CFD-based hull-engine-propeller matching study after retrofitting propeller boss-cap-fin (PBCF)

Abstract

Propeller boss-cap-fin (PBCF) is an energy-saving device that can improve propeller propulsion efficiency. The addition of PBCF influences both the propeller characteristic and the engine behaviour. However, there is limited research on the integrated design of PBCF and ship propulsion system.In this paper, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods are used to simulate the PBCF performance and the interactions between PBCF and the propeller. The Wageningen B series propellers are used to investigate the PBCF geometry parameters effects on the propeller hydrodynamics. An influence fraction of PBCF is defined and used to modify the propeller open-water characteristic, which is used in the hull-engine-propeller matching process. Then, PBCF is added into the matching process as a module to realize the hull-engine-propeller and PBCF matching. Multiple groups of matching tests with PBCF are set up to investigate its influences on the matching characteristics.In summary, a new ship-propeller-engine matching method for propellers with PBCF has been investigated in this paper, and systematic insights of the influence of PBCF on the propulsion system are provided. The interactions between PBCF and matching characteristic parameters are important to ship propulsion system design and comprehensive evaluation of PBCF performance.