Rotor sails do not look like traditional canvas sheets, but like classic ship funnels. Company
As explained in the company, the sail uses the effectMagnus, associated with the pressure drop that occurs when an object moves in the air. When the wind meets a spinning rotor sail, the airflow speeds up on one side of the sail and slows down on the opposite side. A change in airflow velocity results in a pressure drop that creates lift perpendicular to the direction of the windflow.
Under favorable wind conditions, shipsequipped with a rotary sail, they can throttle the main engines. At the same time, there is enough power to maintain the speed of the flight, according to the company. To rotate the rotor sail, an adjustable electric drive system is used, which is powered by the ship's low voltage network.
The company notes that the basis of the devicethe Flettner rotor is used, a device that was developed by a Finnish engineer at the beginning of the 20th century. At that time, the technology was not widely used, but in the era of green energy, alternative wind turbines will help reduce the carbon footprint. According to the company, depending on the configuration of the vessel and the route of movement, the installation of rotor sails will reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
A ship with rotor sails. Source: Norsepower
For example, installing two 35-meter rotarySailing on a Ro-Ro ship has resulted in average net fuel and emissions savings of up to 25%, Norsepower says. To create the same thrust, it will take about 3 thousand square meters of classic sails, the developers add.
At the same time, the rotor sail can be “lowered” at the touch of a button. The device assumes a horizontal position and in this form the ship can safely pass under the bridges.
The first ships equipped with such sails are already plying the ocean. And Norsepower made an agreement to launch mass production in Asia.
Cover image: Norsepower
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