International Journal

on Marine Navigation

and Safety of Sea Transportation

Volume 6

Number 2

June 2012

235

1 SYMBOLS

B –fuel consumption [kg/h];

– unit fuel consumption [kg/kWh];

–air consumption [kg/s];

D – propeller dimension [m];

J – advance of propeller;

– torque coefficient;

– thrust coefficient;

L – work [kJ];

M – mass [kg];

N – power [kW];

n – rotational speed of a propeller [1/s];

p – pressure [Pa];

Q – torque [Nm];

R- Vessel resistance [N];

T – propeller thrust [N];

T – temperature [K];

t – temperaturę [

C];

t – suction coefficient ;

w –wake fraction;

x – content relative to dry air mass;

– propeller advance speed [m/s];

ρ – water density [kg/m

];

– freewheeling propeller efficiency;

Index’s:

h – per hour;

m – concern measured parameters;

o – ambient parameters;

r – concern reduced parameters.

2 INTRODUCTION

Measurements performed on vessels are aimed at de-

termining the up-to-date technical condition of the

elements of the main propulsion or the evaluation of

the operating elements of a vessel. The diagnostic

measurements should be performed in a continuous

manner, and the measurements to determine propul-

sion characteristics should be performed at specified

time points, e.g. after completing the construction

works on the vessel, after repairing elements of the

propulsion system, etc. The measurements are per-

formed on a vessel to develop propulsion forecast

for a new built ship, or to evaluate current operating

parameters of an exploited vessel. Irrespective of the

aim of the measurements, it should be noted that a

vessel always works in different conditions and the

conditions may affect the quality and reliability of

measurements. The change of the conditions for ves-

sel movement is induced by parameters linked with:

− the vessel, i.e. vessel loading, use of reserves

(change in displacement), change in the condition

of hull, propellers, engines, etc.

− hydrometeorological conditions

− vessel operation region.

The evaluation of factual propulsive characteris-

tics in exploitation is performed during vessel sea

trials [2].

In order to fully evaluate the propulsive charac-

teristics, the following should be measured: torque

Conditions of Carrying Out and Verification of

Diagnostic Evaluation in a Vessel

A. Charchalis

Gdynia Maritime University, Gdynia, Poland

ABSTRACT: The paper presents some problems of carrying out measurements of energetic characteristics

and vessel’s performance in the conditions of sea examinations. We present the influence of external condi-

tions in the change of vessel’s hull resistance and propeller characteristics as well as the influence of weather

conditions in the results of examinations and characteristics of gas turbine engine. We also discuss the manner

of reducing the results of measurements to the standard conditions. We present the way of preparing propul-

sion characteristics and the analysis of examination uncertainty for the measurement of torque.

236

on propulsion shafts; propeller thrust; rotational

speed of shafts, vessel speed and the use of fuel by

particular engines. Fig. 1 presents a block diagram

of a vessel as the object of sea propulsion trials.

Figure 1. Block diagram of a vessel.

Figure 2. Resistance characteristics of a hull: 1. nominal ambi-

ent conditions (design); 2. degraded ambient conditions: 3. im-

proved ambient conditions.

3 CHANGE IN VESSEL FLOATATIONAL

RESISTANCE

Vessel resistance is determined at the design stage

swith the use of computing methods and experimen-

tally – with the use of model trials. They are the ba-

sis for selecting the propulsive system. At the design

stage the resistance of a vessel is determined for

standard navigational conditions. During exploita-

tion, displacement, and consequently – draught, hull

state, external conditions, etc. change continuously.

This leads to a change (deterioration) in resistance

characteristics and a change in the type of main en-

gine load when the same vessel speed is developed.

Thus, the information on resistance characteristics

and the evaluation of the influence of particular con-

ditions which, in turn, affect their values is signifi-

cant in the diagnostic assessment of the state of pro-

pulsion system elements and of propulsive charac-

teristics [3]. Fig. 2 illustrates exemplary resistance

characteristics for a vessel operating in improved or

worsened operating conditions.

4 CHANGE IN PROPELLER

CHARACTERISTICS

Just like a hull, vessel propellers work in vastly var-

ying conditions. It is especially applicable to chang-

es in propeller draught resulting from displacement,

permanent draught change and the angle of the in-

coming water during wave navigation, as well as de-

terioration in the condition of propeller blade surface

(increased roughness). In order to evaluate the con-

ditions in which a propeller operates at the rear of a

vessel hull, it is important to know the cooperation

relationship between the hull and propeller. Fig. 3 il-

lustrates exemplary hydrodynamic characteristics of

a propeller operating at the rear of a vessel hull.

Figure 3. Hydrodynamic characteristics of a propeller: -------

free propeller characteristics in undisturbed water velocity

field; - - - - characteristics of the working propeller after the

ship's hull.

5 THE INFLUENCE OF EXTERNAL

CONDITIONS ON ENGINE

CHARACTERISTICS

The propulsive system of a vessel operates in vastly

varying conditions. The change of conditions is

caused by continuous change in displacement, and

also draught, change of region where a vessel oper-

ates, change of hydrometeorological conditions, and

changes in the condition of the hull, propeller and

engines. In order to diagnose the propulsive system

of a vessel in time, it is necessary to take changes in

operating conditions into consideration.

237

5.1 The influence of atmospheric parameters

Atmospheric conditions affect the performance of

each engine type, major influence, however, is ob-

served in gas turbine engines [1]. In order to ensure

adequate course of operation processes, gas turbine

engines need considerable amounts of air. Excess air

coefficient in the engine is 3,6–5. This accounts for

unit air demand of 18 – 25 kg/kWh. The need for

compressing large masses of air increases the im-

portance of the influence of change in atmospheric

conditions on engine functions, conditions for regu-

lation, performance, etc. Significant influence is

produced by changes in temperature, pressure and

humidity of air, which cause changes in physical

properties of the operating factor, such as density,

viscosity, heat capacity, gas constant, etc.

Changes in engine performance resulting from

atmospheric conditions may be considerable and

sometimes may hinder the achievement of adequate

engine performance, or the diagnosis due to the in-

comparability of measurement conditions.

5.1.1 The influence of incoming air temperature

Changes in incoming air temperature are due to

the fact that vessels are exploited in various regions,

or even climate zones, various seasons of the year,

and day times.

The standard assumption is that ambient tempera-

ture is 288 K. And for the region of the Baltic Sea it

may be assumed that ambient temperature fluctuates

within the range of 238 –308 K. Such large fluctua-

tions lead to considerable changes in engine work

conditions, which needs to be taken into considera-

tion while evaluating performance in an engine that

operates in various conditions. The increase in in-

coming air temperature leads to reducing the air

mass stream due to reduced density, and, as a result

- decrease of engine power. What also changes are

other figures that characterize the course of the

working process of an engine and compressor effi-

ciency. In the ranges of load that are close to those is

calculations, the increase in air temperature leads to

a minor increase in compressor efficiency. This is

caused by an increase in sound speed and decrease

of Mach number, as a result of which the conditions

of transitional flow are improved, which translates to

reduced hydraulic loss.

When incoming air temperature drops, the de-

crease of compressor efficiency leads to an increase

in unit fuel consumption. Fig. 4 illustrates the prop-

erties of changes in compressor efficiency and its ef-

fective work depending on air temperature for vari-

ous compression values. The presented relationships

indicate that optimum compression is subject to lin-

ear changes both for compressor efficiency and

work.

Figure. 4. The properties of changes in compressor efficiency

and its effective work depending on air temperature and com-

pression:

____ The optimum range of efficiency;

------ The optimum range of effective work.

The larger the difference in temperature, the larg-

er the differences in the changes of optimum values.

5.1.2 The influence of atmospheric pressure chang-

In comparison with temperatures, changes in at-

mospheric pressure are relatively minor. Changes in

air pressure may be within the range 96 –104 kPa.

Relative change of pressure in relation to standard

pressure (101,3 kPa) is up to 10%. That is why the

influence of pressure change on the properties of en-

gine functions is not as significant, as the influence

of temperature. Change of air pressure and the re-

sulting change in air density at the engine inlet leads

to proportional changes in all engine control cross-

sections. An increase in atmospheric pressure leads

to increasing air mass and, as a result, increase in

engine power. What does not change is temperature,

rotational speed, compression, efficiency and unit

fuel consumption.

5.1.3 The influence of change in air humidity

Air humidity may be subject to a wide range of

changes – from dry air to air containing saturated

vapour. Humidity indeed affects gas engine perfor-

mance. It is especially related to changes in air mass

and with changes of air heat parameters, such as heat

capacity and gas constant. An increase in humidity

leads to an increase in gas capacity, leading to a de-

crease in incoming air density. That, in turn, leads to

decreasing the volume of air flow through an engine.

The influence of the decreased volume of air flow is

larger than the increase in heat capacity, which leads

to engine power drop. Apart from vapour, the in-

coming air also contains water drops in the form of

sea spray. Moistening degree is determined based on

water and vapour content relative to dry air mass.

238

(1)

where

- dry air mass.

Fig. 5 illustrates an example of change in engine

performance when the change in moistening degree

is within the range 0,01 – 0,07

5.2 Calculating the measured values to the so-

called model atmosphere

For changeable conditions during vessel engine ex-

ploitation, it is necessary to relate the test results to

the so-called model atmosphere (po = 101,325 kPa

and To =288,15 K).

Figure 5. Influence of changes in incoming air humidity on

turbine engine characteristics.

Changes in temperature, pressure, rotational

speed and power relative to atmospheric conditions

are presented in the following relationships:

− reduced engine power

zrP

ozmozm

15,288101325

(2)

− reduced pressure

ozm

101325

(3)

− reduced temperature

ozm

15,288

(4)

− reduced rotational speed

ozm

15,288

(5)

6 PROPULSIVE CHARACTERISTICS

In order to prepare propulsive characteristics, it is

necessary to know the following:

− resistance characteristics of the hull R = f(v)..

− characteristics of freewheeling propellers

− characteristics of propulsive engines

− characteristics of elements transmitting the torque

Hydrodynamic characteristics of propellers in the

form of K

, K

, η

= f(J)

where:

− thrust coefficient:

(6)

− torque coefficient:

(7)

− η

– freewheeling propeller efficiency

(8)

− J - advance coefficient

(9)

Coefficients which characterize hull and propeller

cooperation

t – suction coefficient

t −=1

(10)

w –wake fraction

w −=1

(11)

The basis for propulsive characteristics is deter-

mining the area of possible operation for a free-

wheeling propeller on the grounds of hydrodynamic

characteristics. The area is determined in coordinate

systems T – n, Q – n, N – n with indicated lines of

constant values of advance coefficient J and rota-

tional speed of a propeller n. Next, resistance char-

acteristics and propulsion engine characteristics are

transferred onto adequate graphs and collated with

the same measurement sites, e.g. propeller cone or

output shaft clutch for torque and power, and vessel

hull or propeller cone for resistance characteristics

and propeller parameters. Collating the measurement

results with appropriate sites is significant in order

to consider the efficiency of particular elements that

take part in transferring torque, and the efficiency of

the hull and propellers. Propulsive characteristics

239

offer the full presentation of the regularities in pro-

pulsion system element selection and make it possi-

ble to evaluate operating properties of a vessel. For

vessels with combined propulsive systems, propul-

sion characteristics and the way in which they are

presented are far more complicated. This is because:

− a combined propulsion system provides a number

of ways to use diesel engines, e.g. propelling jet

engines working on their own, peak engines

working on their own, or both engine types work-

ing jointly;

− high navigation velocities result in high propeller

strain; propellers usually work under highly de-

veloped cavitation, or supercavitation, hence, in

addition to the advance ratio, the hydrodynamic

characteristics of propellers must allow for the

cavitation number.

Good results are achieved while presenting pro-

pulsion characteristics of combined systems as indi-

vidual ones [4].

Fig. 6 illustrates an example of propulsive charac-

teristics for classic vessel propulsion.

Figure 6. Propulsive characteristics of a propeller.

In order to properly evaluate propulsion charac-

teristics achieved during sea trials, it is significant to

estimate measurement uncertainty ranges for the

measured and calculated values. Among the meas-

ured values, the largest measurement uncertainty is

in measuring propeller thrust and torque.

Both values are measured by means of tensome-

try, with the use of contactless signal transmission

from a rotating shaft.

The scope of measurement uncertainty for torque

and thrust is mainly affected by the uncertainty of

the evaluation of G shaft material resilience, which

can be up to 4% and the error resulting from the

failure to maintain parallel position relative to the

axis of the shaft with tensometers, when propeller

thrust is measured.

εε

131

∂

DDQ

GGQ

(12)

The uncertainty for the measurement of torque

measured by means of tensometry consists of two

fraction components.

− u

standard uncertainty of the measuring appa-

ratus

− u

standard constant uncertainty of the shaft α

















































(13)

The uncertainty of the measuring apparatus de-

pends on the gauge used. Their borderline measure-

ment error is 0,5%, thus the measurement uncertain-

ty is

%289,0

5,0

==u

(14)

with the assumption of even distribution.

For tensometric models of a measurement system

a calibrated resistor R

cal

is used; its borderline error

is 0,01%. The measured stress of shaft ε are in the

following relation to the model:

calt

K +

(15)

where:

- tensometer resistance

- tensometer constant

The influence of the model on measurement un-

certainty for stress ε is determined according to rela-

tions like those for combined measurements

∂

−=

∂

−

∂

(16)













−













−

























(17)

240

With borderline errors of basic values

→±0,2%, K

→±0,5% and R

→±0,01%, the uncer-

tainty for models of shaft stress is 0,314%. Torque is

calculated based on the variable shaft stress value

Q = αT ε (18)

where

(19)

– constant for a praticular shaft

J- moment of inertia; G- shear modules

Torque measurement uncertainty calculated like it

is the case in combined measurements and with bor-

derline errors

for G 3s = 3,45 % thus u

/G = 1,15%

for D ±0,1 mm D>200 mm and u

D/D

0,029%

for ε u

/ε = 0,314% is: 1,2%

Measurement uncertainty is largely due to errors

in estimating G resilience module. This error may

be eliminated by running resistance tests on steel

used for shafts or using special scale measurement

middlebody in the shaft line segment

7 CONCLUSIONS

Vessel operating system trials conducted in real

conditions, with effects affected by external factors,

i.e. trial environment, broadly understood hull and

propeller condition may enable estimation of the

technical condition of the whole vessel, i.e. hull and

propulsion system. Periodical tests make it possible

to determine reciprocal relationships between fuel

use, torque, rotational speed, and vessel speed. The-

se relations may be used in ongoing exploitation in

order to evaluate the condition of particular elements

of a propulsion system while using theoretical pro-

pulsion characteristics calculated for the adequate

hull and propeller. In diagnostic tests the following

factors need to be taken into consideration every

time: vessel loading, for warships – reserves, includ-

ing fuel reserves, which account for a considerable

share of the total mass of the vessel, as well as at-

mospheric and hydrometeorological conditions of

measurements.

REFERENCES

Charchalis A., 1991.Diagnozowanie okretowych silników tur-

binowych. wyd. AMW Gdynia.

Charchalis A., 2001. Nadzór eksploatacyjny siłowni z turbino-

wymi silnikami spalinowym.i PROBLEMY EKSPLOAT-

ACJI nr 4/2001

Charchalis A., 2001.Opory okretów wojennych i pedniki okre-

towe. wyd. Akademii Marynarki Wojennej w Gdyni.

Charchalis A., 2003. Wykorzystanie charakterystyk napedo-

wych układów ruchowych okretów szybkich. XXX Sympo-

zjum DIAGNOSTYKA MASZYN. Wegierska Górka.

Charchalis A., 2004. Diagnozowanie układów napedowych

okretów w oparciu o pomiar parametrów eksploatacyjnych.

XXXI Sympozjum DIAGNOSTYKA

MASZYN.Wegierska Górka

Charchalis A., 2006. Conditions of drive and diagnostic meas-

urements during sea tests. Journal of KONES. Warszawa