- CoFlow Jet’s wind propulsion system uses stationary cylinders with no moving parts to generate thrust, offering up to 90% fuel savings.
- Unlike traditional sails, this system doesn’t require a large crew or rely entirely on wind direction and speed.
- The system can be retrofitted to existing vessels and cylinders can be retracted for harbor operations.
CoFlow Jet, a startup specializing in innovative maritime technology, has unveiled a groundbreaking wind-driven propulsion system that could dramatically reduce fuel costs for cargo ships. Resembling a set of bridge supports rather than traditional sails, this new system uses stationary cylinders with no moving parts to harness wind energy efficiently, reports New Atlas.
Cylinder sails
As shipping companies face rising fuel costs and stringent environmental regulations, including the goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, there is a renewed interest in wind propulsion. Historically, sails were the primary means of ship propulsion but fell out of favor due to their labor-intensive nature and dependency on wind conditions. Modern technologies like steam and diesel engines provided more reliable and efficient power sources, relegating sails to niche applications.
The CoFlow Jet system reimagines sail technology by employing stationary cylinders that don’t rotate. Developed by GeCheng Zha, a professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Miami, the system is a modern take on the Flettner rotors from the 1920s. Instead of rotating, the CoFlow Jet cylinders draw in air from the wind, pressurize it using an impeller, and expel it through an outlet. This process creates a pressure imbalance and substantial thrust, enhancing wind propulsion effectiveness.
The CoFlow Jet system promises significant fuel savings: up to 50% for large cargo ships and up to 90% for smaller vessels. Unlike traditional sails, this technology doesn’t require extensive crew management or depend solely on favorable wind conditions. It also offers flexibility, as the system can be retrofitted to existing ships and the cylinders can be retracted for docking and harbor operations.
This innovative approach presents a promising solution for reducing maritime fuel consumption and emissions, aligning with the global push towards greener shipping practices.
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Source: New Atlas
