The kite and the sea

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.

01-23-08, 08:46 PM	#2
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	#7
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

01-23-08, 08:21 PM	#1
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.