Abstract:

Podded electric thrusters are widely used in icebreakers and can improve overall ship performance, propulsion efficiency and maneuverability, as well as save cabin space and increase payload. Taking the polar research icebreaker Xuelong 2 as an example, this paper analyses the composition characteristics and advantages of the Azipod^® podded propeller produced by ABB Company, and introduces the composition of the podded electric propulsion system. The reliability of speed control based on the podded electric control system of the  Xuelong 2 is verified by simulation experiments on abrupt changes in load.

Key words: polar navigation, Xuelong 2, podded propeller, control performance, simulation analysis