Submitted by edweirdmuybridge t3_yf5ncg in Futurology
shave_your_teeth_pls t1_iu21gza wrote
Reply to comment by starfyredragon in World’s 1st bulker powered by wind sails into Port of Newcastle by edweirdmuybridge
This one can't pull the whole ship though. It'll reduce emissions by 5-8%, it's partially powered by wind, and not by much it seems.
ContemplatingFolly t1_iu24ytd wrote
To tag on...I remember hearing about this potential idea like 15 years ago, and this is all they have to show for it?
Northwindlowlander t1_iu26fyc wrote
It's a non trivial thing, it turns out. Most of the earlier schemes planned to use skysails (ie kites, basically), or something very like traditional sails, but they kept running into practicality issues. This solid sail approach is more complicated to implement but is supposed to be easier to operate and to not need much change in operator practices, training etc, and it's also supposed to be useful in more conditions.
starfyredragon t1_iu2frdi wrote
... I wonder if a solid sail would work on a sailboat...
LLCoolDave82 t1_iu2km62 wrote
America's cup (F1 for sailboat racing) switched to solid sails 10 years ago or so. It's basically a wing.
starfyredragon t1_iu2yfs1 wrote
Oh, interesting, I'll have to look that up
LLCoolDave82 t1_iu5648w wrote
These boats are based on older AC designs. The newest class the sail is more flexible.
starfyredragon t1_iu5ugi0 wrote
Interesting... so the ideal is in between hard and soft?
ContemplatingFolly t1_iu2p6y9 wrote
Yes, that's what I recall reading about so long ago. Thanks for the update.
If they can get to the 20% someone mentioned above, that will be something. Its just getting kinda late.
Alovebird t1_iu3svvz wrote
This isn't a specially designed ship, it's been retrofitted to a existing vessel, being able to cut 5-8% emissions off fleets of existing vessel's would add up fast.
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