Energetic optimization of the ventilation system in modern ships

The indoor ambience on board modern ships constitutes a perfect example of severe industrial environment, where personnel are exposed to extreme working conditions, especially in the engine room. To mitigate this problem, the classical solution is the use of powerful mechanical ventilation systems, with high energy consumption, which, in the case of the engine room, represents between 3.5% and 5.5% of the overall power installed. Consequently, its energetic optimization is critical, being an interesting example of not well solved thermal engineering problem, where work risk criteria also must be considered, as the engine room is the hottest and, therefore, one of the most hazardous places on the ship. Based on a complete 3D CFD analysis of the thermal conditions in the engine room and the requirements and duties of the crew derived from their daily work schedule, the optimal ventilation requirements and the maximum tolerable working time have been established, achieving very important energy savings, without any reduction in crew productivity or safety.