Navigating Success: Pioneering Air Lubrication Technology for Maritime Efficiency
What Our Clients Say
Alex Routledge, CEO
"As CEO of ARMADA Technologies, I am continually seeking innovative solutions that align with our commitment to sustainability and operational excellence. The collaboration with Dr Armin and his team on our Passive Air Lubrication System project delivered valuable results that underpin the next stages of development and deployment . From the outset, their team demonstrated a profound understanding of the technical challenges and a remarkable ability to innovate under pressure. The development of the Computational Fluid Dynamics model was a particular benefit which for Armada as it enabled us to foresee and optimise the performance of our ALS technology, propelling our technical development. Their diligence and understanding of the maritime industry certainly exceeded our expectations, and for us significantly bolstered the Marine Engineering capabilities of our team through our collaborative partnerships. We are eager to continue this partnership as we move towards commercialisation and further innovations."
In recent years, the maritime industry has faced mounting pressure to reduce its environmental footprint, a challenge amplified by stringent international regulations and a growing global awareness of climate change. As a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, the sector is under scrutiny to meet ambitious decarbonisation targets set for 2050 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These targets, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% from 2008 levels, demand innovative solutions and substantial shifts in technology and operations.
Among the emerging Energy Efficiency Technologies (EETs) poised to transform maritime operations, Air Lubrication Systems (ALS) have shown significant promise. By injecting tiny air bubbles along the hull's bottom, ALS reduces the frictional resistance between the water and the ship, leading to notable improvements in fuel efficiency and consequent reductions in emissions. This technology not only aligns with the maritime industry’s push towards sustainability but also offers a pragmatic approach to achieving operational cost savings through reduced fuel consumption.
The development and deployment of ALS are driven by both environmental imperatives and economic incentives, making it a key component of the maritime industry's strategy to navigate the energy transition. As regulatory frameworks evolve and the industry seeks compliant, cost-effective technologies, ALS stands out as a pioneering solution that meets the dual demands of environmental responsibility and economic viability.
ARMADA Technologies approached our team after successfully completing a proof of concept and required support for further technical development and a blueprint for climbing the final stages of their Technology Readiness Levels. They faced the clear challenge of finding an optimal air-water ratio to deliver maximum drag reduction.
To understand and solve this challenge, our team worked closely with the client to clearly establish the work completed in achieving the proof of concept and their aspirations for the final product through several workshops. The work commenced after agreeing on the scope and creating a technical development blueprint from the first principles. We developed a state-of-the-art Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tool to create a numerical high-fidelity model of the system that can be studied under different conditions.
The primary challenge to overcome was the lack of clear scaling principles, which meant model scale testing results could not be extrapolated to real-world scenarios with varying ship sizes and operating conditions. The project goal was to develop an optimised system for a wide range of vessels by developing an in-depth understanding of a system releasing thousands of small bubbles per minute.
By utilising our model, we were able to assess the system and replicate the results for different vessel sizes at a variety of operational conditions with 92% (±5%) consistency. Features of our model include accurately capturing the air escaping from underneath the bottom plating and discerning the boundary layer all while maintaining computational practicality and effectiveness.
Our model has proven to be a game-changer in optimising air injection rates and scaling ALS outlet sizes effectively. We conducted extensive tests across various Froude numbers, water depths, and operational conditions to create a clear picture of ALS hydrodynamics. We have developed a non-dimensional constant to predict drag reduction at specific speeds.
Another feature of the model is our novel Eulerian-based approach combined with an innovative bubble size control mechanism. This advanced mechanism allows us to actively control the size of simulated air bubbles. Furthermore, through the development of a size-predicting approach, we are able to track bubbles' evolution as they collide and break up, providing an unprecedented opportunity to understand how bubble size directly impacts system performance, the effect on the propeller, and the overall dynamics of the air bubbles. By systematically testing a range of bubble sizes and injection rates within the model, we gained valuable insights into the optimal bubble size for maximising drag reduction. The development of these models allowed a much more holistic understanding of air injection’s effect on the propeller’s efficiency and the hydrodynamic performance of a vessel. Ultimately, the impact of air injection on seakeeping parameters will influence the technology's economic viability and inform the business case for utilising such systems on ships.
Our collaboration with ARMADA Technologies on the Air Lubrication System project represents a significant leap forward in the maritime industry's ongoing journey towards sustainability. By harnessing state-of-the-art Computational Fluid Dynamics and innovative bubble control mechanisms, we have developed a solution that not only meets the stringent demands of modern environmental regulations but also delivers substantial operational efficiencies. As we move towards the upcoming validation tests, we remain committed to advancing this technology, poised to set new standards in maritime engineering and contribute positively to the industry’s decarbonisation goals.