Future Propulsion System
azipod propeller |
Imagine a world with zero pollution. Imagine a world without
bad emission. Imagine a world with greener technology which can save our mother
Earth. Technology that could change the meaning of life in every aspect of
living that we may not ever thought of before. This is the future of our world.
To change the contaminated world toward a better one. As to achieve the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) goal to cut off the carbon dioxide emission from vessels to 50% in 2050, big changes must be done to set this ambitious to reality. The question is, what
could we change and contribute for a better future in the ecosystem aspect.
As a
deck cadet of the future international navigating officer, I have been thinking all over
the semester on how we could create a new technology which is eco-friendly in
our carrier especially for the global trade by ship that I will someday and
soon work onboard. This innovation ideas sparked on me even more when I was brainstorming
my Maritime English assignment title with my tech-whiz colleagues. We choose the
propulsion system as our assignment title because I strongly believe that to achieve low carbon dioxide emission from vessels, we must start from the propulsion system. We been discussing about the concept
of the propulsion system on ship from the history aspect to the innovation.
In 19th century, international shipping transitioned from sail to steam propulsion and in 20th century from coal to oil. As result of the need to eliminate greenhouse gas emission from the ship, the industry is now on the brink of a "Fourth Propulsion Revolution", possibly using a combination of hydrogen, ammonia and batteries that powered from renewable energy sources around us.
illustration of ferdinand magellan ship |
As we know the ships in past centuries use the wind to move
their ship. Our ancestors had benefit the wind to push their sail as result of
massive trade that we living right now. If we travel in time to the early age
of mankind, they move their raft with oars by mean of paddle. Whatever the use
to propel their vessels are all past. The most important thing is what we use
right now and what will we innovate in future in term of ship propulsion.
css virginia |
During renaissance age, seafarers sail with ship propelled
by steam turbine system. It a giant leap for water transportation in our mankind
that make they able to sail even further. However, the steam system also a
cause a huge impact to the world due to the combustion of coal that emit carbon
dioxide to the air. As result the air pollution became a massive issue during
that time. This proved by history occasion that took place in London during
1852 where the great smog occurs because of actively coals burning. The phenomenon
not only affect the visibility but also cause health issues.
royal caribbean oasis class engine |
As the time pass, the shipping world has changed to diesel propulsion
system which is more efficient combustion and still being used in common vessels
right now. Then come electric-diesel propulsion that even more efficient. Some vessels
adapt the radioactive principle which as result of nuclear propulsion system. This
kind of propulsion are widely built for ice-breaker and military vessels. From here
I realise that we could utilise the knowledge of alternative energy that we
learnt in science textbook during primary school.
main idea for innovation is efficient |
With the keyword of “Alternative energy”, why don’t we
create an eco-friendly propulsion system with the benefit of our existed energy
sources such as wind, solar, hydro and bio-fuel? It may sound bizarre and
likely impossible to create. But think carefully, as we now in 2020 there are
electric cars on road like Tesla car, there are electric scooters ride by
everyone. Those ideas are opposed in the past, but look with deep research and constant
passion, they found the solution that become key of future living.
I strongly stand with this innovation idea with the keyword
of “Efficient”. A word that comprise all the creative thinking that we need in
every single work in our life.
Let take a general look on those new propulsion systems:
WIND PROPULSION
wind-assisted propulsion |
Wind propulsion in modern ship patent
started by Shin Aitoku Maru, Japanese ship in 1980. She reported in 10-30%
reduction of fuel consumption which also mean reduction of CO² emission. The
concept was similar as the old sail ship, however there were numerous engineering and operational challenges that made the
concept is not reliable for modern merchant ship. Another idea is wind-assisted
propulsion, redeveloped by the Wärtsilä
and Norsepower company using the Flettner Rotor apply Magnus Effect. When wind blows, the Magnus Effect creates a
forward thrust. This 1920’s concept proved for 7-10% reduction of fuel
consumption by Maersk Pelican. Other than that, the kite propulsion, the
concept similar as the sail but in form of paraglider, as kite need strong wind
to operate, therefore it not an efficient concept so far. Example of ship using
this propulsion is the MS Beluga Skyglider.
FUEL-CELL PROPULSION
hydrogen as fuel |
"Thermoelectric Generation" generate electricity through heat. The
fuel-cell work as a battery that generate electric through electro-chemical
process known as Photon-Exchange-Membrane (PEM) that can provide power from 100 kW to 1MW or more. As the fuel-cell can generate
electricity, therefore it could distribute substantial energy to power vessel
accommodations such as galley, cabins, lighting, air conditioning, vessel instrumentation, emergency
systems, and other onboard systems.
SOLAR PROPULSION
Prototype by Eco Marine Power |
Solar propulsion gains power source from
photovoltaic cell on the solar panel. The electric power then will generate
power for the engine to propel the ship. Currently, the Eco Marine Power
company develop the Aquarius Marine Renewable Energy that combine solar and
wind propulsion together. They set a rigid sail on vessel upper deck with solar
panel on the sail. The idea work for any vessel as to pursue for low emission solution.
NUCLEAR PROPULSION
nuclear propulsion principle |
Nuclear propulsion usually uses by warship
include naval submarine and ice-breaker ship which require greater propelling power.
The first vessel to adapt nuclear propulsion is the Lenin Ice-Breaker, 1959.
The mechanism similar as the boiler but heated by nuclear-fission in the
reactor. It requires less space but in drawback need specified nuclear engineer
to commission it thus the operational cost may higher to adapt in conventional
merchant vessel.
BIO-DIESEL PROPULSION
Biodiesel
propulsion has been deemed as a potential marine propulsion system for the
future as it can be combined with conventional diesel propulsion system. Also known as "Green-Diesel". Some
modifications need to be done on some engine gear to adapt this system. There are 4 labels of bio-diesel according to blend percentage:
•B100:
100% biodiesel is referred to as B100
•B20:
20% biodiesel, 80% petrodiesel
•B5:
5% biodiesel, 95% petrodiesel
•B2:
2% biodiesel, 98% petrodiesel
All-electric propulsion for vessel work just like the
electric vehicle (EV) in land. The system gain power from shore grid. In other
way, the all-electric vessel needs to recharge every time she alongside such in
harbour or port. Electric propulsion is an economic, environmental-friendly,
and reliable. They are simple to operate and control, and have low levels of
noise and vibration. Also known as "Green-Diesel".
Those propulsion systems above were existed ideas that been created
by creative inventors. Some are still in blueprint and some has been invented
but require further research. Tomorrow or sooner we will see new vessel that
much eco-friendly and efficient for water transportation. Come on guys, let
work for a better and brighter future. Read constantly, widen our knowledge,
learn from the past, think outside the box and remember nothing is impossible. Thank
you for reading.
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ISKANDAR-