Air Lubrication System for Ships
Air lubrication reduces the hydrodynamic friction between the ship’s hull and the water by injecting air bubbles under the hull. This leads to lower fuel costs and reduced CO2-emissions. This environmentally friendly technology can reduce friction by up to 80% and achieve fuel savings of 10-20%. Moreover, it helps ships comply with the stringent international standards for energy efficiency and carbon reduction, such as the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). Discover the air lubrication system from our partner GILLS, which utilizes advanced microbubble technology to improve a ship’s efficiency by up to 15%.
Air Lubrication System for Ships
Discover the air lubrication system from our partner GILLS, which utilizes advanced microbubble technology to improve a ship’s efficiency by up to 15%.
Technology
The air lubrication system uses small air bubbles (~0.5 mm), generated by standardized airfoils, to reduce the hull’s resistance.
These airfoils, developed by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), are optimized for efficient airflow and bubble formation.
By integrating these aerodynamic profiles, optimal distribution and formation of microbubbles are achieved, which is essential for reducing friction.
Hull-Optimizing Effect
The generated microbubbles create a hull-optimizing effect, significantly reducing the turbulence around the ship’s hull.
This is because the microbubbles disrupt the laminar flow of water around the hull, resulting in a drastic reduction in hydrodynamic resistance.
The upward buoyancy of the microbubbles pushes them against the ship’s hull, creating an insulating layer that further reduces resistance.
Advantages
The air lubrication system operates effectively under a wide range of sea and weather conditions without compromising the operational efficiency of your ship. It reduces both fuel costs and emissions, regardless of the fuel used, and offers the opportunity to reinvest the savings in additional green technologies or transition to more sustainable fuels.
What sets this air lubrication system apart is its use of natural flow dynamics, significantly reducing the need for powerful compressors. Up to a depth of 4 meters, the system generates microbubbles through natural ventilation pressure, with a compressor only being deployed at greater depths.
This results in a simpler and more cost-effective method of air lubrication, with reduced energy requirements and lower maintenance needs. These advantages contribute to a longer lifespan and increased reliability of the system.
Furthermore, the implementation of this air lubrication technology reduces biofouling on the hull, resulting in less cleaning and greater overall efficiency for the ship.
Waste Heat Recovery for Air Lubrication Compressor
The air lubrication system can be combined with a waste heat recovery system. This installation, specifically developed for shipping, utilizes waste heat from exhaust gases, engine cooling water, waste steam, or thermal oil and converts it into directly available electrical energy.
This energy can then power the air lubrication compressor, effectively covering the system’s energy demand. This approach not only makes the air lubrication system more efficient but also more sustainable by optimizing the use of available onboard energy sources.
Installation Process
The air lubrication system can be installed on both new and existing ships. The easily handled hydrofoils and air mixing chambers are strategically mounted on the side of the ship’s hull, while the compressor and cloud-based monitoring system are installed inside the vessel.
Upon delivery, you will receive technical drawings, an equipment list, and an installation manual. All components, except for the system units, are standard parts that can be easily procured and installed by the shipyard.
Bureau Veritas (BV), an renowned classification society, has granted an Approval in Principle (AiP) for the installation on board ships.
This approval covers both the design and installation of the air lubrication system, paving the way for safe and reliable application. The final acceptance takes place in consultation with all parties involved, ensuring a smooth and reliable installation.
In Practice
The implementation of the air lubrication system on existing ships has provided valuable insights. A notable example is a ferry equipped with this innovative sustainable solution. Operational data shows that a fuel saving of approximately 10% has been achieved.
This saving confirms the system’s effectiveness in daily practice, with the investment potentially being recouped in less than 5 years.
Technology
The air lubrication system uses small air bubbles (~0.5 mm), generated by standardized airfoils, to reduce the hull’s resistance. These airfoils, developed by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), are optimized for efficient airflow and bubble formation. By integrating these aerodynamic profiles, optimal distribution and formation of microbubbles are achieved, which is essential for reducing friction.
Hull-Optimizing Effect
The generated microbubbles create a hull-optimizing effect, significantly reducing the turbulence around the ship’s hull. This is because the microbubbles disrupt the laminar flow of water around the hull, resulting in a drastic reduction in hydrodynamic resistance. The upward buoyancy of the microbubbles pushes them against the ship’s hull, creating an insulating layer that further reduces resistance.
Advantages
The air lubrication system operates effectively under a wide range of sea and weather conditions without compromising the operational efficiency of your ship. It reduces both fuel costs and emissions, regardless of the fuel used, and offers the opportunity to reinvest the savings in additional green technologies or transition to more sustainable fuels.
What sets this air lubrication system apart is its use of natural flow dynamics, significantly reducing the need for powerful compressors. Up to a depth of 4 meters, the system generates microbubbles through natural ventilation pressure, with a compressor only being deployed at greater depths.
This results in a simpler and more cost-effective method of air lubrication, with reduced energy requirements and lower maintenance needs. These advantages contribute to a longer lifespan and increased reliability of the system.
Furthermore, the implementation of this air lubrication technology reduces biofouling on the hull, resulting in less cleaning and greater overall efficiency for the ship.
Waste Heat Recovery for Air Lubrication Compressor
The air lubrication system can be combined with a waste heat recovery system. This installation, specifically developed for shipping, utilizes waste heat from exhaust gases, engine cooling water, waste steam, or thermal oil and converts it into directly available electrical energy. This energy can then power the air lubrication compressor, effectively covering the system’s energy demand. This approach not only makes the air lubrication system more efficient but also more sustainable by optimizing the use of available onboard energy sources.
Installation Process
The air lubrication system can be installed on both new and existing ships. The easily handled hydrofoils and air mixing chambers are strategically mounted on the side of the ship’s hull, while the compressor and cloud-based monitoring system are installed inside the vessel. Upon delivery, you will receive technical drawings, an equipment list, and an installation manual. All components, except for the system units, are standard parts that can be easily procured and installed by the shipyard.
Bureau Veritas (BV), a renowned classification society, has granted an Approval in Principle (AiP) for the installation on board ships. This approval covers both the design and installation of the air lubrication system, paving the way for safe and reliable application. The final acceptance takes place in consultation with all parties involved, ensuring a smooth and reliable installation.
In Practice
The implementation of the air lubrication system on existing ships has provided valuable insights. A notable example is a ferry equipped with this innovative sustainable solution. Operational data shows that a fuel saving of approximately 10% has been achieved. This saving confirms the system’s effectiveness in daily practice, with the investment potentially being recouped in less than 5 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
For which types of ships could this air lubrication system be of interest?
This air lubrication system could be of interest to a wide range of existing and new ship types, including cargo ships, oil and gas tankers, cruise ships, ferries, Ro-Ro vessels, and LNG carriers.
When implementing this technique, it is essential to investigate various variables to make informed decisions and fully benefit from the advantages. These variables include, among other things, the specifications of the ship’s hull, operational profiles, current fuel consumption, and the technical requirements for integrating the system.
How can I prevent biofouling on my underwater hull to maximize the benefits of air lubrication?
To prevent biofouling, such as mussels, algae, and other marine organisms, on your underwater hull, consider using biocide-free antifouling. This coating reduces the frictional resistance of your ship’s hull, protects marine ecosystems, and eliminates the need for harmful biocides. As a result, you not only maximize the efficiency of air lubrication but also contribute to environmentally sustainable and efficient ship operations.
How else can I contribute to reducing my ship's CO2 footprint besides using air lubrication?
In addition to air lubrication, you can reduce your ship’s CO2 footprint with various sustainable technologies. For example, Energy Saving Devices (ESDs) for existing and new ships are designed to reduce hull resistance and improve the thrust of the ship’s propeller. Additionally, a wind-assisted ship propulsion system, such as suction sails, offers a powerful way to reduce your ship’s CO2 emissions by harnessing wind energy.