Anti-icing device of an icebreaker as a means of increasing the ship energy efficiency
An overview of using pneumatic pressurization systems of icebreaker hulls in order to increase their icebreaking capability and a description of traditional design solutions in the design of systems are presented in the paper. It is noted that the design of systems is based on the methods of analogy and similarity, taking into account the results of field tests. Theoretical methods of taking into account the design features of the icebreaker hull and the technical characteristics of its power plant when determining the required air supply, its parameters, and outlets location are currently insufficiently developed. It is shown that the improvement of anti-icing devices of icebreakers provides an increase in their energy efficiency. The main areas of pneumatic charging devices improvement is to reduce the cost of driving supercharging units and the possibility of using secondary energy resources of marine diesel engines for their drive. The calculations results of the power required for the drive of air blowers depending on the air supply, other factors determining the energy consumption of the air blower system are indicated. The results of the conducted research confirm the possibilities of improving the anti-icing devices of icebreakers in order to increase their energy efficiency. The proposed method makes it possible to determine the required power costs and assess the possibilities of covering them with secondary energy resources with improved air blower drives. The maximum increase in energy efficiency can be achieved by choosing rational air supply parameters, reasonable placement of air supply openings, taking into account the design features of the icebreaker hull and the use of secondary energy resources of the main and auxiliary elements of the icebreaker power plant.