Analysis of the Current Status of Patent Layout for Ammonia Fuel Supply Systems in South Korea
Under the "dual-carbon" target,countries around the world have accelerated their decarbonization efforts,and green propulsion for ships has become a priority.Ammonia fuel,as one of the zero-carbon solutions for future maritime vessels,has garnered significant attention from the shipping industry.This article analyzes the current status of patent layouts for ammonia fuel supply systems by the three major shipbuilding companies in South Korea.Hyundai Heavy Industries has focused its layout around two core solutions,which involve multiple processes such as ammonia fuel supply,reflux liquid treatment,boil-off gas re-liquefaction,and ammonia gas hydrogenation.Samsung Heavy Industries has developed patents related to ammonia fuel supply,fuel reflux treatment,and main engine exhaust gas treatment.Daewoo Shipbuilding has adopted a layout strategy comprising "basic design,detailed design,and performance improvement," resulting in a comprehensive patent system.Based on the current layout status,this article proposes strategies to broaden the scope of patent layouts for supply systems,integrate system processes,and overcome patent barriers through technological breakthroughs.These strategies aim to provide references for the technical research and patent layout of ammonia fuel supply systems in our country's shipbuilding industry.