Flettner Rotor - Drive Power
Electric motor input power to spin a Flettner rotor at the design RPM - 1–3 % of generated thrust energy.
Tip speed
47.1m/s
Drive power (screening)
2,884.3kW
Formula, assumptions, and limits
$$P = \tfrac{1}{2} \rho_a C_D D H V_t^3$$
$C_D$ ≈ 0.3 for smooth cylinder in spin. Real drive also has bearing/seal losses. Manufacturers quote 200–600 kW drive per rotor.
Symbol legend
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| $V_t$ | Rotor tip speed | m/s | πDn |
| $D, H$ | Rotor diameter / height | m | maker spec |
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