Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP) is the name of a main propulsion system that is almost 100 years old and is based on the aerofoil principle of a cycloidal propeller. Wings arranged in a circle rotate on a vertical axis of rotation at the same speed around the centre of a disc. Each wing can change its angle of attack, which generates dynamic lift or propulsion. As the wing tips are connected to each other and the angle of attack can be adjusted within a few seconds, the change from forward to aft travel is almost infinitely variable. Rudders are not required as the propellers cover both propulsion and steering.
VSP makes rudders and stabilisers superfluous
Voith Turbo, a division of the Heidenheim-based company of the same name, emphasises the fast acceleration and high efficiency even in the partial load range. In addition, VSPs are said to make it possible to maintain position even in rough seas and make stabilisers superfluous during travel or at zero speed. Two VSPs even allow lateral movement. The drive is installed in tugs, ferries and ships in the offshore industry. But "Falkor Too" has also been relying on two Voith Schneider Propellers in the stern for over ten years to bring dinghies, AUVs or ROVs safely on board. The 110 metre-long research vessel sails on behalf of Schmidt Ocean, a foundation set up by long-time Google CEO Eric Schmidt and his wife Wendy.
Eight blades for less underwater noise
For a year now, the VSP has also been available as a gearless, all-electric eVSP version. The eight-bladed version is designed to be even quieter and reduce background noise and underwater noise pollution for marine life. It is therefore only logical that the first unit goes to the 125-metre-long "Meteor IV". The research vessel will be built by 2026 at the Neptun shipyard in Rostock, which belongs to the Meyer Werften Group and was awarded the contract jointly with Fassner by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Two 32X8/285 eVSPs will provide the propulsion, while a Voith Inline Thruster VIT 2000-1650H will also be installed in the bow. The required power is generated by four variable-speed generator sets, each with an output of up to 1885 kilowatts. Two sets each are mounted on double elastic bearings in a room that is separated from the second room in a watertight and fireproof manner. The SCR filter for the reduction of nitrogen oxides is supplemented by a particle filter.
First yacht application for the eVSP
In addition to the manoeuvring and consumption advantages, the compact design with the integrated permanent magnet electric motor also has space advantages - and is therefore all the more interesting for superyachts. A first reference in yachting will be the Conversion project "Master"which is fitted with two electric Voith Schneider propellers. Icon Yachts is currently converting a 66-metre-long base in Harlingen, the Netherlands, into a 70-metre-long explorer with a bathing platform according to plans by Espen Øino. Icon and the Espen Øino International team found ways to reuse or upcycle 80 per cent of the original vessel.
With five 500-kilowatt generators each as power suppliers, it is expected to have a range of up to 9,000 nautical miles at a speed of ten knots. The retractable bow thruster contributes to dynamic positioning operation and can act as the main propulsion system in an emergency. The "Master" project will also be used for marine research, with activities ranging from diving with state-of-the-art sonar equipment to map the seabed and identify new marine species, to accommodating scientists on board and providing space for a world-class laboratory. The plan is for scientists to share their findings and knowledge with guests in real time.
