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Oceanbird model tested in waves at SSPA
Recently, the research project wPCC (wind Powered Car Carrier) tested the concept Oceanbird with focus on the ship’s ability to manoeuvre and sail in waves. SSPA’s experts performed extensive model tests with a five-metre long ship model in the Maritime Dynamics Laboratory (MDL). Powered by wind, it is important that the vessel will perform well at the windy sea. The team wanted to verify that the model sails well without assistance from propellers, especially in more difficult conditions, for example larger waves, following waves and head seas. Since this was the first time a ship of this kind was tested in the basin, our experts had to develop the test techniques as well.
In September the concept Oceanbird was introduced and received worldwide attention. Wallenius Marine owns Oceanbird and SSPA and the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) are research partners. The research- and testing programme continues by the team.
To design a concept vessel like Oceanbird a large amount of computer simulations of the ship’s performance and behaviour is needed. The purpose of the model tests is to generate data for checking and tuning the computer simulations. The motions and accelerations when the ship sails through the waves is an important input to the structural design of the wing sails. A second purpose of the tests is to discover unexpected behaviour that the computer simulations may fail to predict.
The ship model used in these tests could be run in three modes: conventional engine mode using under-water propellers, sailing mode and combined sailing and engine mode. The characteristic Oceanbird wing sails were replaced by two air fans on top of the deck. The fans generated the same forces as the wing sails will do. The wing sails were replaced by pulling air propellers, as shown in the picture below.
SSPA has tested the ship’s capability to keep a steady course, as well as the ability to rapidly change the direction. The tests started in calm water, continued to normal wave conditions, and finished with waves corresponding to six meters in full scale, i.e. very rough weather condition. The test shows that the ship sails really well even in large waves. She keeps the course without too much rudder action. In some of the toughest conditions we found that it is efficient to combine sailing and engine power, but in most conditions the ship sails perfectly well using wind only. This gives the design team support in the continuation of the design work. We are confident that the ship will sail well and cope with large waves.
Wind powered vessels of this kind has never been tested before in the MDL basin and the experts had to develop new test techniques, test methodology and test equipment. One challenge was, for example, to control the fans so that they at all time give the correct sail force when the ship model changes its speed and direction. A team of engineers and technicians from SSPA worked for months to design and build the test set-up.
- “Once the model was launched in the basin, we were all thrilled to see if it would work out. After some trimming, re-arrangement and problem solving, as usual in experimental development, all involved personnel were excited to see that the “sails” and all equipment could deliver the results we needed”, Sofia Werner, Manager Strategic Research Hydrodynamics at SSPA.
Read more about the tests with Oceanbird at www.walleniusmarine.com
Watch when a five-metre model of Oceanbird were exposed to high waves in the basin at SSPA.
Introducing Oceanbird
Oceanbird was recently presented and received worldwide attention. Together, Wallenius Marine, the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and SSPA contribute with considerable resources and expertise to create new knowledge and understandings of vessel design incorporating wind propulsion. The research project is called wPCC (wind Powered Car Carrier), and in September the collaboration presented Oceanbird. Wallenius Marine, owns the concept and SSPA and KTH are research partners.
First model tests, wPCC
Recently, research project wPCC (wind Powered Car Carrier) entered a new phase when the new concept was tested at SSPA. The project aims to develop a sailing vessel that can transport about 7,000 cars across the Atlantic, resulting in a reduction of energy consumption by approximately 90 percent. The research project is led by Wallenius Marine, with the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and SSPA as partners.
Research project wPCC
In the research project wPCC (wind Powered Car Carrier) a wind-powered vessel will be developed, from concept to a technical and financially viable design ready to be built within 3-5 years. This project aims to pave the way for a paradigm shift in maritime transport by demonstrating that this new transport concept is possible even in the near future. We do not necessarily need to wait until 2050 to reach IMO's goal of 50% reduction of greenhouse gases.
A renaissance of wind-powered ships
Recently, wind power has resurfaced as an option worth taking seriously and suppliers of innovative wind technology are appearing on the market. But which ones of the numerous solutions are most suitable? To what extent will they really reduce carbon emissions? SSPA has developed efficient prediction tools for both wind-driven and wind-assisted ships in order to support the development of more sustainable maritime transports.
Maritime Dynamics Laboratory
The Maritime Dynamics Laboratory (MDL) is a versatile facility for the research and development of seakeeping and manoeuvring behaviour of ships and other structures.
SSPA - full member of the International Windship Association
The International Windship Association (IWSA) facilitates and promotes wind propulsion for commercial shipping worldwide and brings together all parties in the development of a wind-ship sector to shape industry and government attitudes and policies. SSPA is a full member and active in the marine wind propulsion sector. Our researchers and experts contribute with expertise in several research projects.