International Journal of Marine Engineering Innovation and Research, Vol. 2(1), Dec. 2017.

08-15
(pISSN: 2541-5972, eISSN: 2548-1479) 8

Analysis of Engine Propeller Matching of DC

Motor as a Main Propulsion
Eddy Setyo Koenhardono1, Juniarko Prananda2, Ekaprana Danian3
Abstractthe development of ship always searches through the most benefits system for reducing costs of propulsion
system without increase pollution. Diesel propulsion system or also known as conventional propulsion system is efficient but
requires high operating costs and increase high level of marine pollution. Electrical propulsion system is using electric
motors as the prime mover of the propeller. There are 2 types of electric motors that will be used for research of electric
propulsion system, there are; DC motors and three-phases induction motor. As the use of DC motor as a prime mover for
this electrical propulsion system, this study determines the characteristic between voltage terminal with torque and also
field current with torque. It results that torque produced by the DC motor is in the same magnitude with the speed (RPM).
The higher the speed have shaped the value of the torque. The input and terminal voltages adjusts all variables and results.
In this study, different field voltage creates different pattern of motor envelope. Its manner to propeller curve occurs total
different results. With field voltage of 50 V, the ranges of motor envelope immoveable in the point of 150% of present speed
and 160%. While field voltage of 60 V serves larger ranges of motor envelope which possible to reach further than 50 V
curve.

Keywords DC motor, electric propulsion system, motor envelope, propeller curve, rpm, ship propulsion system, torque.

engine based on the variable input of all the parameter

I. INTRODUCTION1 before. For the result authors have to visualize the result
of torque by the graphic between power and rpm. The
T he development of ship always searches through the
character of the graphic be expected perform by the
obtain DC motor suitable as a method of engine
most benefits system for reducing costs of propulsion propeller matching for electrical propulsion [1-2].
system without create more pollution. Diesel propulsion
system or also known as conventional propulsion system
is efficient but requires high operating costs and create II. METHOD2
high level of marine pollution. Compare with all the
DC machines are generators that convert mechanical
alternate propulsion system nowadays the best tried out
alternative in recent time is electrical propulsion system. energy to electric energy and motors that convert DC
Electrical propulsion system is using electric motors as electric energy to mechanical energy. Most DC machines
the prime mover of the propeller. There are 2 types of are like AC machines in that they have AC voltages and
electric motors that will be used for research of electric currents within them. DC machines have a DC output
propulsion system, there are; DC motors and three-phase only because a mechanism exists that converts the
induction motor. internal AC voltages to DC voltages at their terminals.
In respond to common used electrical propulsion This Since this mechanism is called a commutator, DC
research will discuss about analysis engine and propeller machinery is also known as commutating machinery.
matching for electrical propulsion with DC motor as a If the rotor of this machine is rotated, a voltage will be
prime mover. As the use of DC motor as a prime mover induced in the wire loop. To determine the magnitude
for this electrical propulsion system in this research will and shape of the voltage as shown in Figure 2. The loop
be discuss about the character relation between voltage of wire shown is rectangular, with sides ab and cd
terminal with torque and also field current with torque. perpendicular to the plane of the page and with sides be
As the character, electrical and mechanical of DC and da paraliel to the plane of the page. The magnetic
motor gained then authors know what is exactly the field is constant and perpendicular to the surface of the
necessity of DC motor as the prime mover for selecting rotor everywhere under the pole faces and rapidly falls to
the engine. To find the proper engine authors can adjust zero beyond the edges of the poles [3-6].
the all variable mentioned before comply the specific of Typical steady-state volt-ampere characteristics of dc
generators are shown in Figure 1, constant-speed
operation being assumed. The relation between the
Eddy Setyo Koenhardono, Department of Marine Engineering, steady- state generated emf Ea and the terminal terminal
Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya 60111, Indonesia. voltage Va is as shown in Equation 1.
Email: [email protected] Consider a pulley of radius r meter acted upon by a
Juniarko Prananda, Department of Marine Engineering, Institut
Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya 60111, Indonesia. circumferential force of F Newton which causes it to
Email: [email protected] rotate at N rpm. Then Torque can be defined by Figure 2
Ekaprana Danian, Undergraduate Program in Department of Marine and Equation 2. [7-8]
Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya 60111,
Indonesia.
Gross mechanical power developed by a motor is
maximum when back emf. is equal to half the applied
voltage. This condition is, however, not realized in
International Journal of Marine Engineering Innovation and Research, Vol. 2(1), Dec. 2017. 08-15
(pISSN: 2541-5972, eISSN: 2548-1479) 9
practice, because in that case current would be much stage will be calculated the constant work, power input,
beyond the normal current of the motor. The gross power output, and efficiencies. Graphical representative
mechanical power developed by a motor can be will be performed on this stage to visualize the result.
expressed by Equation 3. The data from the observation analyzed to verified the
Compared with stationary power plants, there is one character of torque and speed regarding to variation input
big difference with diesel-electric propulsion systems. of voltage to maintain the torque and speed on the
With the stationary power plants, it’s only the load, due different load.
to the varying ship speed, which is changing onboard
ships. With diesel-electric propulsion the frequency will F. Data Collection is adequate for Propulsion System
also change due to the varying propeller speed. [9-11] Analysis
The result from data processing will be determine
A. Statements of Problems whether it is capable to be compare to Propulsion System
This stage intended to make describe the outline of this needs or graphic. Thus, will be gather together with
research, all supporting items such as problem and Engine Propeller Matching (EPM) characteristic.
question prepared to specify objective of this research.
G. Analysis of DC Motor Characteristic for Propulsion
B. Literature Study System
Right after the problems is raised, a literature study is Correlation of of DC motor characteristic and EPM
performed. In this stage, literature will be used to will be visualize in one conclusion chart. Graphical
connect the problems with existing theories and facts result will be the output of this stage.
from various sources. The study of literature is done by
reading papers, journals, research, media and literature H. Conclusion
books that relates and able to support this research. This final stage is intended to resume the result of this
research. On this stage will be describe and explain the
C. Equipment Preparation value of data collecting. Also on this stage questions and
After literature study which support the research has problems are answered specifically in order to meet the
been done, The next stage is prepare all the supporting specific objectives of this research. The conclusion of the
equipment to which will be use during the experiment research is to fulfill the statement of the problems
such as DC motor shunt, rectifier, regulator, multimeter, mentioned earlier.
tachometer, generator, cable, ampere meter and other  The formula for Steady Ea and Terminal Voltage
supporting equipment. (Va) Correlation:
(1)
D. DC Motor Data Collecting
This stage is about start from making the circuit to  The formula to power development:
connect the power input to DC motor shunt. On this
(2)
stage will be prepared all the equipment to perform the
observation for the next step.
 The formula for power output:
E. Data Processing
On this stage, all the result after several data collecting (3)
and variable input will be gather and observe is there any
mistake or not during the data collecting and also on this

Figure. 1. DC Generator Typical Volt-Ampere Characteristic [2]

International Journal of Marine Engineering Innovation and Research, Vol. 2(1), Dec. 2017. 08-15
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Figure. 2. Tachometer Setting

of terminal voltage. Terminal torque consist of

III. RESULT AND DISCUSSION3 multiplication of terminal electromotive force in watt
A. General and terminal current in ampere, divided by two times phi
Below listed the sequence of data collecting process; speed in rpm and constant of 60.
a. Preparing data collection: gears, motor, generator, Input Power (P.out) is the developed power minus
cables, regulators, rectifier, and measurement terminal and field losses. It represents the gross
tools (voltmeter and ampere meter). mechanical power developed by a motor is maximum
b. Constructing electrical circuits for data collecting after losses being calculated. It correlated to efficiency is
purpose. comparison between the output power and input power.
c. Connected with the motor, consist two circuits; It represents the effectiveness of the DC motor to deliver
Terminal and Field. Each circuits needs the output of the motor through its losses. Those results
regulators, rectifier, and cables connected with presented in Table 4.
resistance.
d. Generator placed as resistance inside the F. Loaded Condition Pout vs. RPM
operation of the circuits. Figure 3 represents Pout vs. RPM in constant field
e. Measurement tools located within in aim to current 0.32 A. Progression from A to D shown different
collect electric voltage and current information. terminal voltage starting point with constant field voltage
of 0.32 ampere. The input voltage increasing from 10 to
B. DC Motor Data Collection 30 volt will deliver an increase of terminal voltage as
Sort of data gathered in data collecting serves in two shown in Table IV.3. Its condition represents in graph of
different categories, zero load and loaded. Hereby the output power (W) versus speed (RPM). Shown the
sample of zero load condition initial data with initial torque and RPM is increasing along with starting voltage
condition field voltage (VF) 50 V presented in Table 1 condition. The light blue trend lines indicates the
and Table 2. maximum error of served data collecting comes in
scenario C 3rd point that shown 7.5 watt above the trend
C. Input Power and Losses Variable Calculation line located in 132.5 watt. It marks 5.66% of error in
Input Power (P.in) is the developed power in watt units. scenario C operating condition.
It consists of multiplication of current in ampere and Figure 4 represents Pout vs. RPM in constant field
electrical equivalent to mechanical power in volt. current 0.38 A. Progression from A to D shown different
Besides, losses including in the calculation is terminal terminal voltage starting point with constant field voltage
copper loss. It is later correlated with electromotive force of 0.38 ampere. The input voltage increasing from 10 to
(EMF) and the power output of DC motor. The variable 30 volt will deliver an increase of terminal voltage as
consist of current in ampere and resistance in ohm. shown in Table IV.3. Its condition represents in graph of
Referred to equations in literature study, the results output power (W) versus speed (RPM). Shown the
delivered in Table 3. torque and RPM is increasing along with starting voltage
condition. The light blue trend lines indicates the
D. Electromotive Force (EMF) Calculation maximum error of served data collecting comes in
EMF is electrical equivalent to mechanical power in scenario C 3rd point that shown 5 watt above the trend
volt units. In this case, it is necessary to be calculated to line located in 152.5 watt. It marks 3.28% of error in
acquire terminal electrical equivalent value to its scenario C operating condition.
mechanical gain. Referred to equations in literature
study, the results delivered in Table 4. G. Motor Propeller Matching
Modeling process of the propeller curve based on one
E. Torque, Output Power, and Efficiency Calculation specific example vessel. It comes as an example just to
In this case of DC motor, terminal torque is to be show the representation of the DC motor characteristic
acquire in order to gain the information of the torque due to the propeller curve. The technical specification of
escalation with the speed increase due to the increasing the vessel shown in Table 5.
International Journal of Marine Engineering Innovation and Research, Vol. 2(1), Dec. 2017. 08-15
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TABLE 1.
ZERO LOAD CONDITION DATA COLLECTION (VF = 50 V)
Zero Load Condition
Con. VF (V) I.arm (A) I.F (A) RPM Varm (V) Vin (V)
A 50 2.61 0.32 957 40 10~30
B 50 2.37 0.32 1070 45 10~30
C 50 2.57 0.32 1178 50 10~30
D 50 2.68 0.32 1330 55 10~30

TABLE 2.
LOADED CONDITION DATA COLLECTION (VF = 50 V)
A: Loaded Condition (V.Arm starting 40, V.F constant in 50 V)
No. Vin (V) IL (A) Iarm (A) IF (A) Varm (V) VF (V)
A-0 0 0 2.55 0.32 40 50
A-1 10 0.1 2.8 0.32 41 50
A-2 15 0.1 3.04 0.32 42 50
A-3 20 0.2 3.37 0.32 43 50
A-4 25 0.2 3.61 0.32 44 50
A-5 30 0.2 3.76 0.32 45 50

No. Vin (V) RPM

A-0 0 957
A-1 10 994
A-2 15 993
A-3 20 1025
A-4 25 1030
A-5 30 1046

TABLE 3.
LOSSES VARIABLE RESULT (VF = 50 V)
A: Loaded Condition (V.Arm starting 40, V.F constant in 50 V)
No. Vin (V) I.L (A) I.Arm (A) I.F (A) V.Arm (V) V.F (V)
A-0 0 0 2.55 0.32 40 50
A-1 10 0.1 2.8 0.32 41 50
A-2 15 0.1 3.04 0.32 42 50
A-3 20 0.2 3.37 0.32 43 50
A-4 25 0.2 3.61 0.32 44 50
A-5 30 0.2 3.76 0.32 45 50
No. V.in (V) RPM P.in (W) Ia.Ra Ia2.Ra If2.Rf
A-0 0 957 0 0 0 0
A-1 10 994 130.80 11.2 31.36 11.26
A-2 15 993 143.68 12.16 36.97 11.26
A-3 20 1025 160.91 13.48 45.43 11.26
A-4 25 1030 174.84 14.44 52.13 11.26
A-5 30 1046 185.20 15.04 56.55 11.26

TABLE 4.
POWER EFFICIENCY RESULT (VF = 50 V)
No. V.in (V) RPM P.in (W) Ia.Ra Ia2.Ra If2.Rf
A-0 0 957 0 0 0 0
A-1 10 994 130.80 11.2 31.36 11.26
A-2 15 993 143.68 12.16 36.97 11.26
A-3 20 1025 160.91 13.48 45.43 11.26
A-4 25 1030 174.84 14.44 52.13 11.26
A-5 30 1046 185.20 15.04 56.55 11.26
No. V.in (V) Ea (W) Torque (Nm) RPS Pout (W) Efficiency
A-0 0 0 0 0 0 0
A-1 10 29.80 31.66 2.64 88.18 67.4%
A-2 15 29.84 34.45 2.63 95.45 66.4%
A-3 20 29.52 36.60 2.72 104.22 64.8%
A-4 25 29.56 39.07 2.73 111.45 63.7%
A-5 30 29.96 40.62 2.77 117.39 63.4%

H. Propeller Curve The propeller curve is the summary of engine propeller

The motor propeller matching can be gain with the matching calculation which being calculated and fitted
propeller curve and the motor envelope. The certain with assumption information of sister ship principal
propeller curve is to be fitted to the motor envelope dimension. It produces n-BHP relation curve like shown
created with loaded condition Pout vs. RPM graph. in the Figure 5.
International Journal of Marine Engineering Innovation and Research, Vol. 2(1), Dec. 2017. 08-15
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Figure. 3. Loaded Condition Pout vs. RPM Graph (I.F 0.32 A)

Figure. 4. Loaded Condition Pout vs. RPM Graph (I.F 0.38 A)

TABLE 5.
EXAMPLE VESSEL SPECIFICATION

TYPE: DRY BULK CARRIER

Gross Tonnage 3980 ts

Net Tonnage 2474 ts
Displacement 8575 kt
DWT 6437.94 kt
Draught (T) Max. 6.98 m
Speed (v) Max. 12 knots
LOA 105.61 m
LPP 98.6 m
Breadth 16.33 m
Height 8.4 m
M/E BHPMCR 3900 HP
M/E Speed 230 RPM
Propeller Blade 4 blades
Propeller Diameter 3.3 m
International Journal of Marine Engineering Innovation and Research, Vol. 2(1), Dec. 2017. 08-15
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Figure. 5. B4-55 Propeller Curve Graph

I. Matching Dimensional Analysis comparison purposes only.

There is no ambiguity in propeller curve dimensional Meanwhile, the percentage of speed and power of the
perspective. It is constructed by the power (kW) and propeller comes from the engine propeller matching
speed (RPM) of its engine which shaped by its power calculation with an assumption ship particular data
demand in certain operating condition or load. Each referred to one example of vessel.
point within the propeller curve based on the speed With condition of field voltage 60 volt as maximum
required comes along with resistance a torque required to and terminal voltage starting from 40 to 55 volt,
be produced in it. Meanwhile, different point of view propeller curve cross over certain section in motor
applied for the motor envelope. Its axis comes in the envelope.
same way as propeller curve, but in different capacity. The orange area stands for 60 volt field voltage
DC motor not serves information of its maximum condition with constant current of 0.38 ampere and 30
capacity in field voltages 50 V, neither 60 V. volt input voltage. It can be seen the rated speed of the
Its capacity is possible to be expand until its maximum vessel in 12 knots is acceptable inside its operating area.
field voltage and terminal voltage based on certain Whilst the blue area stands for 50 volt field voltage
technical specification of the motor itself. Unlike the condition. It comes in constant current of 0.32 ampere
motor envelope, propeller curve has certain maximum and 30 input voltage. One stop speed below rated speed,
value of percentages based on its maximum capacity of which define with 11 knots, is critically still within its
the engine driven. It is essential to assume the maximum operating area. The matching curve indicates that the
point of each motor envelope, with field voltage 60 V certain propeller, in this case B4-55 is fitted in 60 volt
data as the highest point (100%) and field voltage 50 V field voltage operating area. It capable to serves the
is in accordance to 60 V as maximum percentage. Table service speed of the vessel within around 12 knots.
6 serves the sample of field voltage 60 V assumption to The extension line in the graph is the trend line
gain percentages value of the motor envelope. extrapolation of the motor envelope created by the
pattern serves by the collected data with condition of
J. Motor Propeller Matching field voltage of 50 volt and 60 volt and terminal voltage
The propeller curve is to be shaped to the motor gradually from 40 until 55 volt. It shows the possible
envelope of field voltage 50 volt and 60 volt. Shown path created by the motor in constant field voltage and
below the matching with those graph. further increase of terminal voltage. It is legibly that the
The motor envelope developed from the variable of the motor capable to serves until more than 110% or 20
calculated The Figure 6 shows the motor and propeller points further in this field voltage condition. That
matching in percentage of speed (RPM) in X axis and condition would be acceptable for another types of
rated power (kW) in Y axis. The percentage of speed and propeller which carries different speed-power curve
power of the motor comes from the comparison of the characteristic and or even same types of propeller in
value of each point to collected data. It does not larger power demand.
represent the 100% of the motor real power due to
TABLE 6.
MOTOR ENVELOPE PERCENTAGES ASSUMPTION FOR V.F. 60 VOLT
A: V.Arm start 40 B: V.Arm start 45 C: V.Arm start 50 D: V.Arm start 55
No. RPM Pout (W) RPM P.out (W) RPM Pout (W) RPM Pout (W)
A-1 1068 91.32 1157 101.47 1304 118.01 1420 136.33
A-2 1098 98.90 1180 112.37 1326 132.05 1442 151.76
A-3 1127 107.42 1189 124.29 1345 143.89 1454 167.60
A-4 1141 115.18 1218 135.17 1360 158.25 1490 182.88
A-5 1152 123.78 1235 144.33 1395 170.09 1510 195.43
% RPM Pout (W) RPM P.out (W) RPM Pout (W) RPM Pout (W)
A-1 71 47 77 52 86 60 94 70
A-2 73 51 78 57 88 68 95 78
A-3 75 55 79 64 89 74 96 86
A-4 76 59 81 69 90 81 99 94
A-5 76 63 82 74 92 87 100 100
International Journal of Marine Engineering Innovation and Research, Vol. 2(1), Dec. 2017. 08-15
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Figure. 6. Motor Propeller Matching (I.F 0.32 and 0.38 A)

vs. terminal current is likely in polynomial form. The

IV. CONCLUSION same way with torque vs. RPM curve. Indeed, it is
To analyze the correlation of separately excited DC possible to comprehend the tendency of the torque vs.
motor as main propulsion in engine propeller matching, RPM to X2 graphical representation. Besides, the torque
or in this specific case named motor propeller matching. vs. terminal current progression to linear curve. Torque
Within the laboratory scale, it combines the versus RPM graph shown error in proportion its trend
characteristic of DC motor merged to the product of line curve. In the graph of 50 volt of field voltage and
engine propeller matching; the propeller curve. Using the constant 0.32 ampere field current shows maximum error
perspective of dimensional, motor propeller matching of 5.4%. Whilst 60 volt of field voltage and constant
can be acquired. It results an answer to the problem 0.38 ampere field current shows maximum error of
formulation of this study in the way of laboratory scale. 3.7%. It indicates the higher the field voltage in
Respective conclusion stated by these points below. accordance to its maximum input voltage of operation,
Torque produced by the DC motor is in the same the lower the error acquired.
magnitude with the speed (RPM). The higher the speed In the same manner as previous points stated. The
have shaped the value of the torque. input and terminal voltages adjusts all variables and
The speed (RPM) itself is possible to be increase due results. In this study, different field voltage creates
to the addition of input voltage. It is in the same manner different pattern of motor envelope. Its manner to
affect the terminal voltage (V.term) and field current propeller curve occurs total different results. With field
(I.F). The current, whether terminal or field, regulated voltage of 50 V, the ranges of motor envelope
directly to its voltages. Whilst, the terminal and field immoveable in the point of 150% of present speed and
current will change according to input voltage. Then, all 160%. While field voltage of 60 V serves larger ranges
magnitude of those variables will affect respectively the of motor envelope which possible to reach further than
power. It can be explained by variables constructed the 50 V curve.
power is current and voltage, from both, terminal and It concluded that the higher the field voltage, with the
field. same input voltage, could produces different result due
Torque is the product of the speed (RPM), but in to the increasing of other variables, such as; current and
addition dependence to electromotive force (emf) and voltage, of terminal and field. Noticed that the capacity
terminal current (I.term). The graphical result of torque of the motor in this study, laboratory scale, is much
limited than actual study case scale. Apart from that
 International Journal of Marine Engineering Innovation and Research, Vol. 2(1), Dec. 2017. 08-15
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condition, the extensive ranges of motor envelope or
motor working condition area can affect the matching
section with certain propeller curve based on certain
propeller type.

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