Hybrid propulsion performance

Wind propulsion for cargo ship is considered as an auxiliary mean of propulsion. The objective is to reduce consumption and emission in a range of favorable conditions but wind propulsion is not aimed to become the main and exclusive mean of propulsion of the ship.

Using auxiliary wind propulsion leads to a combination of a conventional propeller system with a wind driven propulsion. Strong interaction occur between these two systems and the behavior of each is altered by the other.

Moreover, optimization of on the board power supply chain leads to shift from the conventional scheme using a main engine and auxiliary generators. Energy demand becomes global, needs to be optimized for each task and includes electric engine, fuel cell, photovoltaic panels,...

Based on its expertise in wind propulsion, electric propulsion and naval architecture, CRAIN has developed its own performance prediction tool for hybrid propulsion which takes into account hydrodynamics, aerodynamics and energetic performances of the ship.