Controlling-strategy design and working-principle demonstration of novel anti-winding marine propulsion

Abstract

A traditional propeller can easily become entangled with floating objects while operating. In this paper, we present a newly developed Electromagnetic-valve-control-based Water-jet Propulsion System (ECWPS) for an unmanned surface cleaning vessel that can be flexibly controlled via a Micro Control Unit (MCU). The double-structure was adapted to the unmanned surface cleaning vessel for floating-collection missions. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software for operating effect simulation was also used to reveal the working principle of the ECWPS under different conditions. Neglecting the assembly technique, the design level, controlling strategy, and maneuvering performance of the ECWPS reached unprecedented levels. The ECWPS mainly consists of an Electromagnetic-valve Array (EA), pipeline network, control system, and water-jet source. Both CFD analyses and experimental results show that the hydraulic characteristic of the ECWPS was predicted reasonably, which has enormous practical value and development prospects.