Naiad Launches Electric-powered Fin Stabilization Systems

Naiad Dynamics, an international manufacturer of ship motion control technologies, has introduced the first products in its new line of electric-powered stabilizer systems designed for use on ships operating both AtSpeed and AtRest.

“These new stabilizers are a modern refinement of electric-powered stabilizers Naiad first developed for naval applications in 2008,” said John Venables, CEO of Naiad Dynamics. “We are now introducing these systems to the recreational and commercial marine markets alongside our complete range of proven hydraulic stabilizers to provide a choice for designers and builders who may prefer not to use hydraulics.”

The initial model E-525 is available with a 7.5 or 11 kW AC servo motor drive, and is designed for fin sizes ranging from 1.0 to over 3.5 square meters for vessels typically 35 to 50 meters in length. The company will introduce additional electric-powered systems through 2015 and 2016.

Naiad said its electric stabilizer eliminates the entire hydraulic system, reducing the number of installed components and the system’s overall complexity and weight, as well as eliminating installation costs associated with interconnecting fluid lines, all with no sacrifice in power and performance. Naiad’s electric servo motor-actuator design generates the same amount of force as two hydraulic cylinders used in an equivalent hydraulic stabilizer model.

A key safety feature of Naiad’s electric fin stabilizer design is the ability to center the fins manually and lock in place when the stabilizer is not being operated. Other key features include Naiad’s exclusive DATUM closed loop digital control system with adaptive self-tuning capability operating on a CANbus distributed network.