The power of the diesel engine is transmitted to the Rudder Propeller through an elastic coupling, a clutch and the universal shafts. The rudder propeller transmits the engine power to the propeller via upper and lower bevel gear sets (Z-drive).
The propeller can be freely steered through 360degrees around the stem. Therefore the rudder propeller is a combined propulsion and steering unit, so that the full thrust is available in any direction for the ship.
If the prime mover is electric or hydraulic motor, the upper gearbox can be eliminated. The electric or hydraulic motor can be vertically mounted on the fixed flange and the power will be transmitted through a bevel gear in lower gearbox on to the propeller (L-drive).
The rudder propeller can be operated by mechanical, hydraulic or electri-hydraulic unit, and can be in active service as main propulsion, auxiliary propulsion and dynamic positioning of the ship, which are usually used in tugs, push boats, ferry boats and barges etc.
There're three installation types. Transom installation, Well installation and Deck installation.
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