Afbeelding
Ventofoil is a wing-shaped element that uses modern innovations in aerodynamics.
This valorization project aims to develop, build, test and demonstrate on a seagoing vessel a prototype of the 30m VentoFoil XL, based on gained knowledge and experience with Econowind's current small VentiFoils (see photo). For the new VentoFoil, a new innovative type of boundary layer suction will be used compared to the existing VentiFoil, to enable scaling up to 30m. Fully digital control of the VentoFoils XL provides opportunity for continuous optimal tuning to varying sea winds and is being developed and tested using AI technology.
What is the reason for the project?
The current VentiFoils (10m ~16m) are successfully applied as auxiliary propulsion on coasters and thus Econowind and Conoship are recognised from all over the world as important players regarding wind propulsion. Scaling up requires new solutions for the VentoFoils XL, which will be tested and demonstrated in operational conditions on an ocean-going vessel in this project. Measured and validated savings can open up the huge market for application on (thousands of) large global-flying ocean-going vessels such as bulk carriers and tankers. These larger deep-sea vessels (lengths 200 -300 m) have greater standardisation and this in principle enables development of more efficient digitised series production (eventually perhaps in composite), leading to a sustainably favourable business case for large-scale industrial production in the north of the Netherlands.
What problem does the project solve?
Contributing to the energy transition to sustainable energy sources and emission reduction of CO2& NOx, involving application to both the existing fleet and new ships and a rapid transition: renewable fuels such as 'green' H 2 and methanol are not yet available on a large scale for years to come. An important prelude to large-scale industrial production of large series of VentoFoils XL in the Northern Netherlands with high-quality new jobs at MBO, HBO and university level in the digitised metal processing manufacturing industry.
Who is the project team?
Knowledge partners NHL Stenden Leeuwarden & Maritime Institute Willem Barentsz (MIWB) Terschelling
Econowind BV
Specialist in wind propulsion for ships in Groningen
Bijlsma Marine Services BV
Shipyard in Wartena
Conoship International BV
Shipbuilding design and consultancy firm in Groningen
Boomsma Shipping BV
Shipping company in coastal and ocean shipping in Sneek
Eekels Technology BV
Electrical specialist in Energy Management Systems in Hoogezand
Global Electrical Solutions BV
Electrical fitter for maritime industry in Gorredijk
German-Dutch Wind Tunnel (DNW, connected to NLR)
Marknesse
Ofcourse, we collaborate with students in our work packages.
How is the project team tackling this?
In this valorisation project, MIWB contributes in WP1 to the HAZID and risk analysis from operations on and with the vessels. As WP leader of the tests of the VentoFoil XL in WP3, MIWB develops the test protocols, prepares and coordinates the tests, performs measurements and processes the measurement data, always in cooperation with the other partners, each with their own field of expertise. Measured savings form the basis for developing the business case model with OPEX and CAPEX, in cooperation with Econowind. Also during the demonstration sailings in WP4, MIWB will provide onboard measurements by maritime officers with VentoFoils XL Wind Propulsion. A first version of the additional training will be developed by MIWB based on the tests and results in WP3 and this will be tested and evaluated in WP4. This will form the basis for the development by MIWB of a 'Northern Netherlands Knowledge Centre Wind Propulsion for Ships'.
