Review and Development of Ship-Engine Matching for a Robust Propulsion System Design

Abstract

The traditional procedure for engine-propeller matching stems from using empirically derived
propeller performance curves with superimposition of the actual engine-hull-propeller
performance curves. Every matching problem aims to determine the optimal operation point of the
ship where there will be efficient fuel-thrust conversion, leading to the prevention engine overload.
However, from the beginning of research into the optimal matching problem, it was suggested that
such a problem can be treated optimally as a controlled system problem. The above identified gap
focuses on a solution-based control system design for the matching problem. A model of the
propulsion system has been proposed based on energy transferred between the engine and
propeller, and propeller and ship hull. The output parameters are the ship-propeller-engine-hull
performance characteristics. A review and development of the matching simulation was
conducted, resulting to the design of the propulsion system considering the control system
approach. Therefore, it was concluded that the developed system could be advanced for
implementation with models in a towing tank experiment for self-propulsion assessment if fully
developed. This will pave the way for a practical implementation in actual ships, contributing to
sustainable development in ship operations and autonomous ships of the future.