Written by Kris Land
Closed Loop Steam Vapor Cycle
Among other experimental technologies studied for use on the Sea Bird, closed loop steam concepts have proven to offer a lot of potential. A system built around this technology would produce an ultra clean burn, which means a dramatically reduced amount of waste is left after fuel is consumed. It is important to note that an ultra clean burn has been achieved before, but only when using natural gas or propane fuels. The challenge we face is doing the same using waste oil. The Sea Bird (previously the USNS New Bedford T-AKL-17) will be consuming mixtures of industrial solvents and crankcase oil often produced in manufacturing and the automotive industry. This is by far a much more difficult undertaking.
The Color of the Burn
In order to identify a truly ultra clean burn, it is important to review the color of the flame produced. Differentmaterials give off a different hue when burned. For example, hydrogen produces a yellow flame while carbon gives off a blue flame. A mix of colors indicates that multiple materials are being consumed. Waste burners that give off a yellow flame are only consuming hydrogen. The unburned components in fuel are not used to produce energy and wind up left behind in unwanted byproducts.
Different flame types of a Bunsen burner depend on oxygen supply. On the left a rich fuel with no premixed oxygen produces a yellow sooty diffusion flame; on the right a lean fully oxygen premixed flame produces no soot and the flame color is produced by molecular radicals, especially CH and C2 band emission. The purple color is an artifact of the photographic process. In the most common type of flame, hydrocarbon flames, the most important factor determining color is oxygen supply and the extent of fuel-oxygen "pre-mixture", which determines the rate of combustion and thus the temperature and reaction paths, thereby producing different color hues.
The Sea Bird and Closed Loop Steam Technology
The way the Sea Bird is planned to burn fuel will make an enormous difference in how environmentally friendly the ship is. Through this experimental technology, concepts could be employed that allow the Sea Bird to consume waste oil and produce an ultra clean burn. This would be an important shift in the environment's favor.
Plans are being made to use a closed loop steam vapor cycle to ensure an ultra clean burn. The system will burn hot enough to consume all components of the fuel used so that the Sea Bird is powered with the lowest possible quantity of emissions. This is important for a number of reasons. First, the Sea Bird is being refitted to help the environment. Through education and active participation in the cleansing of the Earth's oceans, the Sea Bird will take an active role in preserving natural environments.
However the way the ship operates is another important factor. We must find better ways to produce power that is not only eco-friendly, but efficient and functional. Your donations and sponsorship will go towards studying these promising technologies so that the Sea Bird can set a higher standard for other commercial and privately owned vessels.
| ||||||
Related Articles:
San Diego Dry Dock (part 2)Chris Conant
Gas vs. Diesel vs. Tesla TurbineSarah Paulin
Global Climate Change vs. Global WarmingSarah Paulin
Powering the Sea Bird: The G50 Baldor Reliance AC VC MotorKris Land
|
 |
|
|---|
Breaking News
Going to a car wash is a lot more water efficient then washing your car at home.
1944: Camano Class Light Cargo Ship was laid down for the US Army as FS-289 at Wheeler Shipbuilding in Whitestone, NY.
1945: Delivered to US Army.
1950: Acquired by the US Navy on July 1, 1950 and placed in service as USNS New Bedford (T-AKL-17).
1954: The movie, Mister Roberts, was made on the USNS New Bedford (T-AKL-17).
1955 - 1963: Used as a cargo supply ship for the Texas Towers, a network of advanced radar stations located off the Eastern Seaboard. In 1957, Capt. Sixto Mangual was commander of the AKL-17 and in 1961 it was rechristened the USNS New Bedford. The New Bedford, sailing out of State Pier, was keeping vigil when Texas Tower No. 4 callapsed off the New Jersey coast during a January 1961 nor'easter.
1963: Reclassified as Miscellaneous Unclassified (IX-308).
1971: The New Bedford (IX-308) served as a Torpedo Test Firing Vessel in the Puget Sound area.
1994: Ceremony in New Bedford.
1995: The ship was struck from the Naval Register on April 4.
2004: The Sea Bird's current disposition is a tuna long liner (fishing boat) out of San Diego, CA.
2006: Design of the Tesla Turbine began on June 11, 2006. The Sea Bird was sold by Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service for commercial service.
2007: The Sea Bird was drydocked for renovations.
2008: The Sea Bird setting sail to Sea-Tac in Seattle, WA.
2009 - 2010: The Sea Bird is currently docked at Seattle Sea-Tac.
