Vessel Air Circulation System Using Hull Flanks to Free Deck Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air circulation systems in vessels occupy valuable space on decks, necessitating the use of dedicated acoustic insulation and compromising the availability of space for passenger comfort and recreational areas, as they require blowers and air ducts that take up space intended for other uses.
Innovation Solution
The air circulation system is reconfigured to house blowers on the lowermost deck near the vessel's flanks, with air ducts developing inside the hull between the blowers and air ports on the flanks, minimizing deck space usage and utilizing porthole frames for air ports to maintain a sleek appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air circulation systems are installed with blowers and air ducts on decks, then ventilation and air conditioning functions are achieved, but valuable deck space is occupied and acoustic insulation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air circulation system transitions from a two-dimensional deck-mounted configuration to a three-dimensional arrangement utilizing the vertical space within the hull. Air ducts are routed through the hull's internal volume rather than occupying deck surface area, effectively moving the system into a different spatial dimension. This allows blowers to be positioned on the lowermost deck while air ducts develop inside the hull structure, freeing up valuable deck space for passenger use.
2Reliability
If traditional air circulation systems are installed, then air ventilation is provided, but dedicated acoustic insulation space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The air circulation system merges the air duct routing with the hull's structural framework. Air ducts are integrated into the hull's internal architecture, developing inside the hull between blowers and air ports rather than requiring separate dedicated spaces for both air circulation and acoustic insulation. This consolidation eliminates the need for additional dedicated acoustic insulation spaces while maintaining effective air circulation.
3Ease of operation
If blowers are positioned on upper decks, then air distribution is simplified, but space intended for passenger comfort and recreation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The air circulation system is segmented into functionally independent components positioned at different vertical levels. Blowles are positioned on the lowermost deck where space is less critical, while air ports are distributed throughout the hull structure. Air ducts connect these segments through the hull's internal volume, allowing air distribution functionality to be maintained without concentrating all components in space-critical upper deck areas.
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
This configuration significantly reduces the space required for air circulation systems on decks, allowing for more versatile use of space and eliminating the need for dedicated acoustic insulation, while maintaining effective ventilation and air conditioning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one blower (3) arranged to promote forced air circulation
Implementation Method 2
air passage ducts (7), in particular air supply ducts (7), which connect said at least one air intake (5) to the respective blower (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A vessel having an air circulation system allowing better exploitation of the spaces inside the vessel is provided. The flanks of the hull of the vessel are used for accommodating at least part of the components of the air circulation system to free up useful space on decks, in order to use it for other purposes. Porthole frames are used for making air ports for the ventilation and air conditioning system to simplify the design of the system and not to deteriorate the outer appearance of the hull.