Fuel Cell Exhaust Air Supply for Ship Hull Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air lubrication systems for ships are inefficient in terms of energy consumption and eco-friendliness, particularly those using separate mechanical electrical compressors or blowers for generating air bubbles to reduce hull friction resistance.
Innovation Solution
An air supply apparatus incorporating a fuel cell connected to an air lubrication device via an exhaust gas line, utilizing exhaust gas for hull lubrication, and optionally using a compressor to provide pressurized fluid to the fuel cell and air lubrication device, reducing the need for separate compressors and improving energy efficiency and eco-friendliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If separate mechanical compressors are used for air lubrication, then air can be supplied to reduce hull friction resistance, but energy consumption increases and eco-friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air compression function and air lubrication function into a single integrated system. The fuel cell serves dual purposes: generating electrical energy for the ship and providing exhaust gas for hull lubrication. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical compressors, reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions while maintaining effective air lubrication for friction resistance reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs electrical power generation and air supply for lubrication. The exhaust gas from the fuel cell, which would otherwise be wasted, is utilized for creating the air cushion under the hull. This multi-functionality approach reduces the overall number of components needed and improves the system's energy efficiency and environmental performance.
2Loss of energy
If fuel cell exhaust gas is used for air lubrication, then energy consumption is reduced and eco-friendliness is improved, but system integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fuel cell system and air lubrication device into a unified configuration where the fuel cell's exhaust gas outlet is directly connected to the air lubrication device's air supply inlet. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and connections needed, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving superior energy efficiency and reduced energy losses.
3Productivity
If a pressurized line system is used to supply pressurized fluid to both fuel cell and air lubrication device, then fluid delivery efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurized line system is designed as a universal fluid supply network that serves multiple functions: supplying pressurized air to the fuel cell for electrical power generation and supplying pressurized exhaust gas to the air lubrication device for hull friction reduction. This multi-functional pressurized distribution system optimizes fluid delivery efficiency across the entire system while avoiding the need for separate pressurization mechanisms for each component.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces energy consumption and CO2 emissions, enhances fuel economy, and lowers operational costs by directly utilizing exhaust gas from the fuel cell for hull lubrication, while maintaining or improving energy efficiency and eco-friendliness compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
an air supply apparatus for a ship (700) is provided, which includes a fuel cell (410)
Implementation Method 2
an air lubrication device (420) for resistance reduction of the ship (700)
Data Source
AI summary
An air supply apparatus for a ship is described. The air supply apparatus includes a fuel cell and an air lubrication device for resistance reduction of the ship. An exhaust gas outlet of the fuel cell is connected with the air lubrication device via an exhaust gas line for supplying exhaust gas to the air lubrication device. Further, a ship comprising an air supply apparatus according to any embodiments described herein as well as a method of supplying air to an air lubrication device of a ship are described.