The kite and the sea

Skybird · 01-22-08, 10:57 AM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7201887.stm

I have seen a full program docu on it some months ago. In it's own way it is impressive.

AVGWarhawk · 01-22-08, 11:05 AM

Funny how old school sail and steam ships were left to die a slow death but now they go back to adding a sail(kite) that assists in powering the boat. Amazing really. Imagine what we would have today if steam/sail vessels were keep up and technology was kept up on it. :hmm:

Onkel Neal · 01-22-08, 11:59 AM

Very clever, I hope this catches on. Why not use the wind?

One thing puzzles me, in this image, the cargo ship appears to be rigged to sail in reverse...?

More info on their website

.

Skybird · 01-22-08, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neal Stevens

Very clever, I hope this catches on. Why not use the wind?

One thing puzzles me, in this image, the cargo ship appears to be rigged to sail in reverse...?

It just had found a parking lot, you know.

Onkel Neal · 01-22-08, 01:13 PM

Lol, even more versatile than I thought

AVGWarhawk · 01-22-08, 01:17 PM

Wow, looks like some thought went into this! You are right Neal, it is very versatile indeed. I hope this flys....sort of speaking.

Etienne · 01-23-08, 08:21 PM

It's only rated to winds up to 40 kts, however. I figure a lot of kites are going to end up shredded, in the first few years anyway.

And since it seems to require extensive weather routing to be efficient (It's useless in a head wind), it's not worth it for short sea trades.

In any case, it'll be interesting to see what happens.

bookworm_020 · 01-23-08, 08:46 PM

If it cuts the fuel useage by 5% over a year for the vessel, then they will be doing well. I hope that it does work out and new designs take shape.

Skybird · 01-24-08, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bookworm_020

If it cuts the fuel useage by 5% over a year for the vessel, then they will be doing well. I hope that it does work out and new designs take shape.

They hope for 20%. On TV they said there are plans for kites that in the future should save even 40%. Well, TV, so take that with care. the kite can alter the altitude, making use of side-/sheerwinds as well - you do not depend on tail winds exclusively.

AVGWarhawk · 01-24-08, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bookworm_020

If it cuts the fuel useage by 5% over a year for the vessel, then they will be doing well. I hope that it does work out and new designs take shape.

Over the long haul, that is pretty good. Perhaps they should look into a parafoil as well for this application.

CCIP · 01-24-08, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Etienne

And since it seems to require extensive weather routing to be efficient (It's useless in a head wind), it's not worth it for short sea trades.

Actually, as per the article it appears that the system is fairly smart and doesn't require following winds... :hmm:

Etienne · 01-24-08, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCIP

Quote:

Originally Posted by Etienne

And since it seems to require extensive weather routing to be efficient (It's useless in a head wind), it's not worth it for short sea trades.

Actually, as per the article it appears that the system is fairly smart and doesn't require following winds... :hmm:

If you check their website, there's a diagram showing that it cannot be used in a head wind. I don't know how close a tack they can take, but it looks like it can get somewhat close.

Sailor Steve · 01-24-08, 07:01 PM

The drawing does indeed look backwards, but the rotating pictures at their site http://www.skysails.info/ show it frontwards.

At first I was wondering whether the kite was towed behind and provided lift, thus reducing hydrodynamic drag, but then I read Etienne's post and saw that was impossible.

Pretty cool idea.

01-22-08, 10:57 AM	#1
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,615 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	The kite and the sea http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7201887.stm I have seen a full program docu on it some months ago. In it's own way it is impressive. __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.

01-22-08, 11:05 AM	#2
AVGWarhawk Lucky Jack Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a 1954 Buick. Posts: 28,255 Downloads: 90 Uploads: 0	Funny how old school sail and steam ships were left to die a slow death but now they go back to adding a sail(kite) that assists in powering the boat. Amazing really. Imagine what we would have today if steam/sail vessels were keep up and technology was kept up on it. :hmm: __________________ “You're painfully alive in a drugged and dying culture.” ― Richard Yates, Revolutionary Road

01-22-08, 11:59 AM	#3
Onkel Neal Born to Run Silent Join Date: Jan 1997 Location: Cougar Trap, Texas Posts: 21,385 Downloads: 541 Uploads: 224	Very clever, I hope this catches on. Why not use the wind? One thing puzzles me, in this image, the cargo ship appears to be rigged to sail in reverse...? More info on their website . __________________ SUBSIM - 26 Years on the Web

01-22-08, 01:13 PM	#5
Onkel Neal Born to Run Silent Join Date: Jan 1997 Location: Cougar Trap, Texas Posts: 21,385 Downloads: 541 Uploads: 224	Lol, even more versatile than I thought __________________ SUBSIM - 26 Years on the Web

01-22-08, 01:17 PM	#6
AVGWarhawk Lucky Jack Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a 1954 Buick. Posts: 28,255 Downloads: 90 Uploads: 0	Wow, looks like some thought went into this! You are right Neal, it is very versatile indeed. I hope this flys....sort of speaking. __________________ “You're painfully alive in a drugged and dying culture.” ― Richard Yates, Revolutionary Road

01-23-08, 08:21 PM	#7
Etienne Seasoned Skipper Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 695 Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	It's only rated to winds up to 40 kts, however. I figure a lot of kites are going to end up shredded, in the first few years anyway. And since it seems to require extensive weather routing to be efficient (It's useless in a head wind), it's not worth it for short sea trades. In any case, it'll be interesting to see what happens.

01-23-08, 08:46 PM	#8
bookworm_020 Navy Seal Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sinking ships off the Australian coast Posts: 5,966 Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	If it cuts the fuel useage by 5% over a year for the vessel, then they will be doing well. I hope that it does work out and new designs take shape. __________________ "There is always one person in any organization who knows whats going on, That person must be fired"

01-24-08, 07:01 PM	#13
Sailor Steve Eternal Patrol Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: High in the mountains of Utah Posts: 50,369 Downloads: 745 Uploads: 249	The drawing does indeed look backwards, but the rotating pictures at their site http://www.skysails.info/ show it frontwards. At first I was wondering whether the kite was towed behind and provided lift, thus reducing hydrodynamic drag, but then I read Etienne's post and saw that was impossible. Pretty cool idea. __________________ “Never do anything you can't take back.” —Rocky Russo

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