New sail system for commercial application

On a small trimaran, French company ACCWing recently tested a prototype of their sail system. The original design shows a hollow wing sail with a flexible wing profile, which can be dynamically adapted to the wind.

For larger, commercial vessels, this principle has been translated into a system of fixed hollow segments, which are hoisted telescopically around a central mast.

This system clearly differs from existing solutions, although the telescopic construction is reminiscent of the original design of the Swedish Oceanbird project. However, they have since opted for a different system.

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Although the fixed segments are less flexible than the original design, the wing profile remains adjustable.
Compressed air can be used to actively adjust the shape of the sail. Although no concrete commercial applications are currently planned, this demonstration represents an important step in that direction. It remains to be seen how the system will prove itself in practice, both in terms of performance and longevity.

A video explaining the system on the sailing trimaran can be found here.

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