Wingsail technology as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel

Abstract

Abstract Since 3000 BC, wind sailing has been a means of travelling for the humankind. However, the objective of wind propulsion technology research these days is to ensure efficient, sustainable energy source for propulsion which will help to reduce the harmful impact of fossil fuel to the environment. Wingsail is one of such wind propulsion technologies widely studied these days. Although wingsail is mostly used in yacht, surfing and racing boats; this paper reports the findings of a feasibility study on using such technology in commercial vessels. ANSYS Fluent is used to perform this simulation-based study. A particular oil tanker of length 228 m is chosen, and it is found that wingsail can help to save around 2.6% of fuel per voyage for this particular ship on a particular route.