About
90
%
90% of the world’s goods are transported by ships which use diesel fuel. To reduce carbon footprint, engineers are developing wind power support for ships. Their proposal is to attach kite sails to ships and use the wind power to reduce diesel consumption and the negative impact on the environment.
A kite sail can fly at a height of
120
120 m. At that height, the wind speed is approximately
20
%
20% higher than down on the deck of the ship.
At what approximate speed does the wind blow into a kite sail when a wind speed of
25
25 km/h is measured on the deck of the ship?
Answer
5 km/h
20 km/h
30 km/h
45 km/h
The approximate speed of the wind blowing into the kite sail can be calculated using the formula: Wind speed on deck + 20% of wind speed on deck = Wind speed at 120m height. Thus, for a wind speed of 25 km/h on the deck, the wind speed at 120m would be 20 km/h higher, giving us a total wind speed of 45 km/h. This means that the proposed kite sails would be harnessing wind power at a speed of 45 km/h, helping to reduce diesel consumption and carbon footprint. Although it may seem like a small increase in wind speed, it can make a significant impact in reducing the negative environmental impact of shipping. This innovative solution, combining the use of traditional diesel fuel and wind power, can greatly benefit the marine industry and our planet as a whole. Happy sailing!
