Each quarter The Report brings you an update on some of the new pro- ducts and innovations to hit the boating, shipping and maritime industry.
NEW PRODUCTS
ACR Electronics launches next gen ResQLink Personal Locator Beacons
Incorporating first-hand feedback from survivors who have activated the beacons in real-life emergencies, the new ResQLink 400 and ResQLink View PLBs introduce user-friendly design innovations and add enhanced functionality to provide a range of adventurers with a trusted and affordable link to rescue in a life-threatening situation.
Bringing the benefits of ACR’s unique digital display capabilities, the screen displays all the beacon’s operational activities, including GPS coordinates, operating instructions, usage tips, transmission bursts, as well as battery power.
All the new design changes were suggested by members of the ACR Electronics SurvivorClub free beacon replacement program. The PLBs also include a new infra-red strobe light in addition to the ultra-bright strobe light to assist rescue crews using night vision goggles.
Using the next-gen network, anyone activating a ResQLink PLB can expect their beacon to be located within 100 metres (328 feet), 95% of the time, within 5 minutes of the distress signal. The new ResQLink series also incorporate a multi-constellation receiver utilising both the Galileo Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) as well as the GPS Satellite network for faster location and improved accuracy. Featuring built-in buoyancy, the ResQLink PLBs feature an operating life that exceeds 24 hours. Ideal for carrying in a pocket or attaching to a life jacket, the ResQLink View PLB weighs just 151g, while the non-display ResQLink 400 weighs 148g. Both measure 11.48cm x 5.16cm x 3.78cm.
Promarin looks at new propeller shaft strut design
Propeller struts tend to be used on twin screw vessels to support the propeller shaft close to the propeller and they may be A or P brackets. Whilst the support is necessary, the struts create disturbance to the flow of water to the propeller and add frictional resistance so that they reduce efficiency. German company Promarin which specialises in propulsion systems for work vessels and ships has developed the concept of the Active Strut that contributes to the efficiency of the propeller rather than reducing it.
In the Active Strut, the struts supporting the propeller shaft are curved and also have an aerofoil cross section. They are rather like a half nozzle which is located in front of the propeller and serve to direct and speed up the flow of water into the top half of the propeller. Tests have shown that this can increase the efficiency of the propeller significantly and whilst exact figures are not available they are talking about the possibility of up to 5%.
The work on the Active Strut has been carried out in tank tests and the increase in efficiency comes partly from the improvement in the water flow into the propeller and partly from the reduction in resistance found versus conventional propeller brackets. The supporting struts in the Active Strut form almost a semi-circle, meeting the propeller shaft bearing at almost a right angle.
The Report • September 2019 • Issue 89 | 67
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