Wind-assisted propulsion system for shipping decarbonization: Technologies, applications and challenges

Wind-assisted propulsion system (WAPS) is one of the important energy-saving measures for shipping decarbonization. The optimal design and operation control of wind-assisted ships can efficiently harvest and utilize wind energy, and thus further tapping the potential of improving the ship energy efficiency. However, there remains a shortage of the comprehensive analysis of the wind-assisted technologies to provide references for further study and practical applications of the WAPS. Thus, the present progress achieved in the key techniques, including the aerodynamics analysis for different sails, the optimal design and operation control of the ship adopting WAPS, as well as the comprehensive analysis of the sail-diesel hybrid propulsion system (SDHPS), are systematically analyzed. Additionally, the challenges encountered in the development of the WAPS are proposed, and prospective research directions are suggested to boost advancement of the WAPS for the shipping decarbonization. The investigation results indicate that the optimal design of sails and hybrid power systems, along with the applications of energy efficiency optimization strategies, can fully use the wind energy resources and reduce fuel usage of the ship equipped with WAPS. Additionally, it is anticipated that the wind-assisted technology incorporating complicated sea conditions can contribute to a further optimization of ship energy utilization, thereby promoting the low-carbon development of the shipping industry.