Here’s what you’ll need to know to get started with Wind Shadow Lifting Tool.™
Available in both the Google Play and Apple stores!
The Wind Shadow Lifting Tool™ is a two-step application that allows you to first calculate the corrected maximum wind speed for a target lift item, and then determine if there is a wind shadow created by the vessel that yields a decreased wind speed in the local area.
1. Log in
Log in with the credentials you created at My Wind Shadow.
2. Review default settings
Navigate to the menu and set the desired settings using the menu key shown in the image above. The menu tab allows you to select the units you would like in the settings tab, inquire about help in the Help tab, and check other application information in the About tab. The Log-in tab in the menu allows you to log in and out. You can return to the Menu anytime using the Menu icon in the upper left hand corner of the app.
3. Select desired vessel class
Open the app and select the desired vessel class. This tab (class tab show) will allow you to see between the vessel classes you are currently subscribed too and also see the classes available for purchase. The vessel classes must be purchase online at www.windshadowtools.com before they will become available as subscribed in the app. Below you will see a few of the featured vessel classes and many more are available upon request.
4. Calculation
The Calculation section will allow the user to enter the crane manufacturer’s maximum rated wind speed, the maximum weight of the load (including the weight of the lifting equipment), the Projected Surface Area (largest cross sectional area able to be seen by the wind), and the load’s coefficient of drag factor (can be estimated from the graphics provided or calculated using standard engineering methods). Once all the inputs have been entered the solvers will give the Projected Sail Area (projected surface area * coefficient of drag) and the maximum allowable winds speed (equations shown in the typical cruise lift tab). The example below shows a solution of new max wind speed of 5.10 m/s or 11.40 mph.
If the new maximum wind speed is equal or greater than the manufacturers maximum wind speed, then the operators should move forward with the standards provided by the manufacturer and other pertinent standards. If the new maximum wind speed is less than the manufacturers limits then many of the standards lifting tables set by the manufacturer are no longer valid. Step five should be consulted for further information.
5. Wind Shadow Analysis
This step allows you to see the approximate local wind speed in the vessel’s wind shadow. If step 4 provides a new maximum wind speed lower than that of the manufacturer’s maximum wind speed, further analysis/information needs to be acquired before moving forward.
Many times the wind shadow provides areas of significantly less wind speeds, which may allow for the lift to continue while operating in conditions below the new maximum wind speed.
To begin this analysis, open the wind tab (shown below). With the wind tab open, input the actual wind speed and its relative direction (use chart in the app for assistance). The relative direction is with relation to the vessel and the chart is shown below.
Once the appropriate speed and angle are selected the app will display the appropriate CFD simulation images for the selected vessel with the selected speed and angle. The images are broken into three main elevations (20m, 40m, 60m above the waterline) and a streamline view of the flow.
With the provided information the operator should be able to find the locations of reduced wind speed.
