Autumn 2013 PropelWind One step closer to zero emissions shipping A new approach to wind propulsion in shipping Our vision is to bring a radical solution to the shipping industry. PropelWind s.a.s. has completed the initial R&D programme for the Pelican concept of wind main
propulsion for cargo ships based on the technology used in top sailboat racing, typically ocean
races and America's Cup. PropelWind main technology is based on the rigid articulated wingsail,
considered as the future of top sailing competition. PropelWind is working in partnership with the
top-experts in naval architecture, engineering, skippers and routers from French Brittany.
The calculated performances of the concept based on the wingsail are very encouraging even for
main propulsion, using exclusively the wind during 90% of the time or more and dividing the fuel
consumption by 10 to 15 depending on the route.
In addition, recent studies, with state-of-the art CFD's and routing techniques, have demonstrated
that a 30% fuel saving can be obtained from a set of of wingsails used for assistance to main
propulsion, on a round-trip route.
The solid interest for such concepts is growing in the industry and PropelWind is keen to continue
the R&D effort by extensive engineering and testing until proof of concept and commercial
readiness, and to develop and market wind propulsion solutions for the shipping industry.
Typical calculations needed to evaluate the performances of any wind-propulsion project are:
§
effect of the wind-engine on ship propulsion, stability and sea-keeping;
§
size of the appendages (center boards, rudders);
§
wind routing;
§
loading and behaviour of the wind-engine in heavy weather conditions.
This toolbox is available in-house and can be applied to a large extent to any other type of wind
engines than the wingsail.
PropelWind PropelWind was founded in
2011 by Patrick Englebert.
Combining his passion for
sailing with his 35-year
career in engineering, large
projects
and
innovation,
Patrick
developed
the
Pelican technology and is
the driving force behind the
company.
PropelWind is based in
Brittany, France and draws
inspiration from the region’s
rich sailing and shipping
history. In order to enlarge its service offering to the industry, PropelWind is developing wind-propulsion
solutions for both main- and assistance to propulsion, newbuilding and retrofit. PropelWind is able
to investigate solutions that are not only based on the wingsail but also on other suitable wind
engines.
In the meantime, in cooperation with leading actors in the shipping and shipbuilding industry,
PropelWind has completed a comprehensive market study, including a shortlist of the most
appropriate ship types and sizes suitable for wind use, an identification of the practical limitations
and an evaluation of the wind-engines market size.
www.propelwind.com [email protected] +33 626 872 985