Combined performance of innovative biomimetic ship propulsion system in waves with Dual Fuel ship engine and application to short-sea shipping

摘要

Flapping-foil thrusters arranged below the hull of the ship are examinedfor the exploitation of energy from wave induced motions by directconversion to useful propulsive power. In the framework of SeatechH2020 project flapping-foil thrusterpropulsion innovation is examined, in combination with standardpropulsion system based on optimally controlled Dual Fuel engine,aiming at an increase in fuel efficiency and radical emission reductionsof NOx, SOx, CO₂ and particulate matter. In this paper the combinedperformance of the above systems is examined for a short-sea shippingscenario in the North Sea and two ship types. The analysis is based on asimplified approximation using data from systematic series. The resultsshow that: (ⅰ) flapping-foil thrusters can directly convert kinetic energyfrom the ship motions into thrust to augment the overall propulsion inwaves, (ⅱ) additional thrust generated by the foils will enable theengine to operate in part-load without compromising vessel speed,resulting in an additional positive effect on its emission profile, and (ⅲ)the foils can improve the dynamic stability of the ship.