Vertically Variable Ocean Sail System for Ship Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The shipping industry faces high fuel costs and significant CO2 emissions due to its reliance on bunker fuel, which contributes to environmental pollution and economic burdens.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a vertically-variable ocean sail system (VOSS) that converts wind into forward thrust to aid ship propulsion, reducing energy consumption and emissions by retrofitting or installing sail systems on ships, particularly designed for spaces where traditional sail systems are inaccessible or impractical.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional sail systems are used, then wind energy can be utilized for propulsion, but they are inaccessible or impractical in spaces below the weather deck
Solution Approach 1:
The sail system transitions from traditional horizontal deployment to vertical deployment along the ship's centerline, utilizing the vertical dimension below the weather deck. The sail cylinders are arranged vertically and can be deployed downward into the ship's interior space, converting a two-dimensional deck space problem into a three-dimensional vertical solution that utilizes previously inaccessible space.
Solution Approach 2:
The sail system is divided into multiple segmented sail cylinders that can be independently controlled and deployed. Each sail cylinder can be raised or lowered independently, allowing the system to adapt to varying wind conditions and ship configurations while fitting within the constrained vertical space below the weather deck.
2Use of energy by moving object
If fuel consumption is reduced to lower costs, then operating expenses decrease, but propulsion power must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges traditional wind power (sail cylinders) with modern propulsion (ship engine) into a hybrid propulsion system. The sail cylinders generate auxiliary thrust that complements the main propulsion system, allowing the ship to maintain full power output while consuming less fuel by combining multiple power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The sail cylinders serve multiple functions: they provide auxiliary propulsion to reduce fuel consumption, can be adjusted to optimize performance under different wind conditions, and can be retracted when not needed. This multi-functionality allows the system to contribute to power generation while maintaining flexibility in operational modes.
3Use of energy by moving object
If sail cylinders are raised or lowered to optimize performance, then wind energy capture is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sail cylinders are designed to be dynamically adjustable, capable of being raised or lowered to optimize their position relative to wind conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to capture wind energy more effectively across varying operational conditions while the modular design keeps the control mechanism relatively simple.
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 VOSS system effectively reduces fuel costs and emissions by utilizing wind energy, offering a sustainable solution for ship propulsion that can operate in various weather conditions and adapt to different ship configurations, thereby mitigating the environmental impact of the shipping industry.
Implementation Method 1
sail systems to supplement ship propulsion systems... converts wind into forward thrust to aid ship propulsion
Data Source
AI summary
Mechanical systems and methods including, in some embodiments, a mounting plate affixed to an exterior facing horizontal planar deck surface of a ship; a foundation structure mounted to the mounting plate and supporting at least a first sail cylinder and a second sail cylinder; and at least a first lift mechanism for selectively vertically driving the first and second sail cylinders from a vertically retracted position to a vertically deployed position.