A case study for the effect of a flow improvement device (a partial wake equalizing duct) on ship powering characteristics

A case study for the energy saving in the powering characteristics of a river going general cargo ship has been carried out. Two different hull forms were generated from the original hull form of the vessel to optimise the stern flow of the vessel. A possible energy saving concept, such as partial wake equalizing duct was investigated in this manner. Resistance, self-propulsion and flow visualization measurements were performed with the hull models to explore the effect of partial wake equalizing ducts on the powering characteristics of the hull form. Analysis of the results indicates that the partial wake equalizing duct concept with an appropriate stern design affect not only the flow characteristics at aft-end, but also the propulsion characteristics. In order to identify effect of each component (partial wake equalizing duct and stern form) a further investigation is needed.