Simulation study on the interaction between sailing and motor propulsion to optimize performance and control of the tall ship “Amerigo Vespucci”

The paper presents an integrated simulation approach, combining CFD and time-domain simulation techniques in order to represent the interaction between motor and sailing propulsion of the tall ship Amerigo Vespucci. Through a complete propulsion and generation system retrofitting, the ship will be equipped with a new electric propulsion motor, to be used not only for the motor propulsion but possibly also during the sailing navigation. A newly developed control system will drive the propeller to the “zero-thrust” condition during sailing, for every wind direction and force. Feasibility and benefits of this propulsion option are investigated by means of a motor-sailing propulsion simulator based on the CFD analysis carried out for the evaluation of the soft sails aerodynamics.