Patent for rigid sail device

The granting of this patent will allow for the licensing of the technology to proceed so that commercial production of the EnergySail and associated technologies can begin in 2018.

Greg Atkinson, chief technology officer at EMP, said: “The technologies associated with this patent have applications across shipping and could also be incorporated into coastal or offshore renewable energy projects.”

The EnergySail is an advanced rigid sail device that can be fitted with a range of renewable energy technologies such as solar panels or wind power devices. It is a truly unique renewable energy platform specifically designed for shipping and is suitable for a variety of vessels ranging from cargo ships and RoRo vessels to passenger ferries and coastguard ships.

This patent covers the main design elements incorporated into the EnergySail including its grid structure, functional panels and device for reducing sudden wind loads. These elements can be applied to a sail type device or used as a platform for wind power and solar power devices.

An example of how the EnergySail could be incorporated into a modern ship design is the Aquarius Eco Ship. This low emission, sustainable ship design concept includes an EnergySail array and other associated technologies so that solar & wind power can be used together to reduce fuel consumption and lower noxious gas emissions on ships.