| Several advantages
The first thing that popped out is that the blade design can use much less material- less drag. The point of highest velocity/load is at the rim where support is best. The last picture shows a plug connecting the blades- vibration control?
The bearings are interesting too. By using water to generate a hydrodynamic film-the wear component can be less in steady state operation than in start-stop service like a thruster.
The only drawback is the drag caused by the tube/motor.
For commercial displacement use this has lots of promise.
How do you think the drag compares to the IPS design?
Carl
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