Propulsion: ZF Project Disruption

ZF's global Marine and Special Driveline Technology business unit introduced the Project Disruption concept to the public on the opening day of the 2017 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The new propulsion concept introduces contra-rotating technology to conventional inboard shaft line applications.  The Project Disruption concept allows shaft line boat builders to harness the benefits of contra-rotating propellers, including increased efficiency, acceleration and reverse authority. The concept changes all of the pre-established constraints of trying to optimize propeller diameter with gear ratio.  The concept, intended to interface with a standard ZF marine transmission, is comprised of a strut-housed underwater gearbox which transmits power to two contra-rotating propellers.  In addition to providing increased efficiency and acceleration, Project Disruption's contra-rotating propellers will allow boat builders to consider a wider range of transmission ratios than what is possible today given propeller sizing constraints for single propeller shaft-lines. This will allow naval architects the opportunity to better optimize the propeller to gear ratio relationship depending on vessel application and loads. The contra-rotating propellers will also offer improved reversing performance and low speed maneuvering by eliminating the propeller torque that currently affects single shaftline applications.  While initially sized for tow sports boats, the concept could be extended to larger propulsion packages, or hybrid systems for a multitude of vessel applications.

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Propulsion: ZF Pod 2800

ZF Marine Group introduces a revolutionary new approach to Pod drive and joystick control technology in small pleasure craft applications, which extends its availability to a larger segment of the pleasure boat market. In conjunction with SeaVee boats, ZF Marine has developed a complete propulsion system solution around a center console sport fishing application that will offer joystick control and maneuverability while employing the pleasure craft industry’s first single Pod drive line. The heart of the propulsion package from ZF Marine incorporates 3 main components. The ZF 2800 Series Pod drive rated at 480hp. This Pod has been redesigned to offer 180 degrees of total movement, 90 degrees of rotation to both port and starboard from the cent reline. The ZF 185 AC Thruster that introduced to the market at last year’s Fort Lauderdale show. The ZF 185 Thruster is designed to offer proportional thrust, 30 minute continuous duty cycle, and smooth, quiet operation thanks to a patented thruster tube design. ZF Marine’s proven SmartCommand controls with Joystick. The joystick system is engaged when the Easidock feature is activated via a button touch on the SmartCommand control head. During normal at sea operation the 2800 Pod drive is restricted to 30 degrees of movement in either direction from center. This restriction of movement is released in Easidock mode and the POD now has full 180 degree movement. The ZF 185 AC Thruster is also brought online at this time. As the vessel operator directs the joystick in any direction or combination of directions the joystick system incorporates POD thrust and varying amounts of thrust from the bow thruster. Proportional control of the thruster means smooth engagement, and only as much thrust as needed to move the vessel in the desired direction. Proportional thrust, combined with an electronic compass tied to the main JMS control unit means there is no vessel yaw during sideways movement. ZF Marine’s patented iAnchor station keeping functionality is also included in the Single Pod System. With the press of a button, iAnchor will compensate for wind and current holding the vessel’s position to as little as a 3 foot radius.
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Propulsion: ZF Pod 4000

A third pod new propulsion system from ZF with the 4000 model, suitable for large yachts powered by engines up to 1200hp. The new large ZF pod unit has been jointly developed by ZF Marine, Azimut-Benetti Group and Lazzara Yachts. The system has been successfully tested on a 62S from Azimut and is about to be installed as triple configuration in the new 120 foot super sport yacht from Lazzara Yachts. The system comprises a standard transmission mounted to a steerable pod unit with twin, counter-rotating propellers. The ZF Pod 4000 is compact and lightweight and represents the latest evolution of podded drives already on the market, from which it distinguishes itself by an innovative and patented system which keeps the vessel at a given position. The advantages of this third member of the ZF Pod are numerous, particularly regarding the performance. The superior efficiency of the ZF Pod, compared to traditional propulsion systems, results in increased cruising speed of up to 15% with the same installed power. This improved performance is accompanied by up to 20% reduction in fuel consumption, with corresponding environmental benefits. Concerning the maneuverability when docking, the ZF Pod is controlled by a joystick which is connected to an integrated electronic control system. All functions are therefore controlled simply and intuitively, for easy and safe handling of the vessel. Each pod unit is independently steered, guaranteeing excellent stability when executing turns. When cruising, maneuverability is exceptional, thanks to an electronically controlled steering system which actuates the Pod either for comfortable cruising, or more aggressive driving. The ZF Pod 4000 is suitable for large yachts from sixty to one hundred twenty feet powered by engines up to 1200hp each. The system has many advantages, in particular higher efficiency compared to traditional systems, increased maneuverability, more comfort on board with more space available for accommodation and a significant reduction of noise and vibrations. These are all benefits which are appreciated by owners of today's luxury yachts. The standard ZF Pod comes complete with a GPS position keeping system, whereby controlled actuation of the pod units enables the vessel to automatically maintain a set position, even in the presence of wind and currents. Also, regarding safety, the ZF Pod has significant advantages because the body of the unit itself protects the aft facing propellers from floating debris. The compact dimensions of the unit significantly increase the available space on board and the anti-vibration brackets, connecting the ZF Pod to the hull, greatly reduce vibration and noise. On board comfort is naturally an important factor when choosing a yacht, and according to the latest developments in the market, an ever more inviting and comfortable environment is demanded, to increase the enjoyment of cruising. The introduction of ZF Pod's third version underlines the commitment of the ZF Marine Group to offer the most advanced technological solutions, today more oriented towards energy saving, reduced environmental impact and improved comfort on board. The performance and advantages of this new innovative propulsion system have convinced also the Beneteau Group to chose the ZF Pod 4000 for a new line of their yachts.

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Propulsion: ZF Hybrid System

ZF Marine, in cooperation with the Ferretti Group, has developed a hybrid propulsion system for pleasure craft. Ferretti, renowned for building high quality motor yachts, worked together with ZF Marine to develop a "green" motor yacht which can cruise for long periods without using the Diesel engines, but an electric propulsion system fed by battery power. This means a considerable saving in fuel and the elimination of the "greenhouse" gases responsible for global warming. In addition, yacht owners will appreciate the smooth, quiet operation afforded by electric motors instead of Diesel engines. This should indeed appeal to all sea-lovers who prefer the peace and quiet of clean, silent propulsion when cruising in restricted waters or maneuvering in harbors. The joint development with ZF Marine, a company well known for innovation and technology, means Ferretti has a partner with an equivalent reputation for innovation and quality products. The ZF transmission system incorporates a hybrid module with integrated clutches and an electric motor powered by lithium batteries for "green" mode operation. A small generator set can extend the power supply from 3 hours (batteries only) to 5 hours. During Diesel propulsion mode, the battery can be simultaneously charged, since the electric motor can function alternatively as an electric generator or a propulsion unit. Looking beyond a standard Diesel-Electric propulsion system which uses a Diesel engine to generate power for the electric motor, this innovative, parallel-hybrid propulsion system offers a Diesel-Electric function as only one of five operational modes. The system combines the reliability of traditional Diesel power, with the ability to cruise in 'Zero Emission Mode', driven by two 70 kW, battery-powered, synchronous, electric motors. The actual hybrid module is suitable for yachts with Diesel engines from 800 to 1400 hp @ 2300 rpm, together with the appropriate ZF Marine gearbox.

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Propulsion: ZF Pod

The new ZF Pod-drive is a most efficient propulsion system, ideal for medium-sized pleasure craft of 30 to 48 feet overall length, powered by engines up to 450 hp. The increased propulsive efficiency, compared to traditional shaft-line systems, can be as high as 15%, allowing the installation of engines with significantly lower power, for the same boat speed. This saving in installed horse power translates into improved fuel economy, weight reduction, environmental footprint reduction and both initial and through-life cost reduction. The system consists of a transmission unit, a control system and a propeller unit with counter-rotating propellers. The new ZF Pod-Drive will be available from April 2009.

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