UV Light Anti-Fouling for Ship Engine Box Coolers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bio fouling in ship engine box coolers reduces heat transfer capacity, leading to overheating and potential engine shutdowns, with existing anti-fouling systems being inefficient and requiring regular maintenance, and potentially causing hazardous ion discharge into seawater.
Innovation Solution
A cooling apparatus using UV light, specifically in the UV or blue wavelength range, is employed to inhibit bio fouling on the exterior surfaces of tubes within the box cooler, with light sources positioned to target areas below 80°C to effectively prevent organism growth while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bio-dispersants are used to control bio fouling, then fouling is reduced, but the system requires regular maintenance and has reduced effectiveness over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical anti-fouling systems (bio-dispersants) with a physical/optical system using UV light sources and laser beams to eliminate bio-fouling organisms. This substitution eliminates the need for chemical dosing, filtration, and regular maintenance associated with mechanical anti-fouling systems, while providing continuous effectiveness without degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from chemical parameter control (bio-dispersant concentration) to optical parameter control (UV light intensity and laser power). By using adjustable optical parameters, the system maintains consistent anti-fouling effectiveness without the diminishing returns experienced with chemical systems over time.
2Reliability
If biocides or thermal treatments are used to kill or repel organisms, then bio fouling is prevented, but hazardous substances are discharged into seawater
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical biocides with UV light and laser radiation to kill or repel bio-fouling organisms. This optical approach eliminates hazardous chemical discharge into seawater while maintaining effective anti-fouling protection. The system uses non-contact optical energy to achieve organism elimination without environmental contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes UV light to generate reactive oxygen species and accelerate oxidation processes that destroy bio-fouling organisms. This oxidation mechanism provides effective organism elimination without requiring direct contact with hazardous chemical biocides, thus preventing environmental harm while maintaining anti-fouling reliability.
3Productivity
If thick layers of bio-fouling form on tubes, then heat transfer capacity is reduced, but the system continues to operate without intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies UV light and laser treatment proactively to prevent bio-fouling formation before it can accumulate into thick insulating layers. By maintaining continuous optical treatment, the system preserves heat transfer capacity and prevents engine performance degradation, eliminating the need for reactive maintenance interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous UV light and laser treatment to maintain constant anti-fouling protection on the heat exchange tubes. This continuous action prevents bio-fouling accumulation that would otherwise progressively reduce heat transfer capacity and compromise engine operation, ensuring sustained productivity and reliability.
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 UV-based anti-fouling system significantly reduces bio fouling, maintaining heat transfer efficiency, preventing engine slowdowns or halts, and minimizing environmental harm by targeting bio organisms without the need for frequent maintenance or hazardous ion discharge.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source for generating an anti-fouling light, arranged by the tubes so as to emit the anti-fouling light on the tubes
Implementation Method 2
a bundle of tubes through which a fluid to be cooled can be conducted
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling apparatus for cooling a fluid by means of surface water, the cooling apparatus comprising more than one tubes for containing and transporting the fluid in its interior, the exterior of the tube being in operation at least partially submerged in the surface water so as to cool the tube to thereby also cool the fluid and hence different tube portions contain fluid at different temperatures. The cooling apparatus further comprises at least one light source for producing light that hinders fouling on the submerged exterior, wherein the at least one light source is arranged so that the intensity of the anti-fouling light, cast over the exterior of the tube portions whose exterior temperature or the temperature of the fluid they contain is below 80° C., is higher than the intensity of the anti-fouling light cast over the other tube portions. By this structure anti-fouling of the cooling apparatus can be assured in an effective manner.