A next-generation propeller is quieter and more efficient
CategoriesSustainable News

A next-generation propeller is quieter and more efficient

Spotted: Though it suffered a decline during the pandemic, the marine vessel industry has been rapidly growing in recent years and is likely to continue on that trajectory, with demand increasing for cargo ships and recreational vessels. As demand grows, though, we need to find ways of mitigating the environmental impact of these vehicles, given that many boats are fuel-intensive and emit large volumes of CO2. And, the noise of boat propellers also disturbs, and can even harm, marine life

Now, Sharrow Marine has created the Sharrow Propeller, which helps increase speed and efficiency, produces less noise and vibration, and enables greater control of the vessel while docking and superior handling of tight turns even at high speeds.  

When it comes to boats, cavitation can be an issue – a process where, as the propeller spins, areas of high and low pressure are created at the blade tip, and the pressure changes create cavities of air that make bubbles. As the bubbles pop, it creates a lot of noise, and these multiple implosions gradually damage the leading edge of the propellor and erode the blades, impacting performance and potentially making boats unsafe over time. 

Instead, Sharrow Marine has created the loop-based Sharrow Propeller with its True Advance technology that – because it has no tip – drastically reduces or eliminates cavitation. The technology allows the Sharrow Propeller to achieve its maximum advance rate and efficiency much earlier than standard propellers. Because it is more efficient, boats with the Sharrow Propeller can travel at faster speeds with the same engine RPM (revolutions per minute).

Video source Sharrow Marine

In March, the company unveiled its Sharrow XO series, which brings the innovative technology to large outboard engines. 

Springwise has spotted many innovations in the boating industry, including a solar-powered passenger catamaran that causes no engine noise, and an autonomous electric ferry.

Written By: Anam Alam

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A new onshore turbine for quieter wind power
CategoriesSustainable News

A new onshore turbine for quieter wind power

Spotted: Wind manufacturing world leader Nordex Group has installed its first turbine in the 6-megawatt class at an onshore wind project in the Netherlands. Among other benefits, the new model is much quieter than its predecessors – reducing the impact on the local area.

The turbine—known as the N163/6.X—was launched in September 2021 as the latest upgrade from Nordex‘s Delta4000 series. Compared to its sister model in the 5-megawatt class, it is able to produce an up to 7 per cent higher annual energy yield thanks to its much higher rated output. Thanks to its flexible configuration, it can be adapted to the specific conditions at each project site, resulting in a tailor-made solution for each client. The design’s lifetime is 25 years, with an extended 35-year lifetime available for specific sites.

Nordex has installed a total wind power capacity of more than 32 gigwatts in over 40 worldwide markets since it was founded in 1985. Among its hosts are Germany, Spain, Brazil, India, Mexico, and the United States.

José Luis Blanco, CEO Nordex Group explains that, “Our turbines in the Delta4000 series are based on a standard technical platform. Consistent modularisation means that type-specific components, such as rotor blades or gearboxes, can be adapted for different variants. The N163/6.X is yet another example of how highly efficient solutions that have proved successful in practice can be specifically implemented for special geographic regions.”

Nordex installed its first N163/6.X in May 2022, and it’s expected that the model will be one of the most popular turbines on the market due to its low noise pollution levels.

The amount of wind energy generated worldwide grew by 17 per cent between 2020 and 2021. Recent wind power innovations spotted by Springwise include a wooden wind turbine that stores carbon, a sensor that monitors the strength and efficiency of wind turbine blades, and a two-bladed floating turbine that can handle almost any weather condition.

Written By: Katrina Lane

Website: nordex-online.com

Contact: nordex-online.com/en/contact-form

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