Propulsion system enabling extremely high efficiency and precise ship maneuverability

ABB Dynafinâ„¢

What millions of years have perfected through evolution fascinates human beings over and over again. Inspired by evolution and made possible by experienced and curious minds at ABB, we are pushing the boundaries of technology in order to drive efficiency and performance to a new level.

ABB Dynafin™ is a new concept representing a revolutionary propulsion system breaking new ground for efficiency in the marine industry. Inspired by the dynamic motions of a whale’s tail, the innovative concept is the result of over a decade of research, development, and testing. ABB’s combined extensive experience and expertise in the marine industry, along with its innovative heritage, are the driving forces behind this new concept. 

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Industry recognitions

Queen-Letizia-with-Alejandro-Zorzo-director-of-ABBs-Marine-and-Ports-Division-in-Spain.-Credits_Santi-Burgos

ABB Dynafinâ„¢ wins Retina ECO award for environmental sustainability and innovation

The pioneering cycloidal propulsion concept received the accolade at a prestigious Madrid ceremony attended by Queen Letizia of Spain.

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Customer collaborations

Press release

ABB and Seafjord Energy introduce pioneering e-bunker vessel concept

The innovative e-bunker vessel concept by SeaFjord Energy offers a new way of supplying energy to ships at sea and in ports

Published by Riviera 05 Jul 2024 by Rebecca Moore

Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection reports on energy efficiency study

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has carried out an evaluation study of ABB’s Dynafin™ propulsion, allowing it to reap the benefits of the energy efficiency it offers. 

Video: ABB Dynafinâ„¢ and the new era of superyachts - Interview with Lateral Naval Architects and Oceanco

The new wave of efficiency is here, and with it comes a new era of superyachts. Wim Verhoeff from Oceanco and Adrien Thoumazeau from Lateral Naval Architects unveil the groundbreaking Aeolus concept.

Study

Comparison of propulsion systems on passenger vessel By OSK-ShipTech A/S

OSK-ShipTech compared the engine power demand and fuel consumption of a LOA 125 m cruise ship design equipped with different propulsion solutions. 

Factsheet

ABB Dynafinâ„¢

Get the key facts on the background, the technical solution and the performance of ABB Dynafin™

 

Technical articles

Rationale-and-technical-development-of-the-ABB-Dynafinâ„¢-concept_ABB-Marine-and-Ports
Generations: Technical insight

Rationale and technical development of the ABB Dynafinâ„¢ concept

Growing concern over climate change has sharply increased the demand for greener solutions in the global shipping industry to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

ABB Dynafin Control
08/19/2024

Command and control - how it works?

In contrast to a traditional ship’s propeller, ABB’s revolutionary marine propulsor, the ABB Dynafin, has multiple moving parts. To obtain optimal performance, these parts must be precisely orchestrated – even under the toughest oceanic conditions. For this task, a sophisticated control system is required.

Cavitation
08/18/2024

Cavitation - what is it about?

Several of the articles in this edition of ABB Review relating to ABB Dynafin™ mention cavitation and stress its importance in marine design. But what exactly is cavitation  and why can it be detrimental to marine systems?

Bubbling
08/18/2024

Bubbling under - testing via computational fluid dynamics

Cavitation and hydrodynamic performance are critical aspects of ABB Dynafin™, ABB’s high-efficiency ship propulsion system, that have been investigated at the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland via computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

ABB Decoded

ABB Decoded: How ABB Dynafinâ„¢ could transform marine industry efficiency

ABB’s revolutionary ABB Dynafin™ propulsion system could reset marine efficiency standards and even lead to a re-imagining of ship design

ABB Review

A propeller revolution

Ship propulsion has changed little since the invention of the propellor. ABB’s new cycloidal-type propulsor concept, the ABB Dynafin™, is inspired by the movement of a whale’s tail. Dynafin heralds huge gains in efficiency and the prospect of massively reduced emissions across the marine industry.

propulsion evolution
08/18/2024

Propulsion evolution

ABB’s new, cycloidal-type propulsor concept – ABB Dynafin – significantly increases a vessel’s efficiency and promises to substantially reduce emissions across the marine industry.
Strength through collaboration
08/18/2024

Strength through collaboration

A critical phase of the ABB Dynafin™ project was carried out in collaboration with VTT, the largest research and technology company conducting applied research in Finland. This work is one part of a valuable and ongoing cooperation between ABB and VTT.

Group press release

ABB unveils revolutionary propulsion concept to significantly increase ship efficiency

Industry-first electric propulsion concept ABB Dynafin™ mimics the movements of a whale tail for ultimate efficiency, enabling new vessel designs

Introducing the revolutionary ABB Dynafin™

The new concept from ABB, standing for radical innovation and progress, is all about operational convenience and enabling zero-emission goals made possible by a technology that represents the future of maritime industry.

In May 2023, we launched the latest propulsion innovation by ABB.
 

The key benefits of ABB Dynafin™

ABB Dynafin™ is an ultra efficient propulsion concept perfected by evolution, progress and technology – setting the standards for future operations. This video showcases the key benefits of this innovation.
 

How ABB Dynafin™ works

The ABB Dynafin™ concept is essentially a cycloidal propeller with individually controlled blades. The operating principle allows the unit to utilize a trochoidal blade path. A trochoid is the curve generated by a point on the radius of a circle as the circle rolls on a fixed straight line. Trochoidal propellers have been studied before, but until now, technology constraints have prevented them from being commercialized and introduced to the market.

The propulsion concept generates thrust by means of profiled blades that project from the bottom of the ship. Each blade can rotate both around the global axis of a main wheel and around its own local axis, which acts as a pivot point for enforcing a prescribed pitch motion. The thrusting blades’ trajectories resemble those of the tails of whales and dolphins. This sort of pitch motion leads to a very high propulsive efficiency. The propulsor can also change thrust direction almost instantaneously, increasing vessel maneuverability.
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ABB Dynafinâ„¢ in questions and answers

What is ABB Dynafinâ„¢ propulsion concept?

The new propulsion concept features a main electric motor that powers a large wheel rotating at a moderate 30-80 rounds per minute. Vertical blades, each controlled by an individual motor and control system, extend from the wheel. The combined motion of the wheel and blades generates propulsion and steering forces simultaneously, enabling ground-breaking operational efficiency and precision for ships. The concept follows ABB’s proven design philosophy in marine propulsion of gearless power transmission.

What are the unique values of the concept?

The main unique values are the following: Individual blade control and allowing higher degree of freedom with regard to optimizing the blade paths. Individual blade control allows flexibility in blade trajectories to maximize propulsion efficiency and responsiveness in all operational situations. In addition, flexibility in controlling the blades paves the way to minimize the underwater noise and maximize onboard comfort. The concept mimics the powerful movement of a whale’s tail in water.

Extensive studies (CFD and model tests) have shown open water efficiencies to be up to 85%.

What are the main vessel types benefiting most of this concept?

The new propulsion concept is particularly effective for medium-sized and smaller vessels, including ferries for passengers and vehicles, offshore support vessels operating at wind farms, and yachts. By reducing vibrations and noise levels, the system improves passenger and crew comfort. In addition, the propulsion concept delivers superior maneuverability, and positioning performance, i.e., the capacity of the vessel to maintain the desired position and heading.

An independent study of ABB Dynafin™ from OSK-ShipTech A/S of a passenger vessel design equipped with different propulsion solutions has verified savings in propulsion energy consumption of up to 22 percent compared to conventional shaftline configuration. This can deliver significant savings in fuel consumption and help to avoid emissions. As part of an electric propulsion power system, the concept is also fully compatible with zero-emission battery and fuel cell technologies.

Is it suitable for double-enders? How to operate the units?

Yes, double enders are seen very suitable for ABB Dynafin™ propulsion system. Both load sharing between aft and bow or rudder modes are available.

Is it suitable for dynamic position operation?

Yes, ABB Dynafin™ is extremely responsive which helps the vessel in station keeping at lower power consumption

Is the application for new builds only or for retrofits as well?

It's suitable for both new builds and retrofits.

What is the power range of the product concept?

Initially 1-4 MW per propulsor. Propeller configurations start from two units per ship but there is no upper limit on the number of units.
 
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