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Scientists use compressed air to power ferries

Scientists from the University of Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates, have equipped a small ferry boat with an pneumatically-powered propeller, declaring it a preferable alternative to diesel and electric engines.

The air-powered propeller was tested on one of Dubai’s famous abra ferry boats, used to transport passengers and cargo across the Dubai Creek.

The team set up an experimental rig to compare the thrust forces produced by their air-powered propeller with that of a propulsion system powered by electrochemical batteries. They also undertook a lifecycle analysis to examine the environmental impact and energy consumption of both propulsion systems.

They found that the pneumatic system provided an extra 6% propulsion force and a carbon footprint saving of 307 kgCO2 a year, over their electrical counterparts.

The trials convinced the team that using compressed air makes more sense economically, is more efficient in terms of energy use than conventional engines and better for the environment.

Team leader Abdul Hai Alami, who is University of Sharjah’s Professor of Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering explained: ‘The on-board compressed air tanks that drive an air motor, which in turn rotate the propeller, can be refilled with air at the end of the trip while waiting for passengers to board.

‘The positive impacts on marine environment are multifold, including lower pollution, noise reduction and significantly lower emissions.

‘While it may not be suitable for leisure cruising purposes, the operation of the pneumatic system is well-suited for ferrying passengers between predefined stops.’

The predefined stops allow for regular recharging of the compressed air, a process that is much quicker than recharging electric systems. 

Professor Alami adds: ‘The proposed system has much lower carbon footprint due to straightforward recyclability of the components that do not contain dangerous chemicals or reactive materials as the case with battery operated propulsion.’

Co-author Ahmad Yasin, a research assistant at Sustainable Energy and Power Systems Research Centre (RISE) said: ‘Reduction of energy requirements, pollution and noise make the proposed boat pneumatic engine an attractive solutio. Life-cycle assessment prove that the carbon footprint of the equipment and materials used are far less than conventional electric propulsion systems.’

 

 

Paul Day
Paul is the editor of Public Sector News.
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