Voith Turbo showcased its new propulsion system the Voith Linear Jet at Euronaval 2016
 
Voith Turbo showcases its new propulsion the Voith Linear Jet at Euronaval 2016 The Voith Linear Jet (VLJ) combines the best elements of two existing technologies – conventional screw propellers and water jets. Low installation complexity, low sensitivity to marine growth, sustained high efficiency across the vessel’s speed range and high bollard pull are benefits in common with conventional screw propellers. Reduced vessel draft, the ability to reach high speeds with high efficiency and low noise and vibration levels are benefits in common with water jets.
 
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EURONAVAL 2016 Online Show Daily - Voith Turbo
 
 
 
Voith Turbo showcased its new propulsion system the Voith Linear Jet at Euronaval 2016
 
The Voith Linear Jet (VLJ) combines the best elements of two existing technologies – conventional screw propellers and water jets. Low installation complexity, low sensitivity to marine growth, sustained high efficiency across the vessel’s speed range and high bollard pull are benefits in common with conventional screw propellers. Reduced vessel draft, the ability to reach high speeds with high efficiency and low noise and vibration levels are benefits in common with water jets.
     
Voith Turbo showcases its new propulsion the Voith Linear Jet at Euronaval 2016
The Voith Linear Jet showcased at Euronaval 2016
     
The Voith Linear Jet can be installed on any ship with operating speeds up to 40 knots. Ships that will especially benefit from the hybrid nature of the Voith Linear Jet are ships with both low-speed and high-speed operating profiles. Many high-speed ships install water jets resulting in extremely high fuel consumption when the ship is loitering at low engine powers.

The VLJ then provides a solution with the ability to efficiently absorb the high power required for high-speeds, while offering from low to high-speed an almost constant high efficiency around 70 %. A yacht or a coastguard patrol vessel are typical examples of mixed operating profiles often cruising at 15 knots or less and occasionally enjoying 35 knots top speeds. For ships with top speeds of maximum 20 knots a traditional screw propeller is in general the best choice.

Avoiding down time is paramount for any vessel business case. The fixed pitch rotor is the only moving part of the VLJ. The rotor shaft is supported by composite water lubricated bearings only depending on the naturally induced flow for their lubrication. For directional control the required rudder technology is identical to standard rudders used in normal open propeller type propulsion systems. The life cycle parameters of a Voith Linear Jet are therefore similar to fixed pitch propulsors.

For example, the VLJ is installed on several Navy and Coast Guard ships. Navy and Coast Guard operations require flexibility. The VLJ delivers this with continued high efficiencies at loitering speeds and at top speeds up to 40+ knots. The enhanced sailing range and mission capabilities will serve the vessel’s versatility and usability. Low marine growth sensitivity maintains performance at a continued high level. The VLJ discharge under the waterline reduces the acoustic signature.

Voith Turbo, a Group Division of Voith GmbH, is a specialist for intelligent drive solutions and systems.