Windshield

The application of wind shields (also known as aerodynamic shields or ship drag optimization shields) in the shipping industry is mainly achieved by changing the aerodynamic shape of the upper structure of the ship, reducing the air resistance generated on the windward side of the front of the ship, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the ship and reducing fuel consumption. Windshields are usually installed at the front of ship bridges or on the windward side of ship superstructures to optimize the airflow path of the ship during navigation.

working principle

1. Reduce air resistance

-Aerodynamic optimization: When ships are sailing at high speeds, especially container ships and bulk carriers, due to their higher upper structures and larger windward areas, strong air resistance is easily generated at the front of the hull. The design of the windshield uses a streamlined structure to guide the airflow, making it smoother when passing through the upper structure, reducing turbulence and eddies, and thus reducing resistance.

2. Optimize the airflow path

-Airflow guidance: The windshield guides the airflow to flow along the upper structure of the ship, avoiding wind resistance caused by direct impact of the airflow on the upper structure. By optimizing the airflow path, the air resistance of the ship is reduced, and the required propulsion force for the hull is also reduced.

-Reduce turbulence and wake: Without a windshield, airflow behind the hull may generate wake and vortex, which increases air resistance. The windshield helps the airflow pass more smoothly, reducing this vortex effect.

3. Ship speed and air resistance

-The relationship between air resistance and speed: Air resistance shows non-linear growth with the increase of ship speed, especially at high speeds. Windshield can significantly reduce the negative impact of air resistance, especially during high-speed driving, by reducing windward resistance.

Energy saving effect

1. Reduce fuel consumption

-Energy saving range: Windshield reduces the air resistance of the ship, thereby reducing the required propulsion force of the ship. According to practical applications and different ship types, windshields can usually reduce fuel consumption by 2% to 5%. This energy-saving effect is particularly significant when sailing at high speeds or frequently against the wind.

2. Improve operational efficiency

-Higher Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI): The application of windshields helps to improve the energy efficiency design index of ships, which is used to measure the transportation fuel efficiency per unit of cargo. By reducing fuel consumption, ships can more easily meet IMO's energy efficiency design requirements.

-Extending ship endurance: By reducing fuel consumption and using windshields, ships can travel longer distances with the same fuel reserves, increasing their endurance.

3. Impact on speed

-Maintaining speed: Under conditions of headwinds or strong winds, windshields can effectively reduce air resistance, making it easier for ships to maintain their established speed, especially under fuel limitations, helping to maintain operational efficiency.

-High speed navigation optimization: Especially for high-speed container ships and cruise ships, windshields have a significant effect in reducing air resistance, which helps to improve overall propulsion efficiency.

4. Applicability of Ship Types

-Suitable for large vessels: Windshield technology is particularly suitable for large vessels such as container ships, bulk carriers, and oil tankers. The superstructure and cabin of these ships have a larger windward area, and the energy-saving effect of the windshield is more obvious.

-Different design schemes: Windshields can be customized according to the specific design of the vessel to maximize their energy-saving effect. Some windshields can even be combined with other energy-saving technologies such as sails and wind tubes to further improve the energy efficiency of ships.

Windshield technology is a relatively simple but effective energy-saving measure that optimizes the aerodynamic performance of ships, reduces air resistance, and improves energy efficiency. It is particularly suitable for application in ships with high speeds, providing shipping companies with a dual advantage of economic and environmental benefits.