- Case Study
REVOLUTIONISING MARITIME RESEARCH:
Power and Data Transfer for Propellers
Overview
Krona Subsea was tasked with developing a low power and high-bandwidth data transfer solution for ship propellers. Throughout 2024 and 2025, we adapted and integrated our Maelstrom connector to mount around a propeller shaft to power and interrogate high data-rate sensors in a propeller on a Dutch research vessel.
The ultimate goal was to develop smart propellers that can report real-time scenarios while enhancing performance, reducing fuel consumption and mitigating underwater noise. This is the first research of its kind on propeller efficiency, paving the way for next generation
propeller technology.
- Client Type: Maritime Research Organisation
- Application: Power and data transfer for propeller sensing
- Partners: World-renowned maritime research institute
Challenge
Due to its complex nature, some installation issues were encountered. These were overcome by adapting the system configuration and by implementing unique back-up features and firmware to ensure high-speed power and data transfer in harsh subsea environments.
Solution
- To allow for the contactless transfer of both power and data for the project’s requirements, custom antenna and coil designs were developed to ensure reliable transfer while the device was rotating at up to 1000 RPM.
- Through the seamless integration of our Maelstrom technology to enable real-time data transfer from sensors integrated directly into the propeller, this technology facilitates the development of “smart propellers” with monitoring capabilities
- This opens new possibilities for optimising propeller performance, improving operational efficiency, and refining propeller designs based on real-world data.
Solution
- To allow for the contactless transfer of both power and data for the project’s requirements, custom antenna and coil designs were developed to ensure reliable transfer while the device was rotating at up to 1000 RPM.
- Through the seamless integration of our Maelstrom technology to enable real-time data transfer from sensors integrated directly into the propeller, this technology facilitates the development of “smart propellers” with monitoring capabilities
- This opens new possibilities for optimising propeller performance, improving operational efficiency, and refining propeller designs based on real-world data.
Outcome
The project was successfully delivered, adapting our technology to fit a rotating system for the first time.
Thanks to the implementation of Maelstrom on the propeller, our partner was able to collect useful data in a variety of manoeuvres in different subsea conditions while minimising impact, enabling further development of smart propellers.
This project demonstrated the versatility of Maelstrom’s applications- revealing an array of future possibilities for this technology.
Alternative Applications
WiSub connectors are contactless power and data transfer interfaces designed for rotating equipment operating in harsh or maintenance constrained environments.
Ethernet, Serial and Analog data can be seamlessly transferred. While demonstrated here on a ship propeller, the technology is applicable across a wide range of rotating systems where traditional slip rings introduce wear, signal noise or reliability risks.
By eliminating physical electrical contacts, WiSub connectors enables continuous rotation while maintaining high-integrity power and data transfer.
Typical applications include:
- Winches, hoists and tether management systems
- Propulsion shafts, thrusters and azimuth drives
- Offshore cranes, A-frames and slewing machinery
- ROV and AUV tooling with rotating cutters or actuators
- Rotating sensor platforms and instrumentation systems
- Renewable energy devices with rotating hubs or blade
WiSub connectors enable smarter, more reliable rotating equipment, with no physical contact between stationary and rotating parts, supporting real time sensing, condition monitoring and control without the limitations of mechanical slip rings.
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