A rapidly growing number of boatbuilders are fitting the props on their fleet
UK-based Bruntons has developed a new version of its popular Autoprop propeller called the Autoprop Eco*Star, which is designed to propel the rapidly growing number of hybrid and purely electrically driven craft, both motor and sail.
Two of the world’s most advanced electrically and wind-powered craft – the Energy Observer research vessel and an increasing number of craft in the Saildrone fleet of autonomous ocean research vessels – have travelled thousands of miles propelled by Bruntons Autoprop Eco*Star propeller, and a rapidly growing number of other electric and hybrid-powered craft are now fitting them, Bruntons says.
“When the Eco*Star was first launched several years ago, a small number of vessel owners decided to take the risk of fitting this unique and untried design of propeller to their craft,” says Bruntons in a statement. “The results they are achieving, and their reactions to them, are proof enough that the Eco*Star really is the propeller which provides the best all-round performance for electrically powered craft.”
The Energy Observer uses a hydrogen fuel cell. It converts the hydrogen into electricity by reversing the electrolysis process. Their around-the-world mission is to highlight the importance of renewable energy. The vessel was also fitted with ‘wings’ to enable her to add wind power to her already impressive list of available natural energy supplies. With the ‘wings’ the decision was taken to fit two Eco*Star propellers to allow the vessel to make the most effective use of the wings when sailing and motor sailing.
To date the Eco*Stars on the Energy Observer have each provided over 10,000 hours of service.
It is for similar reasons that the owners of the Saildrone fleet decided on Eco*Stars. The first of their fleet to get one was the largest; the Saildrone Surveyor is 20m long. Such was the success of the Eco*Star’s performance on this vessel that the company ordered five more propellers to be fitted to their rapidly increasing fleet.
As with Energy Observer, the excellent performance of the propellers in all three main functions – sailing, motoring, and producing hydro power – has shown it to be the right propeller for primarily electrically or wind powered craft.
Apart from the two highly advanced examples of craft above that have fitted Autoprop Eco*Stars there are many more ‘normal’ vessels that are doing the same, Bruntons says.
source:ibi
