ROV Propellers Optimization using CAD Design and CFD Modeling and Experimental Validation

Abstract

In intend to optimize the propulsion of Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) we conducted a study on a set of parameters that affects the thrust. In our attempt we tried to set and improve optimized designs by an efficient way and avoiding expensive software programs such as OpenProp and Propcad.This paper focuses on the design procedure of ROV propellers, activated by thrusters. Electrical motor used in the thrusters of this study has a maximum power of 500 W, maximum rotational speed of 2500 RPM, and the propeller has a fixed pitch with blades made from aluminum material. The present paper deals with modeling and analyzing the propeller blade performance of an underwater vehicle. A propeller is a complex geometry which requires high end modeling software. Different sections are considered to create single blade. A 3D 3 blades propeller is first modeled in solid works and then analyzed using FLUENT software. Two propellers with special blade design for each one are defined. This study was supported by simulation and confronted by experimental results.