Multi-fidelity methods for design and evaluation of wind-powered vessels

Using the wind to propel cargo ships has in recent years been proposed as an effective measure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transports.

Some technologies are already available and the industry is growing rapidly, not the least in Sweden where several researchers and companies excel internationally. To design a wind-powered ship, digital methods are needed that can calculate the energy gain.

Such calculations are important to be able to make the right design decision and to be able to compare different concepts.

One of the industry's challenges is that there is a large variety of calculation methods, but no guidance on which methods should be used when and how. In this project, Swedish researchers will produce recommendations for this type of calculation methods. They will also design two wind-powered vessels and publish calculation results for them.

This can help other researchers in the world to continue the development towards more accurate calculation methods.