DLBA UNIVERSITY
An Updated Discussion on Pod Drives
OCTOBER 8, 2021
Although the technology had been around for years at large scale applications, pod drives, or podded propulsors, showed up in the recreational boat world around 2005. A new product introduced by Volvo, the IPS, was a disruptor for the small power boat market. DLBA supported many U.S. builders with integrating the technology into their platforms to ensure their installations worked as advertised. It was exciting to be on the leading edge of the release of this technology to a different size and type of marine vessel.
Side view of IPS
Today we can see further evolution of this technology, as there are numerous pod drives on the market that cover the full range of vessel sizes from 10 tons to 10,000 tons. The introduction of these new products in “yacht” sizes appear to be aimed at diesel electric and hybrid solutions. Solutions available from manufacturers such as ABB and Kongsberg are primarily electric motor driven. Our team believes these are excellent solutions when vessel size exceeds 60 meters, so that the benefit of the hybrid or diesel electric solutions are realized in addition to the benefits of the podded propulsor. DLBA published a paper on this back in 2005, which can be seen here. However, a lot has changed since 2005, an excellent summary of the potential benefits of a podded propulsion solution is provided here.
If you would like to engage in technical discussion please reach out to a member of the DLBA team!
References
1. Bjarne, E. “Duo-Prop, V olvo Penta – SSP A.” SSPA, Vol. 1-91.
2. Blount, D.L. and Bartee, R.J. “Design of Propulsion Systems for High-Speed Craft.” Marine Technology, October 1997.
3. Blount, D.L. and Codega, L.T. “Dynamic Stability of Planing Boats.” Marine Technology, January 1992.
4. Hadler, J. “The Prediction of Power Performance of Planing Craft.” SNAME Transactions, V olume 74, 1966.
5. Islam, M. et.al. “Effects of Geometry Variations on the Performance of Podded Propulsors.”
6. Savitsky, D. “Hydrodynamic Design of Planing Hulls.” Marine Technology, October 1964.
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