Each year we see many industry-related products set on display at the trade show during the World Finals in Lake Havasu City, AZ. This year will be no exception. In fact IJSBA Just Announced that there will be a new additional vendor at the 2017 Blowsion World Finals. MCD Tech is going to exhibit a variable exit nozzle which they have created.
The Variable Diameter Nozzle (VDN) is a nozzle that can change diameter via electronic control. According to the manufacturer, it is a patented replacement for a fixed exit nozzle, allowing you to vary the diameter automatically via computer control. The control will automatically adjust the VDN to a smaller diameter as forward motion increases, thereby providing greater thrust at high speed. Additionally the control will automatically reduce the VDN diameter to obtain the best top speed.
The way it works is by collecting data from GPS, an accelerometer, and the RPM’s of the engine. It houses a bladder which inflates or deflates hydraulically, depending on the signal received from the control. This in turn moves the actuator to the correct position based on the forward motion of the watercraft and automatically changes the VDN diameter.
This technology has been around for decades and has been utilized in aircraft jet engines, fluid systems, and even been brought to the watercraft industry in the past. This type of patent dates back to the early 1990’s and we have seen companies over the years offering continuously variable thrust systems.
It will certainly be interesting to see what MCD Tech is going to offer and how receptive the industry will be, especially if the performance and efficiency gains are significant enough.
Is it possible to “stuff” the pump at some reduced exit diameter or is their some type of safety relief/bypass?
The manufacturer hasn’t specified those details, but you can visit their website or contact them directly with any questions about the design at this link http://www.getvd.us