Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
OPTIMIZATION
COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS
Full-scale Ship Resistance and Propulsion Power Predictions
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a powerful software tool used in a wide variety of applications including aviation, automotive design, turbo machinery, and maritime applications. In the maritime industry, usage includes full-scale ship resistance and propulsion power predictions. The capabilities of CFD have progressed rapidly and often the results of CFD analyses are more accurate than contemporary model tests in tow tanks.
AirGlide AI has conducted test cases using CFD to demonstrate the potential for analyzing the resistance reduction effects of our ALDR installations.
A test hull similar to that of a cruise ship was simulated to run at 17 knots in calm water. The vessel was free to heave and pitch, identical to a standard calm water resistance test conducted in a towing tank.
The resistance of the bare hull was determined and the hull was modified to have a slot through which air was injected.
The slot and air injection parameters were then modified to maximize the resistance reduction effect while minimizing the required air injection rate.
Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Through detailed CFD analysis, we optimize the ALDR system for each hull form, providing optimum fuel oil savings and greenhouse gas reductions
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
POWER REDUCTION | Decreasing a ship’s resistance decreases the amount of power required to propel the ship, thus reducing fuel consumption.
THE COST OF AIR INJECTION | Compressors or blowers are required to force air out of a ship’s hull. The higher the air pressure and air volume being injected, the more power required to drive the system. This power must be accounted for when designing the system. If the compressor requires more power than the air injection is saving, the system isn’t useful.
OPTIMIZING THE NET POWER REDUCTION | The net power is simply the power saved by the ALDR system, minus the power required to achieve that saving. In any given condition, there is an optimal point at which the net power requirement is minimized. In other words, more air would cost more than it would save and less air would provide lower savings than the system is capable of.
Energy net = Energy gain from ALDR - Energy parasitic air supply
INJECTION AIR ENERGY BALANCE
The ultimate contribution of Airglide AI is all encompassing. The smart ALDR system reduces fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and increases ship efficiency by the reduction in viscous drag of the ship due to dispersing air with our smart air delivery system. The science is targeting air precisely into the boundary layer thereby reducing the parasitic load required to inject air to generate and maintain the air layer.
This is known as the air layer drag reduction energy balance. The ship’s propulsion load demand reduction from the air layer drag reduction system is offset by the increased energy consumption of the auxiliaries needed to drive the ALDR air compressors.
A successful ALDR design must accurately consider the parasitic load of generating the source air. Every effort to minimize this parasitic load serves to directly increase the overall impact of the ALDR system towards reducing fuel consumption, reducing greenhouse gas emission and increasing ship efficiency.
THE COMPLETE PICTURE
We Supply World-Class Air Layer Drag Reduction Systems (ALDR) to Ships of All Types and Sizes
Computational Fluid Dynamics
AirGlide AI can conduct CFD analysis for every ship type using cutting-edge CFD computers and software and in-house CFD experts.
Big Data
AirGlide AI uses its proprietary automation software to analyze ship data to optimize performance and confirm actual fuel savings achieved through its ALDR technology.
ALDR IP and Patents
Many of our proprietary technologies have been thoroughly tested, validated, and are now protected globally under multiple patents.
Testing Facilities
AirGlide AI has devoted capital and resources to design and build test platforms dedicated to fine-tune performance and efficiencies.
Installation
Our engineers and project managers have the ability to take an AirGlide AI ALDR from early concept design to completed installation.
Transforming Legacy ALS to ALDR
AirGlide AI has developed hardware and software leveraging true artificial intelligence to transform 20th century legacy ALS to 21st century ALDR systems.