Εφαρμογή αέριας λίπανσης (air lubrication) στα πλοία

Καλλιακούδας, Ηλίας

Master Thesis

Author

Καλλιακούδας, Ηλίας

Date

2014-04-15

Abstract

The maritime trade accounts for 90% of the volume of international trade, while it is the most economical and environmentally friendly mode of transport per unit of freight transported according to the report of UNCTAD, 2011 [1]. However, the combination of search even lower cost and higher environmental friendliness in shipping, requires less fuel consumption and thereby reducing exhaust emissions. The ways that could yield such positive results is too many and without causing major changes in the shape of the hull, reducing the Staff of the speed or size. Given the size and the ship wave resistance, the method could be used is to reduce the frictional resistance of water in the hull. Increased interest shown in the last two decades with regard to reducing friction and have been many investigations in the U.S., Europe and Asia. Among those investigations is the possibility of reducing friction by using the technique known as ≪air lubrication≫ or ≪air cavity≫. This can be achieved by channeling air to the bottom of the hull to reduce the area of the hull in contact with the water or by creating a layer of air bubbles in a specially designed space at the bottom of the hull or fill that space with air. If the procedure is done correctly, it is estimated that the gas lubrication can result in a net reduction in fuel costs between 5% and 20% and a corresponding reduction in emission at both NOx , SOx and mainly CO2. This paper presents and analyzes the application of the technique of Air lubrication to ships.