Non fossil fuel propulsion

I have been asked to solicit papers on non fossil fuel propulsion for commercial vessels for an international conference on marine propulsion in March 2013.

Anybody with any suggestions or knowledge about companies or individuals who are involved in this field, at any level from idea through to implementation, please let me know at harryproa@gmail.com.

Thanks

Rob Denney

 

Rob, there may be a potential for sail in amongst the remote island regions in the tropics as when cheap oil (fossil fuel becomes too expensive) lots of island traders will be needed...

 

I dont really keep up to date with the issue but the company Skysails is active in the field. You might do a google search and investigate what Conferences Skysails have attended for further leads on other participants in the field like solar ships..

http://www.skysails.info/english/infocenter/

 

Suddenly remembered your request a while back. http://www.fuelcellboat.nl/efcbhome.html
http://www.zeilendehandelsvaart.nl/
Did you find out anymore on the subject in the meantime?

Cheers,
Hielan

 

I think that most of those proposal fail because they expect a cheap substitute for fossil fuels that is as efficient. To use other fuels or means of propulsion, the fast and reliable methods have to change. Either accept that the schedules will be erratic or that the transportation times will be longer.

 

Sails.

Oars.

Burning wood in a steam engine.

Solar cells to make hydrogen and somehow store it.

The final 2 would need to tow a barge for fuel storage over any distance.

Take your pick

 

I think slaves at the end of long oars has been ignored for too long

In the real world, I see generation of traditional fuels from biological or solar sources as the most realistic method to aim for.

I think its hard to beat the portability and efficiency of liquid hydrocarbons - but generating them from say algae, incorporating tidal, wind power will be the best solution when the energy from oil finally gets too expensive.

 

The use of sky sails looks an option where prevailing winds are favourable, as an adjunct. Hybrid technology on the water. Steam and sail worked together in the transition from all sail to all steam.

 

Yeah! Worth a try!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HeY2ZFA1js

 

Steam/hybrid using waste heat and thermocouples to charge the batteries.

 

Fueling an internal combustion engine using wood gasification.

 

Very inefficient.

 

Who cares? That's not the point.

 

So are oars, I admit.

 

H: I see you enjoy my dog pic.