Het optimaliseren van de energie-opname van technologieën voor windvoortstuwing met een digitaal tweelingmodel

Marine vessels play a vital role in global trade, accounting for up to 90% of goods transportation, but also contributing to approximately 3% of total greenhouse gas emissions, a number that is expected to rise significantly by 2050. Addressing this issue requires decarbonization of maritime propulsion systems, which is particularly challenging given high power demands and large energy requirements for long journeys. To motivate the transition to eventual carbon neutrality, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has initiated measures to mitigate emissions, including legislation mandating reductions in CO2 emissions and inclusion in emissions trading schemes. In response to these regulatory pressures and escalating environmental concerns, the maritime sector is actively exploring alternative propulsion solutions, with wind propulsion technologies (WPTs) emerging as a promising avenue. Leveraging advancements in engineering and computing, modern WPTs aim to maximize wind energy capture efficiency, offering potential reductions in carbon intensity. However, uncertainty persists regarding their performance across diverse marine scenarios, necessitating accurate predictive models. The aim of this thesis is to address this issue by proposing a computational model, or digital twin, to simulate the performance of a wind-assisted container vessel specifically utilizing suction sails. This model acts as a virtual replica of the wind-assisted vessel, simulating its motion, energy consumption and fuel usage across various shipping routes. The model is designed to be computationally efficient for practical applications. By integrating real-world operational data, including experimental measurements from suction sail force, the model aims to provide insights into the dynamics of wind-hybrid propulsion systems and their potential fuel-saving benefits. The fidelity of the digital twin model is validated by comparing its predictions with real-world data collected during actual ship operation. Through numerical investigation, the study evaluates various operational modes and advanced strategies for optimizing energy efficiency. Key findings indicate the efficacy of wind-hybrid propulsion in reducing fuel consumption, particularly through synergistic approaches such as combined ship downspeeding and WPT utilization. Results suggest significant fuel savings and emissions reductions are achievable with moderate adjustments in vessel speed, highlighting the potential for integrated wind-assisted strategies to enhance sustainability in maritime transport. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on decarbonization in the maritime industry, offering valuable insights for shipowners, operators, and policymakers navigating the transition to a greener future