Engineers have claimed to develop a new method of propelling a ship or displacement vessel while saving at least 75% of energy consumed by current propeller-based systems, yet maintaining the same performance.

The Gamma Propulsion System (TGPS) is easy to build and simple to retro-fit to existing ships.

Lloyd’s Register test data certified demonstrates that TGPS delivers significant thrust with previously unthinkable efficiency. The developers claim that TGPS will, for example, replace an existing 3,000 kW engine with a maximum 750 kW TGPS and maintain the same thrust.

TGPS can save the shipping industry approximately 75% of current fuel usage and, consequently, 75% of pollutant emissions while maintaining current schedules.

The TGPS comprises a series of diesel electric units, strategically located completely inboard down both sides of the vessel – typically in the cargo hold on retro-fits – with each unit occupying only 8 meters.

“When TGPS is strategically positioned inboard along each side of the hull a ship can manoeuvre itself in all directions – forward, aft, sideways, spin in its own length and crab – using its power range up to full thrust”, said Doug Bruce, CEO of Gamma Light & Heavy Industries Ltd.

“TGPS positioning delivers built-in redundancy for the unlikely event of an electric motor failure, where a motor can be easily and inexpensively replaced, even en-route. Servicing is also inexpensive and simple to perform, as everything is located inboard”, said Bruce.

TGPS engineers also worked with technical staff at Wet-n-Wild, an Australian theme park. Their brief: to develop a more efficient circulating pump for a water ride.

Each of four original pumps in this ride delivers 87 litres/sec for 22kW energy consumption. The TGPS pump over-delivered at 97 litres/sec (12% performance increase) but only used 2.04 kW, some 10.8 times greater efficiency.

This same technology can be utilised in large transfer pumps for the marine and irrigation industries, emergency flood pumping and the mining industry.

Source: Business Wire