THE CRITICAL ROLE OF ACCURATE WIND MEASUREMENT FOR WIND ASSISTED SHIP PROPULSION Fibre-optics does not require an electrical connection to the sensors themselves, instead just requiring power to the interrogator. This means it is both immune to lightning and EMI interference, resulting in a low noise system and therefore more accurate data. In adverse weather conditions, as it could occur on board a seagoing ship, the system can remain operational, generating the con昀椀dence and reliability needed. This is important when used in conjunction with control algorithms for the implementation of the mechanical sail wind orientation or adjustment parameters, such as Angle of Attack to the incoming wind for a Wing Sail or change of RPM in case of Rotor Sails. Strain Sensor FBG Temperature compensation sensor Fibre-optic cable Transmitted light (96%) STRAIN STRAIN A small amount of light (4%) is re昀氀ected from each FBG sensor Figure 7: Sensor patch (left) and Fibre Bragg grating structure during strain load 17
The Critical Role of Accurate Wind Measurement for Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion Page 16 Page 18