one above the other. This inverted arrangement, combined with the repositioned drive machine, achieves high propulsion power in a compact volume by eliminating the need for intermediate transmission elements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design achieves compact dimensions, high hydrodynamic efficiency, and reliability with independent propeller control, enabling eco-friendly operation, reduced maintenance, and energy generation capabilities, while supporting various power modes.
Implementation Method 1
a second electric motor which is arranged inside a housing of the pod
Implementation Method 2
the first propeller is arranged at a trailing end of the pod and the second propeller is arranged at a leading end of the pod, so that the first propeller works as a pushing propeller and the second propeller works as a pulling propeller
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a marine pod drive (1, 2) with a first propeller (11) and a second propeller (21), which are arranged at a pod (5). The marine pod drive (1, 2) comprising a first drive machine (10, 210), which drives the first propeller (11) and a second drive machine (20), which drives the second propeller (21). The first drive machine (10, 210) is operatively connected to the first propeller (11) via a drive train (3) comprising a vertical shaft (15) and a lower bevel gear unit (16). The second drive machine (20) is an electric motor, which is arranged inside a housing (4) of the pod (5). The first propeller (11) is arranged at a trailing end of the pod (5) and the second propeller (21) is arranged at a leading end of the pod (5). The invention further relates to a ship (100, 200) with such a marine pod drive (1, 2).