Vessel Air Supply System Using EGR Blower for Hull Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional air lubrication systems for vessels rely on expensive and maintenance-intensive electric compressors, which are inefficient and limit the efficiency gain in reducing frictional resistance.
Innovation Solution
An air supply system utilizing a turbocharger and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, where the EGR system's blower boosts the pressure of a sub-flow of compressed air to supply it to Air Discharge Units (ADUs), reducing vessel resistance in the water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electric compressors are used to supply air to the outside of the hull, then air flow can be generated for reducing frictional resistance, but the system becomes expensive, maintenance-intensive, and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air supply function with the exhaust gas recirculation system by integrating a blower into the EGR system. This allows the same blower to serve dual purposes: recirculating exhaust gas to the engine and pressurizing air for discharge through ADUs. The merging eliminates the need for separate electric compressors, reducing system complexity and maintenance requirements while improving overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The blower in the EGR system is designed to perform multiple functions: it supplies exhaust gas to the engine for recirculation and simultaneously pressurizes the air flow for air discharge units. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve air lubrication without requiring dedicated air compression equipment, thereby reducing device complexity and operational costs.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a dedicated blower is added to boost air pressure for ADUs, then air can be supplied at lower engine loads, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a dedicated blower, the patent merges the air pressurization function with the existing EGR blower. The EGR blower is configured to draw air from the turbocharger's compressed air flow and pressurize it for discharge through ADUs. This integration allows the system to maintain air supply capability at lower engine loads without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The EGR blower serves as a multi-functional component that both recirculates exhaust gas and pressurizes air for air discharge. This universality enables the system to achieve efficient air supply across various engine load conditions while avoiding the need for additional dedicated equipment, thereby maintaining system simplicity.
3Productivity
If compressed air is extracted from the first flow path, then air can be supplied to ADUs, but the main air flow to the engine may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts a portion of the compressed air from the first flow path (turbocharger output) and redirects it through the EGR blower to the ADUs. The extraction is carefully controlled to ensure that sufficient air remains in the main flow path for reliable engine operation. This selective extraction enables air discharge functionality while maintaining engine air supply stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The EGR blower acts as an intermediary device that takes compressed air from the first flow path, pressurizes it further, and delivers it to the ADUs. This intermediary function allows air extraction without directly impacting the main engine air supply, as the blower creates a separate controlled flow path that safeguards engine air intake 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 system enhances the efficiency of air supply by allowing air release through ADUs at lower engine loads, reducing vessel resistance and improving propulsion efficiency without the need for a dedicated blower.
Implementation Method 1
one or more turbocharger(s) for supplying a compressed main air flow to the engine of the vessel via a respective first flow path
Implementation Method 2
The third flow path is in fluid connection with the first flow path and the second flow path downstream of the blower, such that the sub-flow of compressed air can be extracted from the first flow path and/or the second flow path
Implementation Method 3
an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for recirculating exhaust gas into the compressed main air flow supplied to the engine via a second flow path
Implementation Method 4
Injection of an air flow into a turbulent boundary layer around the hull of the vessel may be used to reduce the frictional resistance of the hull of the vessel in the water
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an air supply system (100) for supplying air to an outside of a hull (201) of a vessel (200). The vessel comprises an engine. The air supply system comprises one or more turbocharger(s) (10) for supplying a compressed main air flow to the engine of the vessel via a respective first flow path (11A). The air supply system comprises an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for recirculating exhaust gas into the compressed main airflow supplied to the engine via a second flow path (11B). The air supply system comprises a third flow path (11C) for supplying a sub-flow of compressed air to one or more Air Discharge Units (ADUs). The EGR system comprises a blower (31) arranged in the second flow path (11B) for supplying exhaust gas to the engine. The first flow path and the second flow path have a first connecting path (11AB) upstream of the blower (31) and a second connecting path (11BA) downstream of the blower. The third flow path is in fluid connection with the first flow path and the second flow path downstream of the blower, such that the sub-flow of compressed air can be extracted from the first flow path and/or the second flow path.