Atlas Copco helps to reduce Green House Gas Emissions in marine sector
London based Silverstream Technologies partners with Atlas Copco ZS oil-free screw blowers for its innovative fuel saving air lubrication technology for ocean-going vessels
Reduce hull drag, improve efficiency with air lubrication
The enormous energy required to power large cruise ships and merchant vessels means, as shipping companies or ship designers ,you are always looking for ways to reduce fuel costs. One recent innovation, incorporating Atlas Copco’s air compressor and blower technology, has been ‘air lubrication’ to reduce hull drag and improve efficiency. Silverstream Technologies is the first company to evidence fuel savings using their patented Silverstream® System.
Air lubrication helps our customers to save up to 8% on fuel on larger vessels
Reliability and power of ZS: critical drivers
The air lubrication system employed by Silverstream uses a series of carefully positioned air release units (ARU) on the ship’s hull near the bow, which then creates a carpet of micro-bubbles. This carpet reduces drag, minimizing the amount of fuel required to propel the vessel forward.
Designated as an ‘innovative technology’ within the International Maritime Organisation’s Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), Silverstream® system is seen by many as integral to the future of shipping by reducing Green House Gas emissions.
At the heart of the system is the need for reliable air compressor technology. “The system relies on a constant and dependable supply of compressed air” explained Stephen Potts, Head of Supply Chain at Silverstream. “The Atlas Copco ZS55 oil-free screw blowers provide this – giving us the right combination of cost, performance and reliability.”
Tune your flow to your sailing speed
Why give full flow when sailing at a low speed? That would be a waste of energy. That is why ZS units are equipped with Variable Speed Drive technology (VSD): you can perfectly follow an ‘optimal flow demand curve’ and tune your flow to your sailing speed. You benefit from a large turndown to further optimize your energy efficiency.
ZS systems gives us reliability and pollutant-free output
Efficient ZS55 screw blower operation supports environmental policy
L'efficacité du système d'air comprimé s'est avérée essentielle. En tant que mesure d'économie de carburant, la lubrification par air est plus efficace lorsque les compresseurs et surpresseurs utilisés présentent eux-mêmes des performances élevées, et Atlas Copco permet un retour sur investissement plus rapide en offrant à Silverstream Technologies et ses clients l'équilibre parfait entre CAPEX et OPEX.
De plus, puisque le système de lubrification par air rejette l'air directement dans l'océan autour du navire, il était important, d'un point de vue environnemental, de s'assurer que cet air ne contenait aucun polluant.
« Le système sans huile ZS était parfait pour Silverstream puisqu'il nous a apporté une sortie d'air fiable et sans polluants, soutenant ainsi notre engagement envers l'environnement. » explique Stephen Potts