On May 31st, CSIC (China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation) Shanghai Marine Energy Saving Technology Development (CMES-Tech), a subsidiary of China Ship Scientific Research Center, held a new product launch in Shanghai. CMES-Tech released the innovative ship energy-saving device 5M large-size wind-assisted rotor sails, which will break through the “bottleneck” of energy-saving and emission reduction technology for large vessels.
This large rotor sails is the first set of self-developed products in China, with a diameter of 5 meters and a height of 25 meters, which mainly solves the problems of energy saving, emission reduction and carbon intensity index (CII) rating upgrade for 80,000-ton and above vessels.
The device can be installed up to 5 units according to the deck space of the vessel, and the maximum energy saving effect can reach more than 20%. Taking the 82,000 tons bulk carrier to install 3 sets of the devices as an example, it can save more than 600 tons of fuel a year and reduce carbon emissions by about 2,000 tons, making the effect of energy saving and emission reduction remarkable.
The device has three advantages: first, it has superior sustainable thrust, the maximum sustainable thrust can reach more than 260kN, and the energy efficiency of the system is significantly improved. The second is its long-term stability. The overall operation of the device is smooth and reliable, with excellent values in vibration, noise, thermal performance, durability of each system, and performance test under typhoon and bad weather conditions. Third, it is convenient for post inspection and maintenance.
In recent years, with the IMO’s ship greenhouse gas emission reduction strategy accelerated, nearly harsh Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and CII forced the global vessels must be equipped with energy-saving and emission reduction new technology devices as soon as possible. And the use of wind propulsion to boost vessel navigation has become an ideal energy saving and emission reduction measures. The wind-assisted rotor sail works based on the Magnus Effect.
Under this background, CMES-Tech utilizes theoretical analysis research, model test research and prototype testing and experimentation, and solved six key technologies, including rotor aerodynamic characteristics, mechanical structure and working mechanism, structural design and analysis method etc. With 12 years of tireless efforts, CMES-Tech has facilitated the wide application of wind-assisted rotor sails.