SAILS

HARNESSING WIND

ROY THOMAS 1012009021

OUTLINE

SkySails History Technology of SkySails Operation and Safety Advantages Fuel savings Disadvantages

MYJANLUIKEN
Testing for the outfitting of system components for towing kites with 40 sq. meters pulling a 15 meter, 18 ton vessel

MS BEAUFORT

In 2006 ,it was tested on bigger ship. a 55-meter, 800 ton former buoy tender. By the end of the year, the ship had been tested in the North Atlantic & Baltic Sea. A 160 meter kite was used. This achievement propelled SkySails into the development of the MS Michael A. and MS Beluga

COMMERCIAL VENTURES
Robustness and Reliability is developed to industry standards System performance is evaluated extensively and optimized.

MS Beluga

MS Michael A.

TECHNOLOGY IN DETAIL
1. Conceptually simple system using a kite and the basic guidelines of sailing. SkySails consist of 3 main components excluding the kite. towing rope

2.

force transmission point &

3.

winch.

TOWING KITE WITH ROPE

Sail-shape like a paraglider Made of high-strength & weatherproof textiles Double-walled with fitted chambers to obtain aerodynamic properties emulating wing of an aircraft

TOWING ROPE
The tractive forces are transmitted to the ship via a highly

tear-proof, synthetic rope.

The energy supply of the control pod is ensured by means of a patented special cable integrated in the towing rope.

FORCE TRANSMISSION POINT

Transmits the tractive forces of the towing kite to the ship Each ship has a customized force transmission depending on its size, weight, cargo load, and speed

WINCH
Mechanism of rope storage for the sail of the kite when recovered and launched
The tractive force measurement is preinstalled in the winch .

STEERING SYSTEM
The steering system of the SkySails propulsion operates automatically Operates through a control pod and control system Operates automatically, aligning the tow kite based on wind direction, wind force, ship course, and ship speed to achieve optimal propulsion power

CONTROL POD

Pilot of the system It pulls to the left and right of the control lines, thereby modifying the aerodynamic profile of the towing kite and thus controlling its flight path

Mechanical control actuators, electronics, & autopilot software are installed in the pod

 Automatically steers the sails

CONTROL SYSTEM

A graphic user interface on the bridge informs those commanding the ship about the systems status and allows the system to be operated by inputting commands (flight manoeuvers, zenith position, emergency manoeuvers, etc.) A computer in the control pod takes over the tasks of sensor signals processing

LAUNCH AND RECOVERY

Takes 10-20 minutes for the sail to be fully erected or fully stored The Launch is explained in 3 steps: 1. Telescopic mast raises towing kite

2. Kite unfolds to full size for launch

3. Winch releases rope while operating altitude is reached For Recovery, the steps are reversed

LAUNCH & RECOVERY

ADVANTAGES
High propulsion power Automatic operation Optimized routing system Retrofitting system Hybrid propulsion Little spatial requirements Increased sea way performance Unlike conventional wind propulsions the SkySails-System causes minimal heel.

FUEL SAVINGS
SkySails is committed to reducing annual fuel costs savings between 10% -35% depending on the type of ship. Taxings based on emissions are in near future.

so reducing emissions will save also money.

DISADVANTAGES
Cannot operate:
Against the wind At wind forces below 7/8 knots (wind speed)

In areas with dense traffic

SAFETY
Force vectors control the direction of kite pull if sudden wind shift occurs

If overloading, winch automatically veers out towing kite

SkySails-Systems operate outside the 12-mile limit has lighting when flown at night. information is provided to the aviation authorities of the states

SKY SAILS-VDO FROM YOUTUBE

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lectures on sail assisted propulsion -C A Marchaj. www.skysails.com www.gcaptian.com

THANK YOU