Wind-powered PCTC design tested in 250km/h wind tunnel

Advanced wind tunnel tests are underway in Gothenburg, Sweden, for the world’s first wind-powered PCTC vessel.

Wallenius Marine is working with experts from RISE Marine Department (formerly SSPA), Swedish Royal Institute of Technology KTH, and Oceanbird, a ro-ro-focussed wind assisted ship propulsion company founded by Wallenius and Alfa Laval, to validate the design of a PCTC with wind assisted propulsion.

A five by two metre model is being tested at a wind tunnel in Gothenburg capable of reaching wind speeds of 250 km/h. The experiments will harvest data on the interaction between the vessel’s hull and six wing sails along its deck, the optimal distance between the deck and the sail, and the impact of the shape and size of the bridge.

Tests will also look into how off-design operation affects performance, such as a sail in a sub-optimal position, or in the wrong alignment. The team hopes to contribute to the development of new data simulation models for wind-powered ships.

Obstructions up- and downwind of a sail’s aerodynamic surface can greatly impact the propulsion created by the thrust and drag generated by the wind, interfering with the clean flow of air over the wing. Positioning sails on deck may be influenced by factors beyond wind power potential, such as structural and operational considerations.

Related:360-metre ore carrier becomes largest wind-assisted vessel

The latest tests build on those carried out on the partners' wing sails independently, adding in important aerodynamic factors such as multiple sails and the effect of the ship’s hull. 

The partners are involved in EU-funded research project Orcelle Wind.

"We are currently at a central stage in the design process where we want to ensure that our design meets all technical and operational requirements before we finalise the tender design," says Carl Fagergren, senior project manager at Wallenius Marine.

Earlier this year, Oceanbird installed a tilting foundation for a wing sail on Wallenius Wilhelmsen PCTC Tirranna during a planned dry docking.