Fabian Tillig

Wind-assisted propulsion (WASP) is one of the most promising ship propulsion alternatives that radically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and are available today. Using the example of a RoPax ferry, this study presents the performance potential of WASP systems under realistic weather conditions. Different design alternatives and system layouts are discussed. Further, uncertainties in the performance prediction of WASP systems are analyzed. Included in the analysis are the sail forces as well as the aero- and hydrodynamic interaction effects, i.e., the sail–sail and sail–deck interaction as well as the drift and yaw of the ship. As a result, this study provides guidelines on the most important parameters when designing and modeling a WASP ship. Finally, the study presents an analysis of the expected accuracy of the employed empirical/analytical performance prediction model ShipCLEAN.

Electrical and wind propulsion, together with energy stored in batteries and renewable energies harnessed onboard, can lead the way towards zero-emission ships. This study compares wind propulsion solutions and battery storage possibilities for a RoRo ship operating in the Baltic Sea. The ship energy systems simulation model ShipCLEAN is used to predict the performance of the zero-emission ship in real-life operating conditions. The study showcases how ships can be transferred from a conventional, diesel-powered to a zero-emission ship. For the zero-emission ship, all energy needed for auxiliaries and propulsion is taken from renewable sources onboard or from batteries. Challenges and opportunities, as well as necessary adaptions of the route and logistics, are discussed. Results of the study present which wind propulsion technology is the most suitable for the example RoRo ship, and how the installation of suitably sized battery packs for zero-emission operation affects the cargo capacity of the ship.

To meet the IMO goals of emissions reduction in shipping, drastic actions must be taken. Wind-assisted propulsion and renewable energy sources are today discussed frequently as realistic alternatives for future ship propulsion and energy production. This study presents a new and innovative concept of a fossil-free operated cargo ship aiming to achieve an unlimited range. The purpose of the study is to present the feasibility but also the limitations of a ship propelled and operated purely on renewable energy harnessed at sea, independent from shore-based energy sources. Aside from Flettner rotors for propulsion, the ship concept incorporates photovoltaic generators, wind turbines, and a dual-mode propeller to produce energy for the auxiliary systems and for the Flettner rotors, as well as batteries to balance the energy production and consumption. The dual-mode propeller can be used for energy generation and propulsion, thus levelling out any speed drops or peaks and thereby ensuring more reliable operation. The whole system is modelled numerically, and full ship voyages are simulated using the ship performance model ShipCLEAN. Results show feasible achieved speeds on a route with realistic weather conditions. However, negative energy balances limit the pure renewable sailing conditions. Further logistic and technical challenges are discussed.

The study presents a new simulation model for the prediction of the fuel consumption of ships at sea. The model includes external forces and moments caused by the environment at sea, i.e. wind, waves and ocean currents, and solves the force and moment balances for the ship with four degrees-of-freedom (4 DOF), i.e. surge, drift, yaw and heel. To capture involuntary speed losses, engine limits are included in the model. By combining an existing power prediction model, a numerical standard hull and propeller series, and numerous empirical methods, the simulation model can be applied to conventional ships with very limited information available at the outset of an analysis, e.g. the main dimensions, engine rpm and propeller rpm. Additionally, a wind-assisted propulsion component is available. The current study describes the details of the 4 DOF model together with its applicability on three case studies on a ship route through the Baltic Sea with realistic weather forecasts. The main conclusions of the study show that there are considerable differences in the predicted fuel consumption when comparing simulation results based on 1 DOF and 4 DOF; the 4 DOF simulation model is recommended. It is shown that it is crucial to include the yaw moment balance and limits for the rudder angle when analysing ships with wind-assisted propulsion. Examples of involuntary speed losses and different modes of operation are compared and discussed, and potential problems with propeller backside cavitation and engine stalling when running a ship with a wind-assisted device are discussed.

This investigation presents an approach towards a better understanding of achievable accuracy of fuel consumption predictions of ships and provides an example of how a thorough uncertainty analysis of prediction models can be performed. A generic ship energy systems model is used for the fuel consumption prediction of two reference ships: a RoRo ship and a tanker. The study presents how uncertainties can be categorised and handled in four different phases of a ship's life – from early design to ship operation. Monte Carlo simulations are carried out for two environmental conditions to calculate the mean and uncertainty of the fuel consumption. The results show that the uncertainty in the fuel consumption prediction in a very early phase of the design process is approximately 12%, whereas at a very late phase, it reduces to less than 4%. Finally, the simulation model is applied to a real ship during operation conditions.

There is an environmentally and economically motivated need to reduce the fuel consumption and air emissions of ships. To achieve a reduction in energy consumption, the energy flow in the entire energy system of a ship must be analysed in both the component, or subsystem, level as well as in a holistic way to capture the interactions between the components. Of the currently available energy consumption monitoring and prediction methods or models, no single model or method can be used to assess the energy efficiency of an arbitrary vessel in both the early design phase and during operation. This study presents a new generic ship energy systems model that can be used for this purpose. This new model has two parts: one for the assessment of a ship’s energy consumption based on an ordinary static power prediction and one for advanced operational analysis, considering hydrodynamic and machinery systems effects. A Panamax tanker vessel was used as the case study vessel to prove the versatility of the model for five example simulations for the design and operation of ships. The examples include variations of the main dimensions, propeller design, engine layout and the operational profile on a North Atlantic route. From the results, different areas with a potential for energy savings were identified.