Deployable Wingsail for Container Ship Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cargo transportation via ships and railroads results in high fuel consumption and significant greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating a cost-effective reduction in these emissions.
Innovation Solution
Deployment of wingsails housed within shipping containers that can be unfolded and used for wind-based propulsion, reducing the reliance on fossil fuel engines and thereby decreasing environmental emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If wingsails are deployed from shipping containers, then wind-based propulsion is provided reducing fuel consumption, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wingsail is nested within the shipping container in a folded state, allowing it to be stored and transported compactly. The container serves as both cargo storage and housing for the propulsion system, eliminating the need for dedicated space and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wingsail is divided into multiple segments or panels that can fold and unfold. This segmentation allows the large surface area wingsail to be compacted into a small container while maintaining its functional area when deployed, resolving the contradiction between compact storage and effective propulsion surface area.
2Ease of manufacture
If wingsails are housed within shipping containers, then the solution is cost-effective and easy to implement, but the wingsail must be folded reducing its effective surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The wingsail transitions from a static folded state during transport to a dynamic deployed state when propulsion is needed. The folding mechanism allows the wingsail to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, maximizing surface area when needed while minimizing footprint during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The wingsail utilizes three-dimensional folding patterns that allow it to pack into a compact volume within the container while maintaining its two-dimensional surface area when deployed. This dimensional transformation resolves the contradiction between compact storage volume and functional surface area.
3Productivity
If multiple wingsails are deployed in different combinations, then wind propulsion efficiency is optimized based on environmental conditions, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes sensors that automatically detect wind conditions and control which wingsails are deployed, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system self-regulates based on environmental inputs, optimizing propulsion efficiency while keeping the control logic relatively simple through rule-based automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system receives feedback from wind sensors and adjusts wingsail deployment accordingly. This closed-loop control allows the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions, optimizing propulsion efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through responsive automation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The use of wingsails in shipping containers provides supplemental wind propulsion, leading to reduced fuel consumption and emissions, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for cargo transportation.
Implementation Method 1
the wingsail can provide supplemental wind-based propulsion while the vessel is at sea
Implementation Method 2
at least one wingsail stored in the container and configured to be unfolded to deploy from the container
Data Source
AI summary
A shipping container includes a container configured to be secured onto a vessel or a vehicle. The shipping container further includes at least one wingsail stored in the container and configured to be unfolded to deploy from the container and folded to be stowed in the container.