bound4blue tackles wind power’s aerodynamic interference challenge with POINT release at RINA 2024

• Shipowners must be aware of aerodynamic interference when installing WAPS 

• bound4blue develops proprietary POINT solution to help maximise wind power potential 

With wind power emerging as a key enabler for shipping’s green energy transition, the issue of optimising next generation sail technology to deliver maximum commercial and environmental benefits becomes ever more pressing. bound4blue, pioneers of the fully autonomous eSAIL® suction sail, says shipowners and operators must be aware that the aerodynamic efficiency of sails can be affected when multiple units are installed. It’s a challenge the team will address, while showcasing the solution, at The Royal Institute of Naval Architects (RINA) Wind Conference 2024 on 22nd and 23rd October. 

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Understanding efficiency 

bound4blue is a global leader in Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS). Its DNV Type Approved eSAILs® utilise fan systems to prevent the ‘detachment’ of air from their aerodynamic profiles, allowing them to deliver large propulsive force while remaining compact in size. This allows vessels to significantly reduce fuel use, OPEX and pollutant emissions. Recent contracts for eSAIL® installation have been signed with names such as Eastern Pacific Shipping, Louis Dreyfus Company and Odfjell, amongst others. 

Although delighted with the gathering momentum of WAPS in general throughout the maritime industry, bound4blue’s team stress that shipowners need to understand how to maximise the efficiency of sail configurations to meet their most ambitious fuel, emissions and regulatory targets. 

Disruptive influence 

“It’s not as simple as having one WAP unit that generates a power of x and assuming that four sails will produce 4x,” comments Marc Martí, Aerodynamic Engineer, bound4blue. “When aerodynamic bodies are placed in the vicinity of one another, they impact upon the flow of air around them, disrupting performance. This is an interaction that must be studied, and fully understood, if an owner is to have any chance of optimising the very powerful benefits of wind power. 

“The obvious tool to investigate aerodynamic interference would be Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) studies, but these are traditionally incredibly complex, time consuming and expensive. Not something shipowners want to worry about when hunting for easy to adopt technology in an atmosphere of fast evolving, stringent and potentially costly regulations, such as the EU ETS and upcoming FuelEU Maritime. So, what’s the solution?” 

Straight to the POINT 

bound4blue is leveraging the Wind Propulsion Conference 2024, taking place at the IMO’s London headquarters next month, to showcase a ‘simple’ way to address the issue. The team has developed a solution christened POINT (POtential INterference Tool), which builds on mathematical modelling and the ‘panel method’, common within the aviation industry, adapting it to the maritime sector and eSAIL® characteristics. 

The benefits are easier to understand than the maths. 

Unlocking advantages 

“The speed and accuracy of the tool are exceptional,” states Alberto Llopis PhD, Head of Aerodynamics. “It fast-tracks complex studies that identify the optimal eSAIL® configuration for any vessel, providing a platform for maximising savings, environmental benefits and regulatory compliance. It takes the ‘elephant in the room’ in terms of WAP aerodynamics and shows it the door, solving a key challenge and greatly simplifying the adoption of wind for forward-thinking owners and operators around the world. It’s a clear example of the way we endeavour to provide a better service, and added value, for our customers. 

“We think it’ll be of huge interest to the industry decision makers gathering for the prestigious RINA conference at this pivotal time for our industry.” 

bound4blue eSAILs® are suitable for both newbuilds and retrofitting across the huge majority of vessel segments, including, but not limited to, Tankers, Bulkers, Ro-Ros, Cruises, Ferries, Gas Carriers, and General Cargo vessels.  

To discover more please see www.bound4blue.com  

bound4blue is a headline sponsor of RINA Wind Conference 2024. For further details of the programme please see https://rina.org.uk/events/events-programme/wind-propulsion-2024/