It doesn’t matter if you are using underwater propulsion systems for a personal or commercial purpose, Submarines, ROV’s and AUV’s have been used for centuries.
An underwater propulsion device is an item related to underwater vehicles. Such items can be related to any submersible vehicle. We have the most advanced underwater propulsion devices in the world. Our electric thrusters, for example, are of superior design and offer speed and reliability.
Underwater Propulsion Facts and Information
Every propulsion system using a propeller of a specified diameter will have a theoretical maximum kinetic power conversion capability to convert energy of some form to turn the propeller and produce kinetic energy of the water mass that will generate thrust.
To compare the performance of two thrusters, it is appropriate to compare two propulsion designs of comparable propeller diameters. In order to properly evaluate different thruster systems, it is important to understand and consider the size of the units, as the propeller diameter has a big impact on the theoretical level of thrust produced by each horsepower of input.
The necessary data is easily available on most specification sheets from each manufacturer to obtain different values of thrust with corresponding input power. In some cases, input power is only provided indirectly by giving Hydraulic Pressure and Flow Rate, or for electrical motors by giving voltage and current.
All of these parameters will provide values of input power at that thrust level. The kinetic jet energy can be calculated by the equation given earlier and efficiencies can be determined for each device.
Efficiency of Underwater Propulsion
Establishing the Power Efficiency of a thruster is an effective way to compare propulsion systems. All the is needed for the comparison are easily available data from manufacturers which includes Thrust capabilities with their respective Input Power requirements to produce this propulsion force.
The efficiency of converting this energy into propulsive force is universal and all propulsion systems can be measured against the ideal Power-to-Thrust conversion curves. Not only do propeller designs have a power conversion ratio (efficiency) but so do the motors and the transmission system between the motor and the propeller, whether this consists of a gear box or a hydraulic power unit.
In the pursuit of ultimate efficiency of power conversion, it is shown that a direct drive system is the most efficient configuration. Every phase of power conversion absorbs energy and the most direct method is always simplest and most efficient. It may not be the most compact but in terms of system reliability, dependability and efficiency, it is always master.
We also offer a different range of hydraulic thrusters, which are efficient systems used for other remotely operated vehicles or ROV’s, AUV’s, UUV’s, submarines, and other underwater vehicles.