，这是关于船舶动力装置的文章
Introduction
A ships propulsion system refers to the assembly of mechanical components used for the purpose of propelling a ship or vessel through water. It typically consists of a prime mover, propulsion mechanism, and auxiliary equipment necessary for the driving of a ships compliance with applicable rules of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). The propulsion system includes all the necessary parts from the engine to the propellor itself, including any necessary intermediate shafts. Decades of engineering experience has gone into the development of modern large-scale propulsion systems for ships.
Types of Propulsion
Ships and vessels may use one of a variety of propulsion systems depending on a number of factors. These include the type of ship, its intended use, and the local operating environment. Generally speaking, these systems may be divided into four main categories: mechanical propulsion, sail-assisted propulsion, electrical propulsion, and wind-assisted propulsion.
Mechanical Propulsion
Mechanical propulsion systems are the most common type of propulsion system and are normally used in commercial vessels and cruise liners. They typically comprise of an engine, a transmission system to power the shaft, and a propeller. These engines may be powered by a wide variety of fuel sources such as diesel fuel, natural gas, steam, and more recently, liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Sail-assisted Propulsion
Sail-assisted propulsion typically involves the use of sail-powered vessels equipped with a supplementary propulsion system, often an auxiliary engine, to provide additional thrust when necessary. Many vessels are built with both sail propulsion and an auxiliary engine for the purpose of providing an additional thrust when conditions or the intended course of the ship require it. This is most common in large passenger vessels and tall ships where an extra measure of reliability is demanded from the ship’s propulsion system.
Electrical Propulsion
Electric propulsion systems involve the use of either direct motor or motor-generator (MG) systems installed on a vessel to provide a supplementary propulsion system. Direct motor systems involve a motor connected directly to the propeller shaft, while MG systems involve an electrical generator being connected between the motor and the shaft. Electric propulsion systems have increasingly become popular in commercial maritime vessels for their reduced emission output when compared to conventional Emission Control Areas (ECA).
Wind-assisted Propulsion
Wind-assisted propulsion systems are currently in use in some vessels and are gaining widespread popularity due to their environmental sustainability. A variety of wind turbine systems have been developed to reliably produce enough power to propel a vessel. An example of a wind-assisted propulsion system is the DynaWing sail, a combination of sails and turbines that can supply enough energy to propel a vessel even in light winds.
Conclusion
The propulsion system of any vessel is the heart of its power and performance. From the ages of sail-powered vessels to modern technologically-advanced ships and cruise liners, ships rely on a variety of propulsion systems to move through the waters of the world. Different types of propulsion systems, such as mechanical, sail-assisted, electric, and wind-assisted, are all currently in use, each providing its own unique benefits. With decades of engineering and technological advances, these propulsion types are only evolving, offering ever-greater efficiency, reliability, and environmental sustainability.
