Arctic Thruster Ecosystem is a co-creation forum leading the research and development of ship propulsion for arctic conditions.
We catalyze solutions for the management of ice loads and vibrations. With joint efforts we develop thruster technologies and measurement methods for the future.
The Arctic Thruster Ecosystem is committed to become the leader in research and development of ship propulsion for arctic sea operation.
We want to develop validated and environmentally acceptable solutions for industrial use, including ice class rules.
As a concrete result, we will increase the remaining lifetime of mechanical propulsion systems.
We aim at predicting the phenomena causing ice loads, and understanding how these are transferred to the critical components like gears and bearings. This is achieved by analyzing the ice load contacts and by simulations.
The operation can be improved by reducing the impacts of longitudinal and torsional loadings and vibration. Our goal is to dampen ice induced impacts and dynamic loads by 30%.
Wireless measurements enable failure detection. We develop methods to detect real loadings on gear teeth and bearings, and predict how these are affecting the component life.
The Wärtsilä Propulsion Test Centre, operational since 2014, is the result of close cooperation between Wärtsilä and VTT. The purpose of the testing facility, located in Tuusula, Finland, is to strengthen the existing product validation and research activities.
The facility enables the development of new, high-quality and environmentally sound propulsion products together with research institutes, universities and suppliers. The test centre will have a central role in propulsion-related research and development activities. In particular, it will be used for functional and endurance testing, with emphasis on mechanical power transfer.