Development of Azimuth Thrusters and Bow Thrusters for Maneuvering and Autonomous Piloting

This work is the result of a project conceived by the Ocean Technology Laboratory, with support from the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). The project aims to develop a PLSV vessel in 1:25 scale, equipped with three fixed-pitch azimuth systems at the stern and two fixed bow thruster systems at the bow.

Initially, the project aims to carry out simulations of maneuvers with the vessel on a scale, using the Bom de Jesus Channel, near the UFRJ campus, with 2 or 3 crew members operating the vehicle through onboard control. Subsequently, it is intended to remotely control the vessel from the Laboceano Maneuver Simulator and implement a control system based on logic programming for autonomous piloting.

The study focuses on the development of azipod and bow thruster azimuthal systems, with the aim of applying them to autonomous vehicles in the future. Using five-bladed Wartsila thrusters, adapted to the appropriate scale, the design considers geometry, rotation, torque and power.

Azimuth thrusters are commonly used in off-shore production and exploration units as part of dynamic positioning systems. The azimuthal of the azipod type has a different configuration, with the electric motor located outside the hull of the vessel, directly controlling the rotation of the propeller shaft through the induced, with speed controlled by frequency inverter. The slewing system is carried out by electric motor using a shaft-gear transmission system, eliminating the need for a hydraulic system