Diesel Propulsion Drives: When Perfection Arises From Tradition
17 January 2007 11:27
Gear units for the diesel propulsion systems of corvettes, frigates or patrol boats have a long tradition at RENK. Ever since 1955, more than 400 gearbox sets have been supplied for 25 navies and coast guards all over the world. The programme of the gear unit specialists seems to be unlimited when it comes to taking challenges as to capacity and arrangement. Whether you need single, axial-offset gear units of the ASL series with multi-disc clutches, Combined Diesel And Diesel (CODAD) gear units with multi-disc or fluid clutches or co-axial planetary gear units of the PLS and PWS series for fixed-pitch or cp propellers, the variety of applications for RENK gear units is second to none.
The gear units are subject to permanent improvements and adapted to state-of-the-art standards. Minimum noise requirements can only be fulfilled with double-helical gearings which are manufactured on high-precision grinding machines. If the propulsion system features two diesel engines or change-over actions for fixed-pitch propellers, the change of operating mode is ensured by fully-automatic control systems - another one of RENK's developments. The development of other individual components, such as clutches or lubrication systems, provides for a maximum ease of handling.
Some gear unit examples currently on order at RENK are representing the variety of RENK's marine gear units for naval and coast guard purposes.
For a first order of Baynunah Class corvettes for the Navy of the UAE, RENK managed to beat international competitors and was awarded an order for four ship sets. One ship set is made up of three gear units each. Two lateral gear units (type AUSL) and a centrally arranged booster drive (type ASL 2 x 115) supply three waterjets with a total power of 17MW. The operation of a central gear unit with one or two diesel machines is controlled fully-automatically.
RENK will supply the first gear set for the reconstruction of the Ajay-class corvettes for the Indian Marine. It is planned to retrofit a total of four vessels by 2009. The two planetary reduction reversing gear units type PWS 50 transmit a diesel power of 5.7MW each for forward travel and a trust reversion of the propellers. Because of the spatial requirements aboard the existing corvettes, RENK has developed a special design variant of the time-tested PWS-series with separately-arranged oil tank.
For more information on this company:
RENK - Marine Gears for Main Propulsion, On-Board Power Generation, Bearings and Couplings
Copyright 2007SPG Media Limited a subsidiary of SPG Media Group PLC
