High performance and heat resistance thanks to water-jacket cooling
The powerful IC 71W squirrel cage motors are designed for intermittent operation with frequent load changes. Thanks to the integrated water-jacket cooling, these motors can operate efficiently in confined engine rooms without overheating. This is especially critical for bow thruster drives, which are often used only in short but intensive bursts – for instance, to assist maneuvering in tight harbors or under adverse weather conditions.
MENZEL squirrel cage motors deliver high starting torque, allowing bow thrusters to operate at full power from the outset. Their rugged construction ensures long service life and reliable performance, even under harsh maritime conditions with high humidity and salt exposure.
With low maintenance requirements and high efficiency, the IC 71W motor is an ideal solution for shipowners and shipyards seeking powerful and compact drive systems.
Performance data – Bow thruster drive
Technical specifications
- MENZEL motor type: MEBKSW500-06
- Standard: IEC/EN 60034-1
- Rated power: 1,000 kW
- Rated voltage: 690 V
- Speed: 992 rpm
- Frequency: 50 Hz
- Mounting type: IM 3011 (IM V1)
- Degree of protection: IP 55
- Cooling method: IC 71W (water-jacket cooling)
- Weight: 5,520 kg
How does water-jacket cooling work in electric motors?
In a water-jacket cooled motor (IC 71W), heat is dissipated via a sealed cooling jacket that surrounds the motor housing. Within this jacket, water or a dedicated coolant circulates to absorb and transport the generated heat efficiently to the outside.
Advantages of water-jacket cooling
The IC 71W cooling system enables a more compact motor design compared to similarly rated air-cooled models:
- Space-saving design: No external fan or large heat sink required – ideal for cramped engine rooms on board.
- Noise reduction: Cooling via water circulation significantly lowers noise levels during operation. No large fans or air ducts are needed.
- Efficient heat dissipation: Water absorbs and transfers much more heat than air, ensuring uniform operating temperatures.
- Less dust and dirt accumulation: Unlike air-cooled motors, water-cooled systems don’t attract dust, resulting in cleaner operation and less sensitivity to environmental contaminants.
Request a tailored consultation for your water-jacket cooled ship motors!
Our engineers will be happy to discuss your requirements.
Direct contact to our engineers
Applications of water-jacket cooled motors
Water-jacket cooled electric motors are especially suitable for applications where reliable cooling is essential and space is limited – such as in marine engine rooms. They are also ideal for dusty environments or where heat dissipation into the ambient air must be avoided.
This makes them perfect for bow thruster drives, as well as for pump and fan drives on board. With its water-jacket cooled motor series, Menzel offers a future-oriented solution for marine propulsion systems that combines efficiency, compactness, and durability. The RINA certification underscores the motors’ suitability for demanding marine and offshore operations.
RINA certification – What criteria are evaluated?
The Italian customer required motor certification by the Registro Italiano Navale (RINA), a ship classification society headquartered in Genoa. The following inspections and tests were carried out at our in-house test facility in Hennigsdorf as part of the certification process:
- Verification of calibration and suitability of testing and measuring equipment
- Manufacturer's inspection
- Review of technical documentation and visual inspection
- Insulation resistance measurement
- Winding resistance measurement
- Load test and temperature rise measurement
- Overload / overcurrent test
- Dielectric strength test
- No-load test
- Degree of protection (IP rating) verification
- Bearing inspection
After successfully passing all tests, the motor received the RINA certification and was approved for deployment on the customer's vessel.
Ship motor certifications at MENZEL – in-house load testing facility
We carry out type tests and certification acceptance tests for ship motors according to internationally recognized standards, including:
- DIN EN 60034
- Efficiency classifications IE3, IE4, and IE5
- Bureau Veritas (BV)
- Lloyd’s Register (LR)
- American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
- Det Norske Veritas (DNV)
- Registro Italiano Navale (RINA)
