CONCEPT AND OPERATION MODE OF THE （概念和操作模式）.pdf

Journal of Maritime Research, Vol. II. No. 3, pp. 3-18, 2005 Copyright © 2005. SEECMAR Printed in Santander (Spain). All rights reserved ISSN: 1697-4840 CONCEPT AND OPERATION MODE OF THE ADVANCED ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM OF THE AZIMUTH PROPELLERS IN TUGS 1 2 3 Santiago Iglesias Baniela , Pablo López Varela , Enrique Melón Rodríguez ABSTRACT: “The remote control of azimuth propellers in tugs from the bridge (speed, thrust direction and clutch) is electronic and each manufacturer has his characteristic model, although the control system and the arrangement of the propellers to achieve the expected thrust are similar. In this article, we analyse the remote electronic control devices in the bridge from the tug azimuth propellers in general, especially its performance and operation mode, without making any distinction between those located forward (tractor Z) or aft (ASD), since their foundation is similar and the only difference is the horizontal propeller position and consequently the direction of the remote controls from the bridge to achieve the expected thrust direction and speed”. Keywords: Tugs, Omnidirectional Propulsion, Azimuth propellers, thrust direction, rpm and clutch remote control system. INTRODUCTION Although the azimuth thruster concept is an innovation dating back more than fifty years ago, nowadays it still remains a novelty to many ship owners and operators. The basic idea behind an azimuth thruster is that the propeller can rotate 360 degrees round a vertical axis providing omni-directional controlled thrust. This 1 Doctor en Mar