When the wind is the engine,
measure it like fuel

Wind-assisted propulsion uses energy from the wind to supplement a vessel’s conventional propulsion system. Technologies include rotor sails, rigid wing sails and other wind-harvesting systems. Gill provides ultrasonic wind sensors and complementary sensing technologies for WAPS applications where environmental and equipment data form part of the propulsion architecture.

A wind-assisted propulsion system converts energy from the wind into useful thrust that supplements the vessel’s conventional propulsion. A control system adjusts the propulsion technology according to the prevailing wind and vessel operating conditions. Accurate apparent wind measurement is therefore an important input to many WAPS control systems.

A rotor sail is a rotating cylindrical device that uses the Magnus effect to generate aerodynamic force from the wind. Installed vertically on a vessel, this force can provide a useful component of propulsion. The control system uses information such as apparent wind speed and direction to determine how the rotor should operate.

Wind-assisted propulsion includes rotor sails, rigid wing sails, suction sails and other technologies that use aerodynamic forces to supplement conventional propulsion. Each technology has different control and measurement requirements. Gill provides wind and complementary sensing for applications where environmental and equipment data form part of the system architecture.

Wind-assisted propulsion systems need to understand the wind acting on the vessel in order to operate effectively. Apparent wind speed and direction can provide important inputs to the propulsion control system, while broader environmental and vessel data can support performance assessment. Gill provides ultrasonic wind measurement without rotating wind-sensing components.

Apparent wind is the wind experienced relative to a moving vessel. It combines the surrounding environmental wind with the vessel’s own movement. WAPS control systems can use apparent wind speed and direction to understand the conditions acting on the propulsion device.

Apparent wind describes the wind relative to the moving vessel, while true wind describes the environmental wind independent of the vessel’s movement. True wind can be calculated by combining apparent wind measurement with vessel speed, heading and course. MaxiMet Marine can calculate true wind onboard on applicable configurations using wind measurement, GPS and compass information.

A wind sensor provides the apparent wind speed and direction information used by the control system to understand the aerodynamic conditions around the rotor. The control system can then adjust the rotor according to the prevailing conditions and vessel operating state. Gill ultrasonic wind sensors provide continuous 2-axis wind measurement for this type of application.

The wind sensor should be positioned to obtain a representative measurement of the wind relevant to the propulsion system while minimising airflow disturbance from the vessel’s superstructure, masts, rotor sails and other equipment. The correct position depends on the vessel design and WAPS arrangement. Gill can advise on sensor selection and positioning for the intended installation.

Yes. Rotor sails and other large structures can influence airflow around a vessel. Sensor positioning should therefore consider the location and geometry of the propulsion equipment as well as the vessel’s superstructure. The aim is to obtain a representative environmental measurement rather than airflow significantly disturbed by nearby structures.

The required accuracy depends on the control system, propulsion technology, vessel and intended use of the measurement. The wind sensor should be specified against the performance requirements of the WAPS system rather than selecting accuracy in isolation. Gill provides different ultrasonic wind-sensing configurations for different marine applications.

The wind-speed range should reflect the credible conditions the vessel and sensor installation are expected to encounter. It should include the operating conditions required by the WAPS control system without automatically specifying a larger range than the application needs. Gill provides WindSonic, WindObserver and WindUltra configurations covering different wind-speed requirements.

Yes. Ultrasonic wind sensors can measure low wind speeds without the mechanical inertia associated with rotating cups or vanes. Selected Gill configurations have a starting threshold of 0.01 m/s, making them suitable for applications where low-speed wind measurement is relevant.

An ultrasonic wind sensor measures wind speed and direction without rotating cups, vanes or bearings. This removes mechanical components from the wind-sensing mechanism and eliminates associated mechanical wear. Gill has more than 40 years of experience developing ultrasonic wind measurement for marine and other demanding applications.

Selection should consider salt spray, moisture, vibration, temperature range, icing, mounting exposure and maintenance access. The sensor’s construction, environmental protection and heating options should be assessed against the vessel and installation. Gill provides marine-grade stainless steel, heated and compact wind-sensing configurations.

Yes. Wind-assisted propulsion can be considered for retrofit as well as newbuild projects. Retrofit installations may have additional constraints around mast structures, available space, cable routes, power and existing control systems. Gill provides several wind-sensing configurations to accommodate different installation requirements.

Wind-assisted propulsion can reduce the amount of conventional propulsion power required when suitable wind conditions are available. The scale of any reduction depends on the vessel, route, propulsion technology, wind conditions, vessel speed and operating profile. Performance should therefore be assessed using data from the individual installation rather than a generic saving figure.

Performance can be assessed by combining environmental measurements with vessel and propulsion-system data. Depending on the installation, this may include wind speed and direction, vessel speed and heading, rotor or sail position, actuator position and fuel consumption. Gill provides wind and position sensing that can form part of this wider dataset.

A useful performance dataset can include apparent wind speed and direction, vessel speed, heading, course, rotor or sail position, actuator position and fuel consumption. Additional environmental and machinery data may also be relevant. The precise dataset depends on the propulsion technology and performance methodology being used.

It can be appropriate where the application requires additional environmental measurements alongside wind speed and direction. Gill’s MaxiMet Marine range combines wind with measurements such as pressure, temperature and humidity, with GPS and compass functionality available on selected configurations. If the control system only requires apparent wind, a dedicated ultrasonic anemometer may be the more appropriate choice.

Depending on the system architecture, additional measurements can include rotor or actuator position, vessel heading, vessel speed, fuel consumption and machinery condition. Gill provides Blade non-contact position sensors, MaxiMet environmental measurement and WearDetect oil-condition monitoring alongside its wind-sensing range.

Non-contact position sensing avoids mechanical contact at the measurement point, removing a potential source of wear. Gill’s Blade range provides linear and rotary position measurement and can support applications where the control system needs feedback about the position of mechanical equipment.

Integration depends on the vessel and control architecture. Gill wind sensors provide established interfaces including NMEA 0183, RS232, RS422, RS485 and Modbus, depending on the product and configuration. These can provide routes into compatible propulsion controls, navigation systems, data loggers and monitoring platforms.

WAPS installations may use NMEA 0183, RS232, RS422, RS485 or Modbus depending on the sensor and receiving system. The appropriate interface should be established during system design so the wind measurement can be delivered in the required format. Gill provides these interfaces across relevant wind-sensing configurations.

Maintenance requirements depend on the sensor, vessel environment and operator’s procedures. Gill ultrasonic wind sensors have no rotating wind-sensing components, so cups, vanes and bearings do not form part of the measurement mechanism. Inspection, cleaning and any required verification or calibration should follow the product documentation and vessel maintenance procedures.

Calibration requirements depend on the instrument, application, quality requirements and applicable procedures. Where traceable calibration is required, an appropriately accredited laboratory can provide independent calibration against recognised references. Labcal is an independent UKAS-accredited calibration laboratory supporting Gill equipment and equipment from other manufacturers.

There is no universal calibration interval for every WAPS wind sensor. The appropriate interval depends on the equipment, application, required measurement confidence, quality system and applicable procedures or standards. Operators should establish an interval appropriate to the intended use rather than applying a generic period to every installation.

Approval depends on the individual Gill product and configuration. Selected WindObserver products have marine type approvals, while WindObserver IS is available with ATEX, IECEx and UKEX certification for applicable hazardous-area installations. The relevant approval should always be checked against the specific vessel and installation requirements.

Yes. Gill provides heated configurations including WindObserver and WindUltra. Heating can help maintain measurement availability in applications where icing is a consideration. The appropriate configuration depends on the vessel, environmental conditions and required operating temperature range.

Fuel consumption provides an important operational measure when assessing the contribution of a wind-assisted propulsion system. It can be analysed alongside wind conditions, vessel speed, heading and propulsion-system state to understand how fuel use changes under different operating conditions. The precise performance methodology depends on the vessel and WAPS technology.

Performance can be compared, but the comparison needs to account for differences in vessel design, route, loading, speed, wind conditions, propulsion technology and operating strategy. A simple comparison of fuel consumption or wind speed can be misleading. Consistent measurement and an appropriate performance methodology are required to make meaningful comparisons.

WAPS can be considered for vessel types including bulk carriers, tankers, RoRo vessels, ferries, cruise ships and offshore support vessels. Suitability depends on vessel design, route, operating profile, available wind and the specific propulsion technology. A technical and economic assessment is required for each vessel.

Wind-assisted propulsion can supplement conventional propulsion, potentially reducing fuel consumption under suitable operating conditions. Lower fuel consumption can contribute to reduced operational emissions. The actual benefit depends on the vessel, route, technology and operating conditions, so emissions performance should be assessed using data from the individual installation.

Gill provides current datasheets, manuals and technical documentation through its product and support resources. The relevant product documentation should be used to confirm current specifications, interfaces, environmental ratings and certification before incorporating a sensor into a WAPS design.

Yes. Gill can assess the vessel type, WAPS technology, mounting position, expected wind conditions, environmental exposure, communications requirements and any applicable marine approvals to help identify an appropriate sensor configuration.