Tools for Minimizing Noise Emissions from Cavitating Propellers (MinKav)

Authorities and shipping companies are increasingly focusing on the growing underwater noise emissions caused by cavitating propellers on commercial vessels. At present, there are no binding limits, nor are there practical methods for targeted noise prediction and reduction in propeller design. Existing measures, which typically entail significant losses in efficiency, conflict with climate protection goals. 

The MinKav project aims to develop innovative methods for reducing underwater noise and to integrate them into industrial propeller design. By comparing different numerical methods, the project seeks to develop efficient design tools for more reliable noise predictions and to identify acoustically relevant geometric parameters. By studying the temporal evolution of the cavitation volume and controlling it in a targeted manner, it should be possible to design propellers that operate both energy-efficiently and with lower noise levels. In parallel, model tests are being conducted to validate the simulation results. 

Funding: Funding from the State Economic Program 2021–2027, with funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and state funds

Research ID: LPW21-E/1.1.2.1/984

Project Duration: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2028

Project Manger: Lucas Langnaese

Grant amount: €387,029.00