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Technology developed by researchers at the University of Sharjah offers a sustainable and efficient alternative to transport vessels
The shift towards more sustainable solutions in the maritime sector is gaining momentum with the innovation of compressed air engines. Although this technology has been explored before, it has never been commercially consolidated. Recently, a team from the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, led by Abdul Alami, developed a system that promises to replace traditional diesel engines with pneumatic propellers on vessels.
Development and efficiency of air engines
Alami's team tested the latest version of the air motors, which replaced two diesel engines, each generating 250 kW of power. These pneumatic motors are capable of providing enough power to operate a ferry on a pre-determined route in Finland’s maritime transport system. “Pneumatic propulsion, although unconventional, holds promise as a sustainable and energy-efficient alternative to conventional marine engines, especially for short-distance ferry operations,” says Alami.
Diesel engines are currently widely used due to their reliability and robustness. However, they have significant disadvantages, such as being sources of pollution, generating high levels of noise and requiring large fuel tanks, which is problematic for medium and small vessels. The team's proposal is that pneumatic engines offer a cleaner and more efficient option, and can be integrated into the structure of the raft to store compressed air, increasing buoyancy.
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Operation of pneumatic thrusters
Pneumatic thrusters use the power of compressed air to drive engines and cylinders, rather than relying on diesel or electricity. The method developed involves storing air in high-pressure tanks, which is released into an air motor coupled to a marine impeller. The team not only carried out experimental tests, but also used simulations and calculations based on real operating conditions to validate the effectiveness of the system.
The pneumatic system demonstrated satisfactory performance, meeting the propulsion requirements of the original system using diesel engines. In addition, the modular design of the pneumatic system offers advantages in terms of scalability and adaptability to different operational needs.
Economic advantages and future prospects
From an economic point of view, the pneumatic system offers competitive advantages such as reduced fuel costs and lower maintenance requirements due to its simplified mechanical design. Life cycle analysis revealed impressive savings of US$ 73.000, with an estimated payback period of 8 years. This promise of savings encouraged the team to dream of more ambitious voyages.
Current research is also exploring the possibility of integrating T of heat recovery and energy efficiency to pneumatic motors. This could further enhance the performance of vessels by using the waste heat generated during operation to increase the efficiency of the system as a whole.
Environmental impact and sustainability
One of the main benefits of air-powered engines is the significant reduction in pollutant emissions. Diesel engines are known to release nitrogen oxides and particulates that contribute to air pollution and public health problems. On the other hand, air-powered engines do not emit pollutants during operation, making them an attractive alternative at a time when the maritime industry is facing increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint.
Furthermore, the implementation of air-powered engines can help meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations that are being adopted in various parts of the world. With growing awareness of climate change and the need for cleaner shipping solutions, the adoption of technologies like this could be crucial to the future of shipping.
Collaboration and future innovations
The University of Sharjah team is collaborating with a range of industries and research institutions to advance the development of air engines. This collaboration is essential not only to improve the technology, but also to ensure that solutions are economically and operationally viable. Engaging industry partners can accelerate the introduction of air engines to the market, facilitating the transition from conventional vessels to more sustainable alternatives.
Furthermore, research into pneumatic motors could open doors for innovation in other sectors, such as ground transportation and power generation. Compressed air technologies have the potential to be applied in a variety of contexts, from vehicles to energy storage systems, contributing to the creation of a more sustainable future.
The article documenting this research, entitled “A techno-economic-environmental investigation of replacing diesel engines with pneumatic engines for ferry boats,” was published in the magazine Energy Conversion and Management and is a significant contribution to the debate on sustainability in maritime transport.
The implementation of air-cooled engines on vessels could not only reduce the environmental impacts associated with diesel engines, but also represent an important step towards a cleaner, more efficient future for the shipping industry. With innovations like these, the path to sustainability in the shipping industry looks brighter than ever.
SOURCE: INNOVATIONTECHNOLOGY
