SkySails© Kite-Powered

Cargo Ships“Turning Wind Into Profit”

SkySails© Kite-Powered

Cargo Ships“Turning Wind Into Profit”

Emily McMahonITMG 100, Section 09November 20, 2008

Emily McMahonITMG 100, Section 09November 20, 2008

Main PointsMain Points

•SkySails© History•Fuel Savings•Technology of SkySails© •Operation and Safety•Service and Maintenance•Media Attention/Awards•Advantages/Disadvantages of

SkySails©

•SkySails© History•Fuel Savings•Technology of SkySails© •Operation and Safety•Service and Maintenance•Media Attention/Awards•Advantages/Disadvantages of

SkySails©

HistoryHistory

•Developed by German Innovators to be the “World’s first practicable towing kite propulsion system for commercial shipping.”

•Designs started with 3 Testing Phases applied over a period of four years

•Developed by German Innovators to be the “World’s first practicable towing kite propulsion system for commercial shipping.”

•Designs started with 3 Testing Phases applied over a period of four years

Testing Phase ITesting Phase I

•“Da Vinci” represented ground zero for the company

•Outlined basic concepts of their new technology using a catamaran

•The series of test performed on this model was setup to ensure that a kite-powered ship was physically possible

•“Da Vinci” represented ground zero for the company

•Outlined basic concepts of their new technology using a catamaran

•The series of test performed on this model was setup to ensure that a kite-powered ship was physically possible

Testing Phase IITesting Phase II

•“Galileo” was based on an 8-meter, 2-ton scale model of an existing container

•Goal of this phase was to “Examine the kite’s tractive behavior on conventional cargo ships”

•Engineers collected calculations for the kite to be made on a life-size model

•“Galileo” was based on an 8-meter, 2-ton scale model of an existing container

•Goal of this phase was to “Examine the kite’s tractive behavior on conventional cargo ships”

•Engineers collected calculations for the kite to be made on a life-size model

Testing Phase IIITesting Phase III

•“MY Jan Luiken” developed and tested for the outfitting of system components for towing kites with 40 sq. meters pulling a 15 meter, 18 ton vessel

•Tested Launch & Recovery system

•Development platform that all in-progress ships are tested upon

•“MY Jan Luiken” developed and tested for the outfitting of system components for towing kites with 40 sq. meters pulling a 15 meter, 18 ton vessel

•Tested Launch & Recovery system

•Development platform that all in-progress ships are tested upon

MS BeaufortMS Beaufort

In 2006, SkySails© started work on their first big ship, a 55-meter, 800 ton former buoy tender. By the end of the year, the ship had been tested in the North & Baltic Sea. It was the first time SkySails© towed a 160 meter kite. This achievement propelled SkySails© into the development of the “MS Michael A.” and “MS Beluga SkySails.”

In 2006, SkySails© started work on their first big ship, a 55-meter, 800 ton former buoy tender. By the end of the year, the ship had been tested in the North & Baltic Sea. It was the first time SkySails© towed a 160 meter kite. This achievement propelled SkySails© into the development of the “MS Michael A.” and “MS Beluga SkySails.”

Pilot SeriesPilot Series

The perpetual development of the “MS Michael A.” and the “MS

Beluga” has continued into 2008 and is known as the Pilot Series.

The series consists of two phases.

The perpetual development of the “MS Michael A.” and the “MS

Beluga” has continued into 2008 and is known as the Pilot Series.

The series consists of two phases.

Phase #1Phase #1

Robustness and Reliability is developed to industry standards.

Robustness and Reliability is developed to industry standards.

MS Beluga

Phase #2Phase #2

System performance is evaluatedextensively and optimized.

System performance is evaluatedextensively and optimized.

MS Michael A.

Fuel SavingsFuel Savings

•SkySails© is committed to reducing annual fuel costs savings between 10% -35% depending on the type of ship

•Recent regulations of the International Maritime Organization require a reduction in sulfur emissions for the shipping industry

•SkySails© is committed to reducing annual fuel costs savings between 10% -35% depending on the type of ship

•Recent regulations of the International Maritime Organization require a reduction in sulfur emissions for the shipping industry

Type of Ship Mutli-Purpose Multi-Purpose

Heavy-Lift

Tanker

Length 88 m 133 m 160 m

Installed main engine output

1,520 kW 3,840 kW 6,800 kW

Ship speed at NCR

10.5 kn 14 kn 14 kn

Main propulsion thrust at NCR

11 tons 23 tons 43 tons

Quality of fuel used

Marine gas oil Intermediate fuel oil

Intermediate fuel oil

Route Traveled Rotterdam-Reykjavik North Atlantic

North Pacific

SkySails System

SKS C 160 SKS C 320 SKS 640

Expected average savings for route

29% 19% 18%

Net annual savings

$346,105 $243,590 $442,873

Amortization period in years

1.9 4.8 3.9

CostsCosts

•250,000 - 2,500,000 euros depending on the size of the kite sail

•6-10% of purchase price allocated to service and maintenance annually

•Average amortization period is 3 to 5 years

•250,000 - 2,500,000 euros depending on the size of the kite sail

•6-10% of purchase price allocated to service and maintenance annually

•Average amortization period is 3 to 5 years

SkyProfitSkyProfit

Measurement system of the ships fricativeforce, speed, and fuel consumption whileSkySails© is in use:•Measures fuel savings generated by

SkySails© system onboard the vessel

•Processes information

•Forwards info directly to shipping co.

Measurement system of the ships fricativeforce, speed, and fuel consumption whileSkySails© is in use:•Measures fuel savings generated by

SkySails© system onboard the vessel

•Processes information

•Forwards info directly to shipping co.

Technology in DetailTechnology in Detail

“Wind is Cheaper than Oil and is the most economic and environmentally sound sources of energy on the high seas”

•Conceptually simple system using a kite and the basic guidelines of sailing

•SkySails© consist of 3 main components

“Wind is Cheaper than Oil and is the most economic and environmentally sound sources of energy on the high seas”

•Conceptually simple system using a kite and the basic guidelines of sailing

•SkySails© consist of 3 main components

Towing Kite with RopeTowing Kite with Rope

• Sail-shape like a paraglider

• Made of high-strength & weatherproof textiles

• Double-walled with fitted chambers to obtain aerodynamic properties emulating wing of an aircraft

• Sail-shape like a paraglider

• Made of high-strength & weatherproof textiles

• Double-walled with fitted chambers to obtain aerodynamic properties emulating wing of an aircraft

Force Transmission PointForce Transmission Point

•Transmits the tractive forces of the towing kite to the ship

•Each ship has a customized force transmission depending on its size, weight, cargo load, and speed

•Receives data from 3 main focal points

•Transmits the tractive forces of the towing kite to the ship

•Each ship has a customized force transmission depending on its size, weight, cargo load, and speed

•Receives data from 3 main focal points

Focal PointsFocal Points

Tow Rope: tractive forces transmitted

to the ship via a highly tear-proof rope

Tow Point: the towing rope of the kite

is connected to the ship & guaranteesoptimal alignment of the kite’s power

Winch: mechanism of rope storage

for the sail of the kite when recoveredand launched

Tow Rope: tractive forces transmitted

to the ship via a highly tear-proof rope

Tow Point: the towing rope of the kite

is connected to the ship & guaranteesoptimal alignment of the kite’s power

Winch: mechanism of rope storage

for the sail of the kite when recoveredand launched

Steering SystemSteering System

•Represents main hub of kite control system

•Operates through a control pod and control system

•Operates automatically, aligning the tow kite based on wind direction, wind force, ship course, and ship speed to achieve optimal propulsion power

•Represents main hub of kite control system

•Operates through a control pod and control system

•Operates automatically, aligning the tow kite based on wind direction, wind force, ship course, and ship speed to achieve optimal propulsion power

Control PodControl Pod

•Pilot of the system

•Maneuvers control line by pulling left and right to guide the flight path of the sail

•Mechanical control actuators, electronics, & autopilot software are installed in the pod

•Pilot of the system

•Maneuvers control line by pulling left and right to guide the flight path of the sail

•Mechanical control actuators, electronics, & autopilot software are installed in the pod

Control SystemControl System

•Automatically steers the sails

•Mirrors the autopilot of an airplane where data is collected via sensors and processed in the autopilot software

•7 different controls that ensure smooth sailing and operation of the kite sail

•Automatically steers the sails

•Mirrors the autopilot of an airplane where data is collected via sensors and processed in the autopilot software

•7 different controls that ensure smooth sailing and operation of the kite sail

ControlsControls

– SkySails© on-board computer: operated by input commands

– Control pod computer: takes over tasks of sensor signals

– Autopilot program/Kite maneuver control: manages wind direction, wind strength, ship’s speed or holds, stable position of kite

– Launch & Recovery process control: program logic controller

– Ship Sensors: GPS, wind direction gauge, anemometer, rudder position

– Supplementary sensors: kite adapter, tow point, winch

– SkySails© Arrangement Sensors (SAM): force transmission point, launch & recovery, kite storage

– SkySails© on-board computer: operated by input commands

– Control pod computer: takes over tasks of sensor signals

– Autopilot program/Kite maneuver control: manages wind direction, wind strength, ship’s speed or holds, stable position of kite

– Launch & Recovery process control: program logic controller

– Ship Sensors: GPS, wind direction gauge, anemometer, rudder position

– Supplementary sensors: kite adapter, tow point, winch

– SkySails© Arrangement Sensors (SAM): force transmission point, launch & recovery, kite storage

Launch and RecoveryLaunch and Recovery

• Takes 10-20 minutes for the sail to be fully erected or fully stored

• The Launch is explained in 3 steps:1. Telescopic mast raises towing kite2. Kite unfolds to full size for launch3. Winch releases rope while operating

altitude is reached

• For Recovery, the steps are reversed

• Takes 10-20 minutes for the sail to be fully erected or fully stored

• The Launch is explained in 3 steps:1. Telescopic mast raises towing kite2. Kite unfolds to full size for launch3. Winch releases rope while operating

altitude is reached

• For Recovery, the steps are reversed

Summary of System Components

Summary of System Components

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8qeKslrqeY

SafetySafety

•Tractive forces can modify position of towing kite to ship

•Force vectors control the direction of kite pull if sudden wind shift occurs

•Overloading = winch automatically veers out towing kite

•Emergency release feature

•Tractive forces can modify position of towing kite to ship

•Force vectors control the direction of kite pull if sudden wind shift occurs

•Overloading = winch automatically veers out towing kite

•Emergency release feature

Optional Weather Routing System

Optional Weather Routing System

•SkySails© provides companies the opportunity to guide their ships to destination using the most cost-effective routes determined by meteorologists

•4 step process to determine the selected route catered to needs & circumstances of ship in tow

•SkySails© provides companies the opportunity to guide their ships to destination using the most cost-effective routes determined by meteorologists

•4 step process to determine the selected route catered to needs & circumstances of ship in tow

4 Step Process4 Step Process

1. Weather Forecast: calculates routes & speeds to determine performance under any kind of weather condition

2. Decision Model: outlines desired arrival time

3. Performance Calculation: optimal route and projected performance

4. Recommended Route: sent to shipmaster

1. Weather Forecast: calculates routes & speeds to determine performance under any kind of weather condition

2. Decision Model: outlines desired arrival time

3. Performance Calculation: optimal route and projected performance

4. Recommended Route: sent to shipmaster

Service and MaintenanceService and Maintenance

•Ship-based chief engineer can service in or out of port

•High availability of replacement parts

•Exception is the towing kite and rope

•Ship-based chief engineer can service in or out of port

•High availability of replacement parts

•Exception is the towing kite and rope

TrainingTraining

•2-day training program for crewmembers that continues once aboard the ship

• Includes basics of SkySail© system, aerodynamics, ship operations, and legal principles

•Hands-on use

•2-day training program for crewmembers that continues once aboard the ship

• Includes basics of SkySail© system, aerodynamics, ship operations, and legal principles

•Hands-on use

InstallationInstallation

•Check: see if ship is suited for retrofitting or can be incorporated into design of new vessel

•Contract: insurance, class of vessel, shipyard company will work with

•Technical Info: installation begin & training of crew for operation of kite

•Check: see if ship is suited for retrofitting or can be incorporated into design of new vessel

•Contract: insurance, class of vessel, shipyard company will work with

•Technical Info: installation begin & training of crew for operation of kite

Installation ProcessInstallation Process

1. Prepare mounts and foundations for winch & SAM

2. Install SkySail© on bridge3. Lay electrical & hydraulic lines and

connect system components4. Wind tow rope onto winch, stow kite

and control pod in kite storage

1. Prepare mounts and foundations for winch & SAM

2. Install SkySail© on bridge3. Lay electrical & hydraulic lines and

connect system components4. Wind tow rope onto winch, stow kite

and control pod in kite storage

AwardsAwards

• “Zunkunftsaward 2007” aka “Future Award” in Best Productive Innovation

• Logistics Excellence Optimization Award to managing director of SkySails©, Stephen Wrage

• Top 39 Technology Pioneers of 2008, World Economic Forum

• 2008 Clean Tech Media Award, Technology

• “Zunkunftsaward 2007” aka “Future Award” in Best Productive Innovation

• Logistics Excellence Optimization Award to managing director of SkySails©, Stephen Wrage

• Top 39 Technology Pioneers of 2008, World Economic Forum

• 2008 Clean Tech Media Award, Technology

Successful Journeys To DateSuccessful Journeys To Date

• Jan. 21, 2007 launched “MS Michael A.”

•1st retrofit SkySail© system on board a cargo vessel

•Dec. 15, 2007 “MS Beluga SkySails©” took its maiden voyage

•6 yrs of development, it’s the world’s first newly built cargo vessel with SkySail©

• Jan. 21, 2007 launched “MS Michael A.”

•1st retrofit SkySail© system on board a cargo vessel

•Dec. 15, 2007 “MS Beluga SkySails©” took its maiden voyage

•6 yrs of development, it’s the world’s first newly built cargo vessel with SkySail©

MS Beluga VideoMS Beluga Video

http://greenmonk.net/?s=skysailshttp://greenmonk.net/?s=skysails

AdvantagesAdvantages•High propulsion power•Automatic operation•Optimized routing

system•Retrofitting system•Hybrid propulsion•Little spatial

requirements• Increase sea way

performance

•High propulsion power•Automatic operation•Optimized routing

system•Retrofitting system•Hybrid propulsion•Little spatial

requirements• Increase sea way

performance

DisadvantagesDisadvantages

Cannot operate:

•Against the wind

•At wind forces below 3 Beaufort (wind speed)

• In areas with dense traffic

Cannot operate:

•Against the wind

•At wind forces below 3 Beaufort (wind speed)

• In areas with dense traffic

Long-Term GoalsLong-Term Goals

• 1,500 cargo ships, fish trawlers, and super yachts equipped with SkySails© by 2015

• 10,000 SkySails© expected to be in operation by 2027

• Underlying goal is to reduce emissions and operating costs

• 1,500 cargo ships, fish trawlers, and super yachts equipped with SkySails© by 2015

• 10,000 SkySails© expected to be in operation by 2027

• Underlying goal is to reduce emissions and operating costs

Cargo Ship Fish Trawler Super Yacht

Questions?Questions?

ReferencesReferences

Slide:1. Photo credit: SkySails-Turning Wind into Profit. November 2008. SkySails GmbH & Co. KG.

www.skysails.info/english. [9 November 2008].

5. Quote: SkySails-Turning Wind into Profit. November 2008. SkySails GmbH & Co. KG. www.skysails.info/engliish/company/history-milestones. [9 November

2008].

9/10. Photo credit: SkySails-Turning Wind into Profit. November 2008. SkySails GmbH & Co. KG. www.skysails.info/english. [9 November 2008].

12. Photo credit: “SkySails Image Brochure.” SkySails-Turning Wind into Profit. SkySails GmbH & Co. KG. www.skysails.info/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/TechInfo/

EN_Image_Broschuere.pdf.[ 9 November 2008].

15. Photo credit: SkySails-Turning Wind into Profit. November 2008. SkySails GmbH & Co. KG. www.skysails.info/english. [9 November 2008].

16. Photo credit: “SkySails - Wind-Powered Ships.” December 2, 2007. Patened by SkySails. www.kitepatents.blogspot.com. [9 November 2008].

17. Photo credit: SkySails-Turning Wind into Profit. November 2008. SkySails GmbH & Co. KG.

www.skysails.info/english/products/the-skysails-technology/installation/ [9 November 2008].

Slide:1. Photo credit: SkySails-Turning Wind into Profit. November 2008. SkySails GmbH & Co. KG.

www.skysails.info/english. [9 November 2008].

5. Quote: SkySails-Turning Wind into Profit. November 2008. SkySails GmbH & Co. KG. www.skysails.info/engliish/company/history-milestones. [9 November

2008].

9/10. Photo credit: SkySails-Turning Wind into Profit. November 2008. SkySails GmbH & Co. KG. www.skysails.info/english. [9 November 2008].

12. Photo credit: “SkySails Image Brochure.” SkySails-Turning Wind into Profit. SkySails GmbH & Co. KG. www.skysails.info/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/TechInfo/

EN_Image_Broschuere.pdf.[ 9 November 2008].

15. Photo credit: SkySails-Turning Wind into Profit. November 2008. SkySails GmbH & Co. KG. www.skysails.info/english. [9 November 2008].

16. Photo credit: “SkySails - Wind-Powered Ships.” December 2, 2007. Patened by SkySails. www.kitepatents.blogspot.com. [9 November 2008].

17. Photo credit: SkySails-Turning Wind into Profit. November 2008. SkySails GmbH & Co. KG.

www.skysails.info/english/products/the-skysails-technology/installation/ [9 November 2008].

References Cont’dReferences Cont’d

24. Photo credit: “SkySails Image Brochure.” SkySails-Turning Wind into Profit. SkySails GmbH & Co. KG. www.skysails.info/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/

TechInfo/

EN_Image_Broschuere.pdf. [9 November 2008].

Video: “A Sail in the sky.” You Tube. November 2008. 20008 You Tube, LLC. www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8qeKslrqeY. [9 November 2008].

34. Video: Raftery, Tom. “SkySails use wind to power ships!” Greenmonk: the blog. August 22, 2008. greenmonk.net/?s=skysails. [9 November 2008].

35. Photo credit: “SkySails Image Brochure.” SkySails-Turning Wind into Profit. SkySails GmbH & Co. KG. www.skysails.info/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/

TechInfo/

EN_Image_Broschuere.pdf. [9 November 2008].

36. Photo credit: “SkySails Image Brochure.” SkySails-Turning Wind into Profit. SkySails GmbH & Co. KG. www.skysails.info/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/ TechInfo/

EN_Image_Broschuere.pdf. [9 November 2008].

24. Photo credit: SkySails-Turning Wind into Profit. November 2008. SkySails GmbH & Co. KG. www.skysails.info/english/products. [9 November 2008].

24. Photo credit: “SkySails Image Brochure.” SkySails-Turning Wind into Profit. SkySails GmbH & Co. KG. www.skysails.info/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/

TechInfo/

EN_Image_Broschuere.pdf. [9 November 2008].

Video: “A Sail in the sky.” You Tube. November 2008. 20008 You Tube, LLC. www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8qeKslrqeY. [9 November 2008].

34. Video: Raftery, Tom. “SkySails use wind to power ships!” Greenmonk: the blog. August 22, 2008. greenmonk.net/?s=skysails. [9 November 2008].

35. Photo credit: “SkySails Image Brochure.” SkySails-Turning Wind into Profit. SkySails GmbH & Co. KG. www.skysails.info/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/

TechInfo/

EN_Image_Broschuere.pdf. [9 November 2008].

36. Photo credit: “SkySails Image Brochure.” SkySails-Turning Wind into Profit. SkySails GmbH & Co. KG. www.skysails.info/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/ TechInfo/

EN_Image_Broschuere.pdf. [9 November 2008].

24. Photo credit: SkySails-Turning Wind into Profit. November 2008. SkySails GmbH & Co. KG. www.skysails.info/english/products. [9 November 2008].