Abstract:
The propulsion system for vessels comprises at least one suction sail (3), said at least one suction sail (3) comprising a suction system (10) and a transmission unit (8) to drive the rotation of said suction sail (3), wherein the suction sail (3) comprises at least two suction zones (7) arranged symmetrically on two sides of the suction sail (3), said suction zones (7) comprising variable suction means. It provides a propulsion system for vessels that allows reducing their fuel consumption and polluting emissions by using an improved version of suction sails.
Abstract:
Mechanical systems and methods including, in some embodiments, a mounting plate affixed to an exterior facing horizontal planar deck surface of a ship; a foundation structure mounted to the mounting plate and supporting at least a first sail cylinder and a second sail cylinder; and at least a first lift mechanism for selectively vertically driving the first and second sail cylinders from a vertically retracted position to a vertically deployed position.
Abstract:
A propulsion system for an aquatic vessel is provided. The propulsion system includes a plurality of Magnus-type rotors and a drive arrangement for rotating the plurality of Magnus-type rotors. The plurality of Magnus-type rotors are operable to rotate about corresponding substantially upright axes. The propulsion system also includes a control arrangement for receiving one or more measured apparent wind speeds and for controlling the drive arrangement to vary rates of rotations of the plurality of Magnus-type rotors. The rates of rotations may, for example, be varied as functions of the measured apparent wind speeds and a direction of travel of the aquatic vessel. Moreover, the control arrangement includes a user-operable control for adjusting propulsion provided by the plurality of Magnus-type rotors. The control arrangement is operable to control the drive arrangement to vary a drive applied to rotate one or more Magnus-type rotors from the plurality of Magnus-type rotors.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention provide mechanical sail systems, methods, apparatus, and code which allow use of the Magnus effect to provide thrust to a ship. In some embodiments, a mechanical sail system is provided which includes a silo, positioned below a deck level of a ship, a lift carriage, mounted within the silo, and supporting a first sail cylinder and a second sail cylinder, and at least a first drive motor coupled to a control system for selectively positioning the lift carriage within the silo, the control system operable to control the at least first drive motor to position the lift carriage at a top position within the silo to deploy the first and second sail cylinders.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention provide mechanical sail systems, methods, apparatus, and code which allow use of the Magnus effect to provide thrust to a ship. In some embodiments, a mechanical sail system is provided which includes a silo, positioned below a deck level of a ship, a lift carriage, mounted within the silo, and supporting a first sail cylinder and a second sail cylinder, and at least a first drive motor coupled to a control system for selectively positioning the lift carriage within the silo, the control system operable to control the at least first drive motor to position the lift carriage at a top position within the silo to deploy the first and second sail cylinders.
Abstract:
A vessel includes a hull, a propeller for propulsion of the vessel and at least one rotatable cylinder which in its operational state is vertically mounted on the vessel, the cylinder having a rigid outer surface, a motor drive for rotating the cylinder around a longitudinal axis and a displacement member for displacing the cylinder to an inoperational position, wherein the motor drive is situated inside the cylinder.
Abstract:
There is provided a ship, in particular a cargo ship. It has a plurality of Magnus rotors, wherein associated with each of the plurality of Magnus rotors is an individually actuable electric motor (M) for rotating the Magnus rotor, wherein associated with each electric motor (M) is a converter (U) for controlling the rotary speed and/or the rotary direction of the electric motor (M).
Abstract:
A rotor sail is provided having a base (2) and a rotary cylinder (3) mounted on the base (2) in a manner permitting rotation about its longitudinal axis designed as the rotor axis (r), and a drive (5) for rotating the rotary cylinder (3). An enclosing outer surface (4) of the rotary cylinder serves as a wind-exposed surface in operation. So that the rotor sail can be operated in a more environmentally friendly manner, it is provided with a photovoltaic system (7) having solar cells (8) to generate electric energy for the drive (5) having an electric motor (6). The solar cells (8) are located in the rotary cylinder (3) and have photoelectrically active layers facing toward the enclosing outer surface (4). The rotary cylinder (3) has a sleeve (9) which is transparent, at least in an area covering the solar cells (8).
Abstract:
The invention relates to the use of a drive system worlding on the basis of the Magnus Effect which is used to provide a drive mechanism in addition to an existing drive device. The aim of the invention is to produce a drive directly in front of the front impacting fluid flow. The invention also relates to the use of a drive system for a relatively fast moving vehicle by means of a first drive system, said drive system comprising a rotating, horizontally arranged cylinder (20) provided with end disks (70) as an additional drive. A fluid flow (F), which is produced by the first drive system, enters into a channel (10) and is diverted (10″) in the direction thereof in said channel whereupon it impinges upon the rotating cylinder (20). The complimentary drive is produced in a desired direction based on the Magnus Effect.
Abstract:
A machine for economical recovery of wind power employs a self-adjusting mass-balanced aerodynamic blade weathervaning freely around a lengthwise pitching axis forward of its aerodynamic center, and an aerodynamic roller in its leading edge, spun at high RPM by a motor. The roller controls aerodynamic performance to high levels of efficiency at high lift coefficients, employing novel roller/airfoil profiles. For ship propulsion, the self-adjusting blade with roller stopped is like a furled sail, and with the blade held angling to the wind with roller spinning is like a large, efficient, easily controlled sail. On a horizontal axis wind turbine, the self-adjusting blade is continuously held to an efficient angle of attack by centrifugal lift-increasing pitching moments balancing aerodynamic lift-decreasing pitching moments. The blade whirls steadily despite fluctuations of wind speed and direction, reducing stresses, and preventing structural damage or loss of efficiency. Gyroscopic blade teetering moments are neutralized by mass-balance counter-spin, using a single blade with a balancing stub, on a teetering pivot at the mill shaft. A teetering pivot at the top of the mast and horizontal tail surfaces complete an overall dynamic stress relief system. Sensors monitor operating conditions, control roller speed and move centrifugal mass positions for optimum power output.