Page 21: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (August 2024)

BAR Technologies uses

Vaisala WINDCAP®

Ultrasonic Wind Sensor

WMT700s in their

WindWings installations.

Photo courtesy of BAR Technologies

The Challenge of Accurate Wind Measurement ings that re? ect local wind effects rather than the broader wind

While the concept of wind propulsion is straightforward, conditions affecting the entire vessel. Such localized data is its practical implementation remains anything but. WASP sys- less useful for optimizing WASP system performance. tems depend on precise and reliable wind data, which is used These factors can lead to inaccurate wind data, potentially to optimize the deployment of wind-assist technologies. Con- compromising wind propulsion system performance. Alterna- sequently, the key to maximizing thrust from wind-assisted tive methods, such as ultrasonic anemometers and wind lidars, propulsion is accurate, real-time wind data. are being explored to address these challenges.

While traditional wind measurements for navigation allow for course corrections, wind-assisted propulsion Technologies Advancing WASP Potential demands far greater precision. Inaccurate wind data for Addressing and overcoming the limitations of traditional navigation might lead to minor route adjustments, but for anemometers prepares the maritime industry to harness wind

WASP, it means irretrievably lost energy. Every gust not power ef? ciently and effectively. optimally harnessed is propulsion power permanently for- Ultrasonic anemometers use sound waves to measure wind feited, underscoring the critical need for highly accurate, speed and direction, offering higher accuracy and reliability real-time wind measurements. It’s the difference between than their mechanical counterparts. They also have no mov- just steering a vessel and maximizing its clean energy po- ing parts, making them more durable in harsh marine environ- tential with every nautical mile. ments. By adding multiple ultrasonic anemometers on differ-

However, obtaining reliable wind measurements on a mov- ent sides of the vessel, operators can secure the constant ? ow ing vessel presents unique challenges: Traditional cup an- and the quality of the wind data. Installing multiple sensors in emometers — long the standard for wind measurement at various locations — the bow, bridge and stern — avoids total sea — are no longer suf? cient for the demands of modern blockage situations. This approach ensures a constant ? ow of wind-assisted shipping. Sensors can be blocked or masked, or quality wind data, even if one or more sensors are affected by the ship’s own superstructures can create wind turbulence and the ship’s superstructure. distort readings. With cup anemometers alone, wind speed Perhaps the most groundbreaking development in maritime measurements can experience a 50% to 60% variance if they wind measurement is the application of lidar — light detection are not correctly situated on the vessel. and ranging — technology. Wind lidars use laser beams to mea-

Also, placing anemometers on the ship can result in read- sure wind speed and direction at multiple distances from the www.marinelink.com 21

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