Grant: Alliance Grants

The proposed project "Propulsion Improvements by Combined Design of Hull-Form and Energy Saving Devices with Propeller Shape Optimization" arises out of a need for Canada to improve the energy efficiency of its ocean-going vessels operating on and below the ocean surface. Propulsion efficiency, vessel energy usage and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are closely linked so that this project directly contributes to global efforts in meeting the United Nation's International Maritime Organization (IMO) targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions of 50% by 2050. These targets are set in the context that ocean shipping accounts for 80-90% of global trade and 2-3% of global GHG emissions. Improved operational efficiency, in addition to meeting GHG reduction targets, will also make Canada's shipping industry more competitive and environmentally less intrusive. This university led project specifically focuses on the propulsion efficiency of ocean vessels by exploring new designs. The designs include vessel hull form, propellers and energy saving devices combined to work in the dynamic ocean environment. Obtaining such designs is a difficult optimization problem requiring the use of high-performance computing resources and associated specialized fluid dynamic analysis software. To assist in the design optimization, an important outcome of the project will be a design tool to automate the process. Specific design inputs for the energy saving devices and propeller will be guided by the Canadian technology firm Biome Renewables that uses nature inspired hydrodynamic principles in its work. This design approach has led to the successful deployment of their PowerCone Technology in the wind-turbine industry. Defense Research and Development Canada Atlantic scientists are interested in new energy efficient designs for Canada's naval platforms and bring extensive experience to developing the design system.