Sulphur Thermal Technology: A Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly Solution for Ship Propulsion

Advances in thermal reactions involving sulphur, oxygen, and hydrogen can generate high temperatures that sustain the operation of gas/air turbine engines. The byproducts of these reactions can be decomposed using intense heat and reused for multiple cycles. The history of thermal energy storage for mobile applications dates back to the 1800s, with modern solar thermal power plants using molten salt storage. Chemical reactions that produce heat can be stored separately until needed, with some reactions being reversible. A consortium in Germany called Pegasus is researching sulphur thermochemistry to produce heat for turbine engines, with the potential for repeated reuse.

The combustion of hydrocarbon liquid fuel with oxygen releases heat and produces new compounds. Some chemical reactions can be thermally decomposed back to their original constituents for future heat generation. Mixing hydrogen, sulphur, and oxygen can produce high temperatures, sustaining turbine engine operation. Research from Pegasus suggests that using sulphur technology for ship propulsion could be viable, with potential cost savings compared to traditional fuels. Ships powered by sulphur thermal technology could sail between ports near high-temperature nuclear or solar thermal power plants for thermal decomposition and recycling of sulphur compounds.

While gasoline costs more and cannot be recycled like sulphur, sulphur technology offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative for ship propulsion. Ships powered by sulphur technology could operate at low speeds and make frequent stops to refuel. The technology would likely need to prove itself in stationary applications before being used for ship propulsion. Sulphur thermal storage technology has the potential to reduce carbon emissions and operating costs for ships, making it an attractive option for coastal and short-sea shipping operations.

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