An air supply device for a ship, a ship including the air supply device, and a method for supplying air to an air lubrication system.

Abstract

An air supply device (100) for a ship is described. The air supply device (100) includes a fuel cell (110) and an air lubrication device (120) for reducing ship drag. The exhaust outlet (111) of the fuel cell (110) is connected to the air lubrication device (120) via an exhaust line (112) for supplying exhaust gas to the air lubrication device (120). Furthermore, a ship (200) including the air supply device (100) according to any embodiment described herein and a method for supplying air to the ship's air lubrication device (120) are described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to an air supply device for air-lubricated ships to reduce water friction resistance. Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure relate to a method for supplying air to the air lubrication equipment of a ship. Additionally, embodiments of this disclosure relate to a method for installing a fuel cell in an air supply device. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, when a ship is sailing at sea, the underwater surface of its hull experiences frictional resistance from the water. This is especially true for large ships (such as cargo ships), where a significant portion of the hull resistance comes from the frictional resistance generated by the relative flow of water outside the hull.

[0003] To reduce frictional resistance in a ship's hull, air lubrication can be used, specifically by venting air around the hull. This reduction in frictional resistance significantly improves fuel economy and is therefore an effective means of reducing CO2 emissions from ships.

[0004] In the prior art, there are various systems and methods for generating bubbles for hull lubrication. For example, in order to generate bubbles for hull lubrication, the prior art teaches the use of a separate or dedicated mechanical electric compressor or blower.

[0005] However, there is a growing need for improved methods and systems for hull lubrication, particularly in terms of energy efficiency and eco-friendliness. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the foregoing, according to the independent claim, an air supply device for a ship, a ship including the air supply device, a method for supplying air to the ship's air lubrication equipment, and a method for installing a fuel cell in the air supply device are provided. Other aspects, advantages, and features will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an air supply device for a ship is provided. The air supply device includes a fuel cell and an air lubrication device for reducing ship drag. The exhaust gas outlet of the fuel cell is connected to the air lubrication device via an exhaust gas pipeline for supplying exhaust gas to the air lubrication device.

[0008] Therefore, the air supply device disclosed herein is an improvement in energy consumption and eco-friendliness compared to conventional devices used in air-lubricated ships.

[0009] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a ship is provided that includes an air supply device according to any embodiment described herein.

[0010] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for supplying air to an air lubrication system of a ship is provided. The method includes supplying exhaust gas from a fuel cell to the air lubrication system.

[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an air supply device for a ship is provided. The air supply device includes a fuel cell, an air lubrication device for reducing ship drag, and a compressor connected to a pressurization line system to supply pressurized fluid to the pressurization line system. The pressurization line system is connected to the fuel cell to supply pressurized fluid from the compressor to the fuel cell. The pressurization line system is also connected to the air lubrication device to supply pressurized fluid to the air lubrication device.

[0012] Therefore, the air supply device disclosed herein is an improvement in energy consumption and eco-friendliness compared to conventional equipment used in air-lubricated ships.

[0013] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a ship is provided that includes an air supply device according to any embodiment described herein.

[0014] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for installing a fuel cell in a ship's air supply system is provided. The air supply system includes an air lubrication device for reducing ship drag and a compressor for supplying pressurized fluid to the air lubrication device. The method includes connecting the compressor outlet and the fuel cell inlet via an inlet line or a branched inlet line. The method also includes connecting the inlet of the air lubrication device to the fuel cell exhaust outlet via an exhaust line, or connecting the inlet of the air lubrication device to the compressor outlet via a branched inlet line.

[0015] Those skilled in the art will recognize the additional features and advantages upon reading the following detailed description and viewing the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To gain a detailed understanding of the features described above, a more specific description of the disclosure summarized above can be obtained by referring to the embodiments. The accompanying drawings relate to embodiments of the disclosure and are described below:

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a ship having an air supply device according to an embodiment described herein is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a ship having an air supply device according to other embodiments described herein is shown; and

[0019] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method for supplying air to an air lubrication system of a ship, according to the embodiments described herein, is shown.

[0020] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a ship having an air supply device according to an embodiment described herein is shown;

[0021] Figure 5a A schematic diagram of a ship having an air supply device according to other embodiments described herein is shown;

[0022] Figure 5b A schematic diagram of a ship having an air supply device according to other embodiments described herein is shown;

[0023] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a ship having an air supply device according to other embodiments described herein is shown;

[0024] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a ship having an air supply device according to other embodiments described herein is shown;

[0025] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a ship having an air supply device according to other embodiments described herein is shown;

[0026] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a ship having an air supply device according to other embodiments described herein is shown; and

[0027] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a ship having an air supply device according to other embodiments described herein is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments, with one or more examples shown in each figure. Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not intended to be limiting. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used in any other embodiment or in combination with any other embodiment to produce another embodiment. This disclosure is intended to include such modifications and variations.

[0029] In the following description of the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar parts. Generally, only the differences with respect to the various embodiments are described. Unless otherwise stated, the description of a part or aspect in one embodiment is also applicable to the corresponding part or aspect in another embodiment.

[0030] Exemplary Reference Figure 1This document describes an air supply device 100 for a vessel 200 according to the present disclosure. According to an embodiment that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the air supply device 100 includes a fuel cell 110 and an air lubrication device 120 for reducing the drag of the vessel 200. Specifically, the air lubrication device 120 is configured to generate bubbles for hull lubrication. More specifically, the air lubrication device is generally configured to generate or form an air layer on the bottom surface of the hull by discharging air onto the outer surface of the hull below the waterline. In other words, air lubrication can be used to reduce the frictional drag of the hull, particularly by discharging air around the hull, especially below the hull. Therefore, it is advantageous to reduce the frictional drag between the vessel and the water. Figure 1 As shown, the exhaust outlet 111 of the fuel cell 110 is connected to the air lubrication device 120 via the exhaust pipeline 112, and is used to supply exhaust gas to the air lubrication device 120.

[0031] Therefore, compared with conventional devices used in air-lubricated ships, the embodiments of the air supply device described herein advantageously provide improved energy efficiency and eco-friendliness.

[0032] Exemplary Reference Figure 2 According to an embodiment that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, fuel cell 110 is connected to compressor 130 to provide pressurized air to fuel cell 110. In other words, fuel cell 110 can be a pressurized fuel cell, which can facilitate the supply of pressurized flow to air lubrication equipment. Therefore, the energy efficiency of the ship can be improved. Furthermore, it can reduce the ship's global carbon emissions.

[0033] According to embodiments that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, fuel cell 110 is connected to fuel supply device 140, such as... Figure 2 As exemplarily shown, the fuel supply device 140 is configured to supply fuel to the fuel cell 110. Specifically, the fuel can be at least one of hydrogen, methane, methanol, ammonia, or any other suitable fuel. Therefore, compared to conventional fuels such as heavy oil used in maritime transport, it can improve eco-friendliness.

[0034] Exemplary Reference Figure 2 According to embodiments that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the gas supply device 100 further includes at least one component 150 selected from afterburners, oxidizers, turbines, expanders, heat exchangers, throttles, particularly flaps, and recirculation devices. Figure 2As exemplarily shown, at least one component 150 is typically connected to the exhaust gas line 112. Providing one or more other components 150 as described herein can improve the performance of the gas supply device, particularly the overall system. It should be understood that each of the at least one component 150 can be arranged in series or in parallel.

[0035] According to embodiments that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the air supply device 100 further includes a flow control device 160 connected to the exhaust gas line 112. Specifically, this flow control device can be a valve or damper. For example, the flow control device 160 can be arranged in series with the at least one component 150, particularly downstream of the at least one component 150. Alternatively, the flow control device 160 can be arranged in parallel with the at least one component 150. Therefore, the air supply rate to the air lubrication device 120 can be advantageously regulated.

[0036] According to embodiments that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, fuel cell 110 is a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) or a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) or any other type of fuel cell, particularly any other fuel cell for mobile applications.

[0037] Therefore, from Figure 1 and Figure 2 It should be understood that, according to another aspect of this disclosure, a vessel 200 is provided that includes an air supply device according to any embodiment described herein. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vessel with a more efficient and environmentally friendly system for reducing water-hull friction, thereby reducing overall operating costs. In this disclosure, the term "vessel" may also include ships or any other water transport vehicle.

[0038] Exemplary Reference Figure 3a and Figure 3b The block diagram shown illustrates an embodiment of a method 300 for supplying air to an air lubrication system 120 of a ship 200 according to this disclosure. According to an embodiment that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the method includes supplying exhaust gas (from a fuel cell 110) to the air lubrication system 120. Figure 3a (Represented by box 310 in the diagram). Typically, the exhaust gas from a fuel cell is O2-lean air and / or steam. In particular, supplying exhaust gas from the fuel cell to an air lubrication system often involves directly delivering the exhaust gas to the air lubrication system, especially without using the residual energy of the exhaust gas to drive a turbocharger.

[0039] Exemplary Reference Figure 3b According to embodiments that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, method 300 further includes providing pressurized air (by...) to fuel cell 110. Figure 3b (The box 320 in the text represents this).

[0040] According to embodiments that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the method 300 further includes guiding the exhaust gas through at least one component 150 selected from afterburners, oxidizers, turbines, expanders, heat exchangers, throttle valves, particularly dampers, and recirculation devices before the exhaust gas is discharged from the air lubrication device 120. Figure 3b (The box 330 in the text represents this).

[0041] According to embodiments that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, method 300 further includes controlling the flow rate of exhaust gas supplied to air lubrication device 120 by using flow control device 160 (by... Figure 3b (Represented by box 340 in the text). In particular, the flow control device 160 is a valve or damper.

[0042] It should be understood that the method 300 of supplying air to the air lubrication equipment 120 of the ship 200 generally includes using an air supply device 100 according to any embodiment described herein (by... Figure 3b (Represented by block 350). In other words, the method 300 of supplying air to the air lubrication device 120 of the ship 200 can be performed using the air supply device 100 according to any embodiment described herein. Furthermore, it should be understood that the specific combinations of method blocks 310, 320, 330, 340, and 350 are merely examples. In other words, method blocks 320, 330, 340, and 350 represent optional additional method features that can be arbitrarily combined with the main block 310 of method 300. More specifically, exhaust gas (from fuel cell 110) is supplied to the air lubrication device 120. Figure 3a and 3b (The block 310 in the text indicates that it can be combined with one or more of the method blocks 320, 330, 340 and 350 exemplarily described herein.)

[0043] Therefore, in view of the foregoing, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein advantageously provide improved energy efficiency and eco-friendliness compared to the prior art, enabling reductions in CO2 emissions and operating costs. Furthermore, it should be noted that, compared to the prior art, according to embodiments that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the gas supply device is configured to deliver energy and exhaust gas from the fuel cell to the air lubrication equipment. In particular, embodiments of this disclosure can be configured to directly supply exhaust gas (e.g., lean O2 air and steam) from the fuel cell to the hull lubrication input. In other words, according to embodiments that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the exhaust gas outlet of the fuel cell is directly connected to the air lubrication equipment via an exhaust gas line, such that exhaust gas from the fuel cell is directly directed to the air lubrication equipment.

[0044] Exemplary Reference Figure 4The document describes an air supply device 400 for a ship 700 according to one aspect of this disclosure. According to an embodiment that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the air supply device 400 includes a fuel cell 410 and an air lubrication device 420 for reducing ship drag.

[0045] Specifically, the air lubrication device 420 is configured to generate bubbles for hull lubrication. Typically, this air lubrication device is configured to create or form an air layer on the bottom surface of the hull by discharging air onto the outer surface below the waterline. In other words, lubrication can be used to reduce the frictional drag between the ship and the air, particularly by discharging air around the hull, especially below the hull. Advantageously, it can reduce the frictional drag between the ship and the water. Hull drag typically represents a major portion of a ship's fuel consumption. For example, injecting bubbles below the hull can increase a ship's fuel efficiency by approximately 10%. Regardless of the propulsion method (diesel, gas, battery-powered, fuel cell, hybrid), fuel consumption can be improved in virtually all types of ships by injecting bubbles.

[0046] Although the term "air" lubrication device 420 is used throughout this application, the "air" lubrication device 420 is not limited to the application of air. For example, and as discussed further below, exhaust gas from the fuel cell 410 can be introduced (optionally in a further pressurized manner) into the air lubrication device 420. In this case, the exhaust gas can simply correspond to air; however, it can also correspond to (highly) humid air, or it may contain other gases or particles (in which case these particles are generally harmless to the environment). Therefore, although air is preferred, the "air" lubrication device 420 can be fully operated using any type of pressurized fluid and is not limited to operating with air.

[0047] To generate bubbles, the gas supply device 400 includes a compressor 430. The compressor 430 is connected to a pressurization line system for supplying pressurized fluid to the pressurization line system. This pressurization line system may correspond to a manifold of several individual gas lines or line sections, such as, but not limited to, one or more of exhaust gas lines 412, 512, intake line 414, branch intake line 514, first branch intake line 515, and second branch intake line 516.

[0048] exist Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the pressurized pipeline system includes an exhaust gas pipeline 412 and an intake gas pipeline (not indicated by reference numerals) that fluidly connects the compressor and the fuel cell 410.

[0049] The pressurized pipeline systems 412, 414, 512, 514, 515, and 516 are also connected to the fuel cell 410 for supplying pressurized fluid from the compressor 430 to the fuel cell 410. In other words, the fuel cell 410 is a pressurized fuel cell, which (in some embodiments) facilitates the supply of pressurized flow to the air lubrication equipment. Therefore, the energy efficiency of the ship can be improved. Furthermore, it can reduce the ship's global carbon emissions. Pressurization of the fuel cell contributes to improvements in fuel cell efficiency and power density.

[0050] The pressurized fluid supplied to the fuel cell 410 is typically compressed air. In an embodiment, the compressor outlet and the fuel cell 410 inlet can be directly connected via an intake line, such as... Figure 4 As shown. In other embodiments, other components may also be provided in the pipeline connecting the compressor and the fuel cell 410, as further described below.

[0051] The pressurized pipeline systems 412, 414, 512, 514, 515, and 516 are also connected to the air lubrication device 420 for supplying pressurized fluid to the air lubrication device 420. The pressurized fluid supplied to the air lubrication device 420 may be, for example, pressurized air from a fuel cell or exhaust gas such as humid air.

[0052] Embodiments of this disclosure allow for the supply of pressurized fluid to fuel cells and air lubrication equipment, requiring only a compressor or compressor system for this purpose. Compared to prior art systems, the air supply device of this disclosure is less complex and easier to implement. Furthermore, this air supply device reduces the work done in air compression, thereby reducing the energy consumption required to pressurize the fuel cell and air lubrication equipment. If a compressor and air lubrication equipment already exist on board, the air supply device can be retrofitted into the existing system, as discussed further below. In this case, the fuel cell is thus pressurized "for free" in terms of energy. Fuel cells can be installed on board for various purposes, such as for ship propulsion, but also for other purposes, such as powering other electrical equipment on board. Regardless of the purpose for installing the fuel cell on board, the air supply device of this disclosure can be implemented. The air supply device of this disclosure allows the air lubrication system to be shut down under certain conditions (e.g., when the ship is not moving), while the fuel cell continues to operate using pressurized fluid, preferably recovering at least a portion of the energy of the pressurized fluid (as further described below).

[0053] According to an embodiment, the exhaust outlet 411 of the fuel cell 410 is connected to the air lubrication device 420 via the exhaust line 412 of the pressurized pipeline system to supply exhaust gas to the air lubrication device 420. Figure 4 , Figure 5a , Figure 5b and Figure 6An example of such an embodiment is shown. By supplying the exhaust gas from the fuel cell to the air lubrication device, it is not necessarily necessary to add an expander or turbine downstream of the fuel cell to recover a small portion of the pressure enthalpy, because the pressurized fluid is also used for the air lubrication device. Using the pressurized fluid for the air lubrication device reduces efficiency losses because it reduces the thermodynamic conversion (between different forms of energy) and reduces the mechanical complexity of the air supply system.

[0054] According to another embodiment, the compressor outlet of compressor 430 is connected to air lubrication device 420 via a branched inlet line 514 of a pressurization pipeline system for supplying pressurized fluid from the compressor outlet to air lubrication device 420. In this embodiment, the pressurized fluid is typically pressurized air. For example, an exemplary embodiment is shown in... Figure 7 As shown in the diagram. According to a preferred embodiment, the bifurcation corresponds to at least two branch lines that do not further merge or combine downstream of the bifurcation. In this embodiment, pressurized fluid or exhaust gas from fuel cell 410 may preferably not be delivered to air lubrication device 420. Instead, pressurized fluid or exhaust gas from fuel cell 410 may be used for other purposes, such as for recovering a small portion of pressure enthalpy.

[0055] The bifurcated intake line 514 may include a first branch intake line 515 connected to the fuel cell 410 and a second branch intake line 516 connected to the air lubrication device 420. Figures 8 to 10 Examples of the first branch intake line 515 and the second branch intake line 516 are shown.

[0056] According to embodiments that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the gas supply device 400 also includes a fuel cell bypass 415 connected to a pressurized pipeline system (particularly a branched intake line 514 or intake line 414 and exhaust line 412). Figure 5a An exemplary embodiment is shown, including a fuel cell bypass 415 connected to the intake line 414. Further reference... Figure 5a and Figure 6 The gas supply device may include a fuel cell bypass flow control device 416, which is configured to independently control the flow rate of pressurized fluid to the fuel cell 410. The fuel cell bypass flow control device 416 may optionally be further configured to control the flow rate of pressurized fluid to the air lubrication device 420. The fuel cell bypass flow control device 416 may preferably be a valve or damper. The fuel cell bypass flow control device 416 allows pressure to be set according to the needs of a specific operating mode.

[0057] In one embodiment, the gas supply device may further include a discharge valve 480 for releasing pressurized fluid. An example of the discharge valve 480 is shown below. Figure 5a and Figure 5bAs shown. In cases where pressurization of one or more components of the air supply system is not required, the discharge valve 480 allows most or even all of the pressurized fluid to be released to the atmosphere. Schematic, the discharge valve 480 may be connected to exhaust gas lines 412, 512. For example, in applications where pressurization of the fuel cell is required but pressurization of the air lubrication system is undesirable (e.g., when the vessel is stationary), the pressurized fluid can be released before being injected into the air lubrication system 420. The discharge valve 480 may be located downstream of the fuel cell 410 and / or upstream of the air lubrication system 420. The air supply system may also include a discharge outlet line connected to exhaust gas lines 412, 512. The discharge valve 480 may be located in the discharge outlet line.

[0058] In one exemplary embodiment, the discharge valve 480 and / or the discharge outlet line may be located upstream of the turbine 450 (described in further detail below) and / or upstream of the turbine bypass 451 (described in further detail below). An example of the discharge valve 480 being located upstream of the turbine 450 is as follows: Figure 5a As shown.

[0059] In another exemplary embodiment, the discharge valve 480 and / or the discharge outlet line may be located downstream of the turbine 450 (described in further detail below) and / or upstream of the junction or connection point of the turbine bypass 451 and the exhaust gas lines 412, 512 (described in further detail below). An example of the discharge valve 480 being located downstream of the turbine 450 is as follows: Figure 5b As shown. This allows for the recovery of back pressure energy / enthalpy when the fuel cell is pressurized and the air lubrication equipment is not in use (e.g., if the vessel is not moving or to avoid any potential damage while the vessel is in port or on the shallow seabed).

[0060] According to embodiments that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the gas supply device 400 further includes flow control devices 460, 560, and 561. Flow control devices 460, 560, and 561 are preferably valves or dampers. For example, flow control devices 460, 560, and 561 may be throttle valves. Figures 6 to 10Each of these examples illustrates an instance of flow control devices 460, 560, 561. Flow control devices 460, 560, 561 are preferably located downstream of fuel cell 410 and / or upstream of air lubrication device 120. Flow control devices 460, 560, 561 are preferably located downstream of the junction or connection point of fuel cell bypass 415 and exhaust gas lines 412, 512. Preferably, flow control devices 460, 560, 561 are connected to exhaust gas lines 412, 512 and / or a second branch intake line 516. Flow control devices 460, 560, 561 allow regulation of flow rates in the first branch intake line 515 and the second branch intake line 516, thereby regulating the flow rates of pressurized fluids injected into fuel cell 410 and air lubrication device 420, respectively. Flow control devices 460, 560, 561 are connected to exhaust gas lines 412, 512 (e.g., Figure 6 (As shown in the diagram) This allows the charging pressure of the fuel cell 410 to be controlled independently of the air lubrication system pressure. The pressure required for the air lubrication system is typically determined by the ship's draft.

[0061] In one embodiment, the gas supply device 400 further includes turbines 450 and 550 connected to exhaust gas lines 412 and 512. The turbines are as follows: Figure 5a and Figure 8-10 As shown. The turbine is located downstream of the fuel cell 410 and / or upstream of the air lubrication device 420. The turbine is preferably located upstream of flow control devices 460, 560, 561 (if present). Turbines 450, 550 are preferably located downstream of where the fuel cell bypass 415 merges or connects with exhaust gas lines 412, 512. Turbines 450, 550 allow the recovery of a small portion of the energy from the exhaust gas of the fuel cell 410. For example, if the exhaust gas is released into the atmosphere, turbines 450, 550 allow the recovery of a small portion of the energy. If the exhaust gas is supplied to the air lubrication device 420, the air supply device 400 may also include turbines 450, 550. Compared to the fuel cell 410, the air lubrication device typically has lower pressure requirements. Therefore, a small portion of the energy can be recovered by turbines 450, 550 while still ensuring sufficiently high pressure to operate the air lubrication device 420. Furthermore, the turbine allows for independent adjustment of the charging pressure of the fuel cell and air lubrication system, for example, according to the requirements of ship speed, fuel cell load, or navigation conditions. Turbines 450 and 550 are preferably connected in series with flow control devices 460, 560, and 561 and / or in parallel with discharge valve 480 and discharge outlet lines.

[0062] If the air supply device 400 includes turbines 450 and 550, then the air supply device 400 may further include a turbine bypass 451 and a turbine bypass valve 452. The turbine bypass 451 is as follows: Figure 5aAs shown. The turbine bypass can be connected to exhaust gas line 412. Turbine bypass 451 and / or turbine bypass valve 452 allow for limiting pressure drops caused by energy recovery from the turbine.

[0063] Turbine 450 may be a turbine with fixed geometry and may optionally include turbine bypass 451 and turbine bypass valve 452. Alternatively, turbine 450 may be a turbine with variable geometry and may optionally include turbine bypass 451 and turbine bypass valve 452.

[0064] According to embodiments that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the gas supply device 400 further includes a high-pressure compressor 530 disposed downstream of the compressor 430 and upstream of the fuel cell 410 for supplying pressurized fluid to the fuel cell 410. Examples of high-pressure compressors include... Figure 10 As shown. Typically, the high-pressure compressor 530 is located in the first branch intake line 515. In many applications, fuel cells require higher pressures than air-lubricated systems, even pressures higher than the maximum pressure provided by the first-stage compression process. The compressor 430 connected to the high-pressure compressor 530 can be considered a two-stage compressor. In this embodiment, the compressor 430 can also be referred to as a low-pressure compressor. This two-stage compressor ensures that the charge pressure is sufficiently high for the fuel cell 410.

[0065] The air supply unit 400 may also include an intercooler disposed between the (low-pressure) compressor 430 and the high-pressure compressor 530. In other words, the intercooler may be disposed in the first branch intake line 515 upstream of the high-pressure compressor 530. Advantageously, the intercooler improves compression efficiency.

[0066] In one exemplary embodiment, the air supply device 400 may include a high-pressure compressor 530 according to any embodiment described herein, and turbines 450, 550 according to any embodiment described herein. Figure 10 An exemplary embodiment including a high-pressure compressor 530 and a turbine 550 is shown. For example, the high-pressure compressor 530 can supply pressurized fluid at a pressure of 4 bar or higher to the fuel cell, while exhaust gases from the fuel cell can be released into the atmosphere or supplied to an air lubrication device, which typically only requires pressurized fluid at a pressure of 1.5 or 2 bar. Combining the high-pressure compressor 530 with turbines 450 and 550 is particularly advantageous for recovering energy from the high-pressure fluid produced by the high-pressure compressor 530.

[0067] In one embodiment, the high-pressure compressor 530 is configured to supply pressurized fluid to the air lubrication device 420 via the fuel cell 410. In one embodiment, the exhaust line 512 of the fuel cell 410 is connected to a branched intake line 514 (particularly the second branch intake line 516). This connection line 518 is constructed by... Figure 10 The right side is drawn with a dashed line. The air supply unit 400 may also include at least one valve, a damper, and another turbine (not shown) disposed within the connecting line 518. Figure 10 (As shown in the diagram). Additionally or alternatively, the second branch intake line 516 may also include flow control devices 460, 560, 561 and / or turbines 450, 550 upstream of the air lubrication device 420. Figure 10 (Not shown in the image).

[0068] The gas supply device 400 may include an inflow control device 570. For example, the inflow control device may be such as... Figure 9 As shown. The inflow control device 570 can be located downstream of the compressor 430 and upstream of the fuel cell 410. The inflow control device 570 is preferably connected in series with the fuel cell 410 and / or located in the first branch intake line 515 or intake line 414. The inflow control device 570 is preferably located upstream of the fuel cell bypass 415. The inflow control device 570 can be configured to control the charging pressure of the fuel cell 410. In a preferred embodiment, the inflow control device 570 is at least one of a valve, a damper, and a second turbine.

[0069] In an embodiment, the gas supply device 400 may include a second turbine bypass and / or a second turbine bypass valve, wherein the inflow control device 570 is the second turbine. The second turbine bypass is configured to bypass the second turbine. It should be noted that the gas supply device 400 may include the second turbine and / or the second turbine bypass and / or the second turbine bypass valve, but not the (first) turbine and / or the (first) turbine bypass and / or the (first) turbine bypass valve. The difference between these turbines is that the (first) turbine is preferably connected to exhaust gas lines 412, 512, while the second turbine 570 is preferably located upstream of the fuel cell 410.

[0070] The following is a summary of some preferred embodiments of the present invention:

[0071] 1) An air supply device 400 according to any embodiment disclosed herein includes a compressor 430, a fuel cell 410, an air lubrication device 420, turbines 450 and 550, and flow control devices 460, 560, and 561. Turbines 450 and 550 and flow control devices 460, 560, and 561 are connected to exhaust gas lines 412 and 512. Flow control devices 560, 560, and 561 are preferably valves. Flow control devices 460, 560, and 561 are disposed downstream of turbines 450 and 550. Exhaust gas lines 412 and 512 are optionally bifurcated exhaust gas lines having a first branch exhaust gas line and a second branch exhaust gas line. Turbines 450 and 550, flow control devices 460, 560, and 561, and air lubrication device 420 may be connected in series in the first branch exhaust gas line. The second branch exhaust gas line may include a third turbine and another flow control device. The second branch exhaust gas line, and in particular the other flow control device, can be configured to directly release the pressurized fluid into the atmosphere. This other flow control device is preferably located downstream of the third turbine.

[0072] 2) The gas supply device 400 according to any embodiment disclosed herein includes a compressor 430, a fuel cell 410, an air lubrication device 420, turbines 450 and 550, and flow control devices 460, 560, and 561. Turbines 450 and 550 and flow control devices 460, 560, and 561 are connected to exhaust gas lines 412 and 512. Flow control devices 460, 560, and 561 are preferably valves. Flow control devices 460, 560, and 561 are located downstream of turbines 450 and 550. Exhaust gas lines 412 and 512 are optionally bifurcated exhaust gas lines having a first branch exhaust gas line and a second branch exhaust gas line. Turbines 450 and 550 may be located upstream of the bifurcation. Flow control devices 460, 560, and 561 and air lubrication device 420 may be connected in series in the first branch exhaust gas line. The second branch exhaust gas line may include another flow control device. The second branch exhaust gas line, and in particular the other flow control device, can be configured to directly release pressurized fluid into the atmosphere.

[0073] 3) The gas supply device 400 according to any embodiment disclosed herein includes a compressor 430, a fuel cell 410, an air lubrication device 420, turbines 450 and 550, and flow control devices 460, 560, and 561. Turbines 450 and 550 and flow control devices 460, 560, and 561 are connected to exhaust gas lines 412 and 512. Flow control devices 460, 560, and 561 are preferably valves. Exhaust gas lines 412 and 512 are optionally branched exhaust gas lines having a first branch exhaust gas line and a second branch exhaust gas line. Flow control devices 460, 560, and 561 and air lubrication device 420 may be connected in series in the first branch exhaust gas line. The second branch exhaust gas line may include turbines 450 and 550 and another flow control device. This other flow control device 460, 560, and 561 is located downstream of turbines 450 and 550. The second branch exhaust gas line, and in particular the other flow control device, can be configured to directly release pressurized fluid into the atmosphere.

[0074] According to an embodiment that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the fuel cell 410 is connected to a fuel supply device. This fuel supply device is configured to supply fuel to the fuel cell 410. Specifically, the fuel can be at least one of hydrogen, methane, methanol, ammonia, or any other suitable fuel. Therefore, compared to conventional fuels such as heavy oil used in maritime transport, it can improve eco-friendliness.

[0075] The gas supply device 400 may also include at least one component selected from afterburners, oxidizers, heat exchangers, and recirculation devices. Typically, said at least one component is connected to exhaust gas line 412. Providing one or more other components described herein may improve the performance of the gas supply device, particularly the overall system. It should be understood that each of said at least one component can be arranged in series or in parallel. For example, flow control devices 460, 560, 561 may be arranged in series with said at least one component, particularly downstream of said at least one component 450. Alternatively, flow control devices 460, 560, 561 may be arranged in parallel with said at least one component.

[0076] According to embodiments that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, fuel cell 410 is a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), a fuel cell hybrid system, or any other type of fuel cell, particularly any other fuel cell for mobile applications.

[0077] According to embodiments that can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the gas supply device 400 may include a plurality of fuel cells and / or a plurality of air lubrication devices. Each of the plurality of fuel cells and / or the plurality of air lubrication devices may be connected to a pressurized pipeline system and / or may be in fluid communication with a compressor. The compressor 430 may be configured to provide pressurized fluid to each of the plurality of fuel cells and / or the plurality of air lubrication devices.

[0078] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a vessel 700 is provided that includes an air supply device 400 according to any embodiment described herein. Therefore, a vessel with a more efficient and environmentally friendly system for reducing water-hull friction can be provided, thereby reducing overall operating costs. In this disclosure, the term "vessel" may also include ships or any other water transport vehicle.

[0079] In another aspect of this disclosure, a method for installing a fuel cell in a ship's air supply system is provided. The air supply system includes an air lubrication device for reducing ship drag and a compressor for providing pressurized fluid to the air lubrication device. The method may include providing a fuel cell and a pressurized pipeline system having an inlet line or a branched inlet line and an exhaust line. The method also includes connecting the compressor outlet and the fuel cell inlet via the inlet line or the branched inlet line. The method includes connecting the inlet of the air lubrication device to the fuel cell exhaust outlet via the exhaust line, or connecting the inlet of the air lubrication device to the compressor outlet via the branched inlet line.

[0080] The method may include a gas supply device, fuel cell, and pressurization pipeline system according to any embodiment described herein. Furthermore, the method may include installing any component according to any embodiment described herein at any location described herein (i.e., within the pressurization pipeline system and upstream / downstream of other components). For example, the method may also include installing a turbine and / or flow control device.

[0081] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an air supply device 400 for a ship 700 is provided.

[0082] Example 1: The air supply device 400 includes: a fuel cell 410; an air lubrication device 420 for reducing the drag of the ship 700; and a compressor 430 connected to pressurization pipeline systems 412, 414, 512, 514, 515, and 516 for supplying pressurized fluid to the pressurization pipeline systems 412, 414, 512, 514, 515, and 516, wherein the pressurization pipeline systems 412, 414, 512, 514, 515, and 516 are connected to the fuel cell 410 for supplying pressurized fluid from the compressor 430 to the fuel cell 410, wherein the pressurization pipeline systems 412, 414, 512, 514, 515, and 516 are also connected to the air lubrication device 420 for supplying pressurized fluid to the air lubrication device 420.

[0083] Example 2: As described in Example 1, the gas supply device 400, wherein the exhaust gas outlet 411 of the fuel cell 410 is connected to the air lubrication device 420 via the exhaust gas pipeline 420 of the pressurized pipeline system 412, 414, 512, 514, 515, 516, for supplying exhaust gas to the air lubrication device 420.

[0084] Example 3: The air supply device 400 as described in any of Examples 1 and 2, wherein the compressor outlet of the compressor 430 is connected to the air lubrication device 420 via the branched air inlet line 514 of the pressurization pipeline system 412, 414, 512, 514, 515, 516, for supplying pressurized fluid from the compressor outlet to the air lubrication device 420.

[0085] Example 4: The gas supply device 400 as described in any of Examples 1 to 3 further includes a fuel cell bypass 415 connected to the pressurization pipeline system 412, 414, 512, 514, 515, 516, particularly connected to the branched intake pipeline 514 or the intake pipeline 414 and the exhaust pipeline 412.

[0086] Example 5: The gas supply device 400 as described in any of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the branched air intake line 514 includes a first branch air intake line 515 connected to the fuel cell 410 and a second branch air intake line 516 connected to the air lubrication device 420.

[0087] Example 6: The gas supply device 400 as described in any one of Examples 1 to 5 further includes flow control devices 460, 560, 561, preferably connected to the exhaust gas line 412, 512 or the second branch intake line 516, particularly the flow control devices 460, 560, 561 being valves or dampers; and / or further includes a discharge valve 480 for releasing pressurized fluid, wherein the discharge valve 480 is preferably connected to the exhaust gas line 412, 512.

[0088] Example 7: The gas supply device 400 described in any of Examples 1 to 6 further includes turbines 450 and 550 connected to exhaust gas pipelines 412 and 512, and optionally, the turbines 450 and 550 are connected in series with flow control devices 460 and 560, particularly located upstream of the flow control devices 460, 560 and 561.

[0089] Example 8: The gas supply device 400 as described in Example 7 further includes a turbine bypass 451 and a turbine bypass valve 452, particularly connected to the exhaust gas line 412; and / or wherein the discharge valve 480 is located downstream of the turbine 450 and / or upstream of the junction or connection of the turbine bypass 451 and the exhaust gas lines 412, 512.

[0090] Example 9: The gas supply device 400 as described in any of Examples 1 to 8 further includes an inflow control device 570 disposed downstream of the compressor 430 and upstream of the fuel cell 410 for controlling the charging pressure of the fuel cell 410. In particular, the inflow control device 570 is at least one of a valve, a damper, and a second turbine.

[0091] Example 10: The gas supply device 400 as described in any of Examples 1 to 9 further includes a high-pressure compressor 530 disposed downstream of the compressor 430 and upstream of the fuel cell 410 for supplying pressurized fluid to the fuel cell 410; and optionally further includes an intercooler disposed between the compressor 430 and the high-pressure compressor 530.

[0092] Example 11: The air supply device 400 as described in Example 10, wherein the high-pressure compressor 530 is configured to supply pressurized fluid to the air lubrication device 420 via the fuel cell 410.

[0093] Example 12: A gas supply device 400 as described in any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the fuel cell 410 is connected to a fuel supply device for supplying fuel to the fuel cell 410, and in particular the fuel is at least one of hydrogen, methane, methanol, ammonia or any other suitable fuel.

[0094] Example 13: Gas supply device 400 as described in any of Examples 1 to 12, wherein fuel cell 410 is a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) or a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), a fuel cell hybrid system, or any other fuel cell for mobile applications.

[0095] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a ship 400 is provided that includes an air supply device 400 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13.

[0096] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for installing a fuel cell 410 in an air supply device 400 of a ship 400. The air supply device 400 includes an air lubrication device 420 for reducing the drag of the ship 400 and a compressor 430 for supplying pressurized fluid to the air lubrication device 420. The method includes: connecting the compressor outlet and the inlet of the fuel cell 410 via an inlet line 414 or a branched inlet line 514; and connecting the inlet of the air lubrication device 420 to the exhaust outlet 411 of the fuel cell 410 via exhaust lines 412, 512; or connecting the inlet of the air lubrication device 420 to the compressor outlet via the branched inlet line 514.

[0097] Therefore, in view of the above, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein advantageously provide improved energy efficiency and eco-friendliness compared to the prior art, enabling the reduction of CO2 emissions and operating costs.

[0098] While the foregoing is directed to an embodiment, other and additional embodiments may be devised without departing from the basic scope defined by the appended claims.

[0099] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0100] 100 gas supply unit

[0101] 110 fuel cell

[0102] 111 Exhaust Gas Outlet

[0103] 112 Exhaust Gas Pipeline

[0104] 120 air lubrication equipment

[0105] 140 fuel supply unit

[0106] 150 parts

[0107] 160 Flow Control Equipment

[0108] 200 ships

[0109] Method for supplying air to air lubrication equipment 300

[0110] 310, 320, 330, 340, and 350 represent the method steps of supplying air to an air lubrication device.

[0111] 400 gas supply unit

[0112] 410 fuel cell

[0113] 411, 511 exhaust gas outlet

[0114] 412, 512 exhaust gas pipelines

[0115] 414 intake pipe

[0116] 415 Fuel Cell Bypass

[0117] 416 Fuel Cell Bypass Flow Control Equipment

[0118] 420 air lubrication equipment

[0119] 430 compressor

[0120] 450, 550 turbines

[0121] 451 turbine bypass

[0122] 452 turbine bypass valve

[0123] 460, 560, 561 Flow Control Equipment

[0124] 480 discharge valve

[0125] 514 bifurcated intake pipe

[0126] 515 First Branch Intake Pipeline

[0127] 516 Second Branch Intake Pipeline

[0128] 530 High Pressure Compressor

[0129] 570 flows into control equipment

[0130] 700 ships.

Claims

1. An air supply device (400) for a ship (700), comprising: - Fuel cell (410), and - An air lubrication device (420) for reducing the drag of the vessel (700), wherein the exhaust outlet (411) of the fuel cell (410) is connected to the air lubrication device (420) via an exhaust line (412) for supplying exhaust gas to the air lubrication device (420), and - A turbine (450) connected to the exhaust gas line (412), wherein the turbine is located downstream of the fuel cell (410) and upstream of the air lubrication device (420).

2. The gas supply device (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel cell (410) is connected to a compressor (430) for supplying pressurized air to the fuel cell (410).

3. The gas supply device (400) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel cell (410) is connected to a fuel supply device (140) for supplying fuel to the fuel cell (410), wherein the fuel is at least one of hydrogen, methane, methanol, ammonia or any other suitable fuel.

4. The gas supply device (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 further includes at least one component (150) selected from an afterburner, an oxidizer, an expander, a heat exchanger, a throttle valve, a damper, and a recirculation device, wherein the at least one component (150) is connected to the exhaust gas line (412).

5. The gas supply device (400) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 further includes a flow control device (160) connected to the exhaust gas line (412).

6. The gas supply device (400) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the flow control device is a valve or damper.

7. The gas supply device (400) of claim 5 further includes at least one component (150) selected from an afterburner, an oxidizer, a turbine, an expander, a heat exchanger, a throttle valve, a damper, and a recirculation device, wherein the at least one component (150) is connected to the exhaust gas line (412), wherein the flow control device (160) is connected in series with the at least one component (150), or wherein the flow control device (160) is connected in parallel with the at least one component (150).

8. The gas supply device (400) of claim 5 further includes at least one component (150) selected from an afterburner, an oxidizer, a turbine, an expander, a heat exchanger, a throttle valve, a damper, and a recirculation device, wherein the at least one component (150) is connected to the exhaust gas line (412), and wherein the flow control device (160) is connected in series with the at least one component (150) and is located downstream of the at least one component (150).

9. The gas supply device (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fuel cell (410) is a proton exchange membrane fuel cell or a solid oxide fuel cell or any other fuel cell for mobile applications.

10. A vessel (700) comprising an air supply device (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. A method for supplying air to an air lubrication system (420) of a ship (700), comprising: - Supplying exhaust gas from the fuel cell (410) to the air lubrication device (420), and - Before the exhaust gas is ejected from the air lubrication device (420), the exhaust gas is guided through a turbine (450), wherein the turbine is located downstream of the fuel cell (410) and upstream of the air lubrication device (420).

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising supplying pressurized air to the fuel cell (410).

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising guiding the exhaust gas through at least one component (150) selected from an afterburner, oxidizer, turbine, expander, heat exchanger, throttle, damper and recirculation device before discharging the exhaust gas from the air lubrication device (420).

14. The method of any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising controlling the exhaust gas flow rate supplied to the air lubrication device (420) by using a flow control device (160).

15. The method of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the exhaust gas is O2-lean air and / or steam.

16. The method of any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising using the gas supply device (400) of any one of claims 1 to 3.

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