Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems
Fraunhofer Working Group Sustainable Maritime Mobility: Research and development in the field of wind propulsion systems for shipping
Sustainable maritime mobility
Research in sustainable maritime mobility at Fraunhofer IWES:
System-independent research and consulting services for the commercial shipping industry
Expertise through crossover and upscaling effects
From research to practice:
Development, construction, and operation of trendsetting wind propulsion systems for the shipping industry
The Fraunhofer Working Group Sustainable Maritime Mobility (SMM) at IWES is boosting research and development for sustainable shipping. Under the joint leadership of Hans Kyling from Fraunhofer IWES and Professors Jann Strybny and Michael Vahs from University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer the teams in Leer and Bremerhaven are focusing on wind propulsion systems, design concepts, and scientific studies for emission-free shipping.
System-independent research and consulting services for the commercial shipping industry
The SMM working group provides system-independent research and consulting services spanning all discussed wind propulsion systems for the commercial shipping industry. The spectrum ranges from Flettner rotors, wing rigs, and DynaRigs to membrane sails and classic cloth sails. The Maritime Experimental Center in Leer is at the core of the experimental field.
The unique test infrastructures of the other IWES sites complement the validation options up to full scale. The many years of experience in the field of offshore wind energy create synergies in the working group.
Expertise through crossover and upscaling effects
The joint methodological focal points are in the fields of maritime hydro- and aerodynamics, automation and systems technology, and materials technology. Hybrid model concepts result from the intersection of powerful modeling and simulation with measurement technology both in the laboratory and at sea. One special joint area of expertise lies in the utilization of crossover and upscaling effects between wind propulsion technology for vessels and classic wind energy systems.