Sails for transport

Carriage of cargo on board sea transport is considered to have a reasonable cost. However, with about 45,000 freighters worldwide using low-grade fossil fuels, their emissions are equivalent to millions of cars.

For the purpose of helping to reduce environmental pollution but keep reasonable freight rates, engineers at the University of Tokyo (Japan) have researched the sail design support for the engines of the transport . This 20 x 50 meter sail will reduce the fuel consumption by 30%.

Professor Kiyoshi Uzawa said that advanced technology like today can create large sails and operate them automatically. In addition, navigational information networks and weather forecasts make these ships operate safely, although they use the same power as old ships. Each of the five wings is made of lightweight, durable aluminum with the reinforcement of the fiber. The cross section looks similar to the wing, so the sails can be positioned independently of each other so as to maximize thrust. When it comes to anchoring or bad weather, the sails are stacked vertically.

Professor Uzawa said that basic research was completed and that the project would build a prototype of this small-scale carrier to prove its effectiveness in the next few years. It is planned that computer simulations and wind tunnel model trials could begin in 2016 and that actual ships will be built in the next 5-10 years.

According to Gizmag, due to the different nature of cargo ships, name technology is suitable for low-tonnage ships, carrying bulk materials such as grain, ore, oil ... rather than marine containers. high on the ball.