CFD Analysis of a foiling hydrogen-powered vessel

Foil Assisted Vessels

With our long-standing involvement in cutting-edge design for America’s Cup and Vendée Globe foil-assisted racing yachts, spanning decades, we are renowned for our expertise in aerodynamic and hydrodynamic performance. Our flow analyses are continuously proven in a wide variety of other marine applications, including design optimisation for fully foiling and foil-assisted high-speed vessels.

With environmental concerns now influencing a greater need for renewable and sustainable energy across the world, the demand for reduced emissions and increased efficiency is a primary consideration for all vessels. Foil-assisted yachts can offer economical solutions for greener boating, especially when combined with new fuels, such as electric or hydrogen.

Foil-assisted yachts can be extremely fuel-efficient due to the reduction in drag from lifting the hull. This leads to faster speeds and up to an 80% reduction in the consumption of fuel/energy. Lifting the boat clear of the surface can also reduce the disturbance of waves, smoothing the ride and improving stability and handling.

TU Delft Hydro Motion

Cape Horn Engineering have recently sponsored the TU Delft Hydro Motion Team, providing an extensive CFD study of their foiling, hydrogen-powered vessel. The project entailed multiple stages, supporting the design of the foils, masts, rudder, and hull, resulting in over 200 simulations ran to date.

The animation visualises a take-off simulation of the vessel. A PID controller was employed within the simulation to vary the angle of attack of both the forward and rear foils until the target ride height was reached. Surrogate models were used to obtain the foil forces relating to the current conditions within the simulation. The use of the surrogates allowed for a much more efficient simulation so that different controller gains could be tested.

The CFD simulations were processed on a High-Performance Computing (HPC) cluster using the best-in-class software package Simcenter STAR-CCM+ in the latest version from Siemens Digital Industries.

Having previously competed in the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, and winning within the Open Sea Class, TU Delft Hydro Motion Team now aim to be the first ever hydrogen-powered vessel to cross the North Sea. The team aim to carry out the crossing in July 2024, setting off in the Netherlands and arriving in the United Kingdom.

TU Delft Hydro Motion Team fine-tuned the height control system to ensure stable foiling, because unpredictable wave conditions on the North Sea make maintaining a consistent height above the water a challenge. To address this, they adjusted the angle of our hydrofoils based on real-time height measurements.

The team then focussed on final preparations for their crossing, before making the historic moment, of being the first ever North Sea crossing in a hydrogen propelled boat. They sailed from Breskens Harbour on the Dutch Coast to Ramsgate on the English Coast in just 12.5 hours, taking a major step towards low emission, seagoing shipping capabilities.

”Together, with our sponsors, we have the potential to revolutionise the maritime sector by demonstrating the vast capabilities of hydrogen as a clean, efficient alternative to conventional fossil fuel propulsion systems.

With our continuous innovation, we want to work together with the maritime sector to accelerate the transition to green energy. There is still a lot to be gained in this sector and by thinking together with the maritime world and innovating in the field of sustainability, we contribute to a better and greener future. Because only together we can make a change” comments the TU Delft Hydro Motion Team.

Follow the TU Delft Hydro Motion Team

CFD Analysis of a foiling hydrogen-powered vessel

Foil Assisted Vessels

TU Delft Hydro Motion

CAPE HORN ENGINEERING LTD.