FP system
Type FP – Fixed Pitch propeller system, safe and simple
FP propeller system is a system with a fixed pitch propeller. This is the best and simplest solution for most vessels, and it is suitable for vessel with all kinds of engine installation including both hybrid and electric propulsion line.
Purchase costs, installation cost and maintenance cost are low, much lower than for other types of propeller system, and if designed correctly also more efficient than other propellersystem like the Controllable Pitch Propeller systems (CPP). With it`s very few moving components it is also a very robust system.
The FP propeller system have at least 3 % higher effeciency in the design area than a CPP propeller system, and we have seen that it is often more. The higher effeciency benefit the fuel economy of the vessel and at the end the owner. Main reason for the better fuel economy is the smaller propeller hub compared to the large propeller hub of the CPP, it also have more possibilities in the design since i.e. a CPP have limitation regarding blade area ratio. There is also very often a weight saving by using a FP propeller system compared to a CPP system.
Our propeller systems have the following limitations:
Shaftdiameter 150 mm
Propeller diameter 3 meter
6 blades
For the smaller propellers 12-24 inches we calculate the propeller, and deliver from our stock of standard propellers.
For the larger propellers, 25” and more, and some special propellers, we calculate and design the propeller for the actual vessel based upon a lot of parameters, amongst them:
Vessel type
Speed range, operation profile.
Vessel tasks
Engine and gearbox characteristics
Other needed data.
By not picking a standard propeller from the shelf we ensure that the vessel get the correct propeller, based upon the criteria set by the customer we design the optimum propeller and take care of:
Propellerdiameter (available space for propeller)
Propeller pitch
Number of blades
Blade area ratio
Blade geometry
Skew
Rake
Toleranse class
Certification by class
Be aware that a fixed pitch propeller have limitation for vessel that do a lot of precise manovering, have extreme load differences and other special needs. For those vessels a CPP system is probably needed.
