Thu 3 Apr 2014 12:51

Fuel-saving rigid sail technology at Tokyo event


Shipping technology to be presented for the first time next week in Japan.



Eco Marine Power (EMP) says that it will be presenting for the first time a number of the technologies it is developing - including the Aquarius Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) System - at Sea Japan 2014.

During the three-day event in Tokyo between the 9th-11th April, EMP says it will also outline its vision for the future development of sustainable shipping technologies, including wind and solar power solutions.

The Aquarius MRE System is a renewable energy solution for shipping that incorporates rigid sails, solar panels, energy storage modules and computer systems so that the power of the sun and wind can be harnessed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

The rigid sails used by the Aquarius MRE System have been developed by EMP and are known as EnergySails. Each EnergySail can be fitted with a range of devices including flexible marine grade solar panels, safety interlocks, sensors and other equipment.

Each EnergySail is positioned automatically by the EnergySail Automated Control System (ACS) and a demonstration version of this computer system will be on display at Sea Japan. The EnergySail ACS can also be integrated with the Aquarius Management & Automation System (MAS) so that performance data can be displayed in real-time or recorded for later analysis.

At Sea Japan, EMP is also due to unveil its integrated system approach behind the Aquarius Eco Ship concept. The Aquarius Eco Ship concept is the result of a comprehensive study project which focussed on optimizing the design of a large ocean going ship such as a bulk carrier or oil tanker to harness the power of the wind and sun by using the Aquarius MRE System. This study was started in May 2011.

A test model of the Aquarius Eco Ship will be on display and EMP staff will be available at the event to explain the various technologies incorporated into this innovative design concept.

Commenting on Sea Japan, Greg Atkinson of EMP said: "This event will allow us to demonstrate the progress we have made during the past two of years and we will also be able to explain our integrated systems approach to reducing fuel consumption and emissions on ships. In addition Sea Japan will be the first time EMP has publicly displayed the technologies we are working on and we look forward to discussing these technologies with shipping companies and other interested parties at the event."

Together with KEI System, EMP will also be demonstrating the key features of the Aquarius MAS. This flexible and robust system can manage renewable energy systems on-board vessels plus monitor alarms, automate processes and track engine performance.

The EMP display will be located in the Environmental Protection area of the Themed Zone in the Japan Pavilion.

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