Different Types of Ship & Marine Propulsion
In ship & marine equipment industry there are a few expectations that boat operators might have for their propulsion systems— low fuel consumption, high engine efficiency, high uptime, good performance, and easy operation. In addition to these consumer expectations, marine propulsion system designers also have to consider factors such as how it will affect the marine ecosystem and maintain cost efficiency during production.
Other considerations, such as the boats operating and load requirements, need to be considered as well. Because of all of the competing expectations and requirements, there is not a “one size fits all” kind of engine— there are many options to choose from: including diesel, wind, nuclear, gas turbine, fuel cell, solar, steam turbine, diesel-electric, and gas fuel or tri-fuel propulsion systems.
- Diesel propulsion is the most commonly used engine system. They convert mechanical energy from thermal forces.
- Wind propulsion has been considered because it doesn’t produce emissions that contaminate the environment. However, it is not the most practical choice— especially for large commercial ships— because what powers this system (wind) is constantly fluctuating.
- Nuclear propulsion is a very complex system and is most commonly used on naval vessels.
- Gas turbine propulsion produces faster movement and is used on both naval and non-naval vessels.
- Fuel cell propulsion has been considered a clean process and is a potential alternative to other systems that use combustion to generate power— which produces exhaust.
- Solar propulsion reduces carbon dioxide emissions.
- Steam turbine propulsion was commonly used in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century.
- Diesel-electric propulsion are often used in submarines and merchant ships.
- Gas fuel or tri fuel propulsion can burn gas, diesel, and heavy fuel.
Determining what the most optimal engine will be depends on many factors which can vary in importance based on the operating and load requirements. Considering how much marine propulsion has evolved in the last couple centuries— we can look forward to seeing how efficient they will become in the future.
At Purchasing 3Sixty, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all the aviation and marine parts you need, new or obsolete. As a premier supplier of parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries, we’re always available and ready to help you find all the aviation parts and equipment you need, 24/7x365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@purchasing3sixty.com or call us at +1-714-705-4780.
Share
