SAVE FUEL AND REDUCE CO2 EMISSIONS
Damen Air Cavity System (DACS)
Towards zero-emission shipping
Next Generation Air lubrication
Damen Air Cavity System© (DACS) is a patented Air Lubrication System (ALS). By generating cushions of air between the hull and the water underneath the flat bottom area, a significant reduction of the resistance can be achieved. This leads to a reduction of fuel consumption and emissions. DACS can achieve a fuel reduction of up to 15% and is verified by RINA and Lloyd's Register.
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Low power consumption and effective along entire speed range
Damen Air Cavity System© at similar flow rates, an air cavity reduces the friction significantly more than the 1st generation bubble generating systems, as shown in the graph. The system aims to reduce resistance in the water, particularly for ships with a low Froude number. Such vessels are known to encounter the greatest resistance in the water. By reducing this, DACS achieves both lower both emissions and fuel consumption.
COMPLIANT WITH CII AND EU ETS TAX REDUCTION
How DACS works
With DACS an air cavity is created by injecting air underneath the vessel behind a small cavitator that separates the water flow from the hull. To secure the cavity, longitudinal skegs are installed to prevent the air from escaping to the side. The compressors only need to overcome the hydrostatic pressure due to the draught of vessel. As a result of this, the air cavity method requires considerably lower compressor power, then competitive first generation systems. To maximise the area of the hull covered by the system, a series of subsequent cavities are created, separated by transverse skegs that ensure seakeeping behavior is maintained. Having a series of cavities in place has the additional advantage that any air escaping from one cavity is absorbed in the next.
Advantages of the Air lubrication system
● Low power consumption
● Easy to install during scheduled docking
● Lower fuel consumption
● Reduces the negative effect by fouling
● CII compliant
● Reduced EU ETS taxes
● Quick Return On Investment
● Certified by Rina & Lloyds Register
SAVE UP TO 15% FUEL CONSUMPTION
Air cushions instead of air bubbles
Damen Air Cavity System© was developed in a collaboration with Delft University of Technology. The technology is patented worldwide. DACS is reducing the wetted area of the vessel. This is done by creating stable pockets of air that separate the hull from the water. Damen Shipyards Group has commercialised the technology by using MARIN and HSVA to evaluate under real ship conditions.
START SAVING FUEL TODAY
Easy to install
Damen Air Cavity System© is easy to install during a regular docking in a yard of your choice or at any of the 15 Damen Shiprepair yards. Request more information or ask for a quote via the button below.
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