Interview: Stefan Kliem on the eVSP´s benefits from high efficiency and dynamics of the electric PM motor.
According to global regulations, the shipping industry must significantly reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. With the eVSP, we offer an efficient solution for supporting this goal. The innovative electric motor of the propulsion system is manufactured by our subsidiary ELIN Motoren.
Stefan Kliem, Sales Manager at ELIN Motoren, a Voith company, describes why they had to develop an innovative production technique before going into series production and where the market for propulsion systems for marine applications is heading ...
What was the motivation for the development of the e-motor for the eVSP?
The International Marine Organization (IMO) has set clear targets to significantly reduce GHG emissions caused by the shipping industry by 2050. The goal is climate neutrality. By electrifying propulsion systems on ships, system efficiency is increased, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. With the development of the electric motor in the eVSP, the overall efficiency of the drivetrain has been increased and components, such as gearboxes, have been eliminated. As a result, the propeller benefits from the high efficiency and dynamics of the electric motor compared to known diesel engines.
Benefits & key facts
- Overall efficiency of drivetrain has been increased and components, such as gearboxes, have been eliminated
- Propeller benefits from high efficiency and dynamics of electric motor
- Electric motor provides excellent performance in rated and partial load operation
- Low noise and vibrations for improved comfort
- Compact and lightweight design
What were the biggest challenges during development?
The aim of the joint development was to maintain and improve the benefit of the Voith Schneider Propeller. Due to the already existing modular concept of the mechanical propeller, it required a tailor-made electric motor that could fit into the given interfaces. The use of permanent magnet technology is crucial for the eVSP. To realize the use of permanent magnets in the rotor as well as short winding heads in the stator in efficient series production, some innovations in design and manufacturing technology were necessary in advance. As a result, the electric motor provides excellent performance in rated and partial load operation. As a direct drive, our solution has a high torque and stands for high dynamics directly at the propeller, which is essential for the Voith Roll Stabilization. The high quality standards of the established product coupled with a cost-efficient series concept in product manufacturing also contributed to this.
What other important developments in the field of propulsion concepts will shape the maritime applications segment in the coming years?
This year, the IMO introduced new measures to further minimize GHG emissions, such as the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the carbon intensity indicator (CII). We will therefore see increasing hybridization and electrification of propulsion systems on ships. In addition to the eVSP, our applications such as shaft generators, full electric propulsion and integrated electric motors in existing propulsion systems will find their place. There are also already proven concepts such as boil of gas (BOG) reliquefaction plants on LNG ships that make a significant contribution to CO2 reduction. The compressors required for this on the ship are also electrically driven.
The electric Voith Schneider Propeller (eVSP) combines all advantages of the VSP with the electric motor of the Voith Inline Thruster.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EVSP