Dolprop is an innovation that is based on the idea of replacing the propeller with a fin. Fin propulsion proves to be both energy-efficient, safe, quiet, practical and robust.
But nature already knew that...
Quiet oceans and Sustainability
A relatively unknown environmental problem is the harmful noise that a propeller causes. The ocean mammals use sound signals to navigate and communicate over long distances and have extremely sensitive hearing. Merchant shipping today is causing severe noise pollution over large ocean areas. It causes both confusion and severe pain for animals. Scientists point to this as a likely cause of both impaired reproduction and the animals that inexplicably swims ashore. The problem is now increasingly recognized internationally, and public opinion is growing. Dolprop is virtually noiseless compared to a propeller. It can be an unexpectedly strong argument for our solution.
Security
Fin propulsion is considerably safer than the propeller, as the fin never exceeds 60 rpm and consists only of soft parts, unlike the propeller with cutting blades. The fin can handle even lighter groundings without breaking. It is also safe for bathers around the boat. Ropes and seaweed, etc. not tangle up in the fin as it is not a rotating movement. Dolprop can also be used by emergency services, fin propulsion is the safest option to rescue distressed during accidents.
Environment
With Dolprop decreases, besides CO2 emissions also emissions of air pollutions. Ships’ bunker oil is one of the dirtiest fuels used, a large ocean-crossing cargo ships currently emit as much pollution as 50 million cars. The operating range in electric mode is significantly increased, which the market demands. Our design means that electric power will be a realistic option in shipping. This enables the market for small boat owners so that they may also invest in environmentally friendly technologies.
Man and nature in symbiosis, innovation that is making changes globally!
Background
Dolprop Industries AB has developed a number of patents that have multiple possible applications, among them is a manual fin that replacce oars, a replacement kit from propeller to fin for smaller electric motors and an electric outboard motor for smaller boats and auxiliary to sailboats. The outboard motor is based on the FDP (Fluke Propulsion Device) technology, which is thus an imitation of nature’s propulsion system in the form of a fin. The fin excels with a high efficiency, which in combination with the electric drive makes an outboard motor more cost-effective and an environment friendly alternative to today’s conventional gasoline-powered outboard motors.
Development Prototype funded by, among others, Vinnova
Development has to date been made with private equity and 1 million SEK from VINNOVA Research & Grow program with the innovative propulsion technology from idea patent to prototype. The project involved the development and testing of a number of prototypes of the electric outboard motors with fin propulsion. Fin propulsion is also applicable to petrol and diesel engines!
Patent
Dolprop holds patents on three patent families current FPD in Sweden, Europe, USA, Japan, China, Australia and Brazil. Patents are currently approved for the Swedish market and the US.
Business environment & Market Interest
The website was launched in October 2011, after which the interest in the unique Dolprop took off. The first article published on 15 April 2011 in ‘Vinnova Nytt’, followed by ‘Ny teknik’, ‘Uppfinnaren & Konstruktören’. The project was shown on TV4 news on May 5, 2012. Because of the articles we have been in contact with several parties, including Navy and sea rescue who have shown great interest, mainly as Dolprop means an environmental friendly, cost-saving, safe and quiet alternative to today’s outboard motors, which is in line with WHO’s intention to silence the seas!
Benefits
The operating range in electric mode is significantly increased, which the market demands. The design means that electric power will be a realistic option
The low noise level has created interest from the defense industry, while wildlife is spared (Under Water Noise Pollution)
Small boat owner market is ready to invest in environmental friendly technologies.
Security; fin is safe for bathers such as children, distressed by accident, etc. (sea rescue), it is soft and can manage a hit on rocks.
The investment is the same or slightly higher, therefore no big decision financially.
Goals
Develop and start series production of the fin as a replacement module to the existing propeller engines.
Satisfying the need for a quiet, safe and environmental friendly outboard motor for open boats and yacht owners worldwide.
To qualify / initiate other types of applications.
Purpose
Bring the silence of the world’s oceans and lakes!
Reduce the environmental impact on seas and lakes!
Along with other innovators and entrepreneurs rebuild confidence in the future for millions of young adults.
Gallery
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Video
Press
Nature, the perfect model
1843 ended the silence of the world’s oceans, which launched the world’s first propeller ship, American steam frigate USS Princeton. The Swede John Ericsson was behind the revolutionary invention. The propeller was at first met with great skepticism, but tests showed that the invention worked so well that the US military decided to equip all of its ships with propellers. Suddenly the silence was broken in the oceans.
Dolprops target is to as closely as possible mimic the bottlenose dolphin motion pattern that provides phenomenal performance. Bottlenose dolphin weighs 240 kg and can in just a few meters accelerate from standstill to over 30 knots with a power of just one horsepower.
Thomas Jemt
The Inventor
Svenska