Propulsion systems for aquatic vessels

Abstract

A propulsion system (102) for an aquatic vessel(100)is provided. The propulsion system includes a plurality of Magnus-type rotors(108)and a drive arrangement (147) 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(150)for controlling the drive arrangement to vary rates of rotations of the plurality of Magnus-type rotors. Each of the plurality of Magnus-type rotors includes a hollow region (116) therein. Each of the Magnus-type rotors is rotationally supported onto a support arrangement(118) which extends into the hollow region. The drive arrangement includes at least one motor(148) disposed in the hollow region and located outside the support arrangement such that the at least one motor is accessible for maintenance. Furthermore, the at least one Magnus-type rotor includes a ventilation aperture arrangement(132)for enabling an upward movement of air to occur in operation within the at least one Magnus-type rotor for ventilating and cooling the drive arrangement and / or other internal components.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention generally relates to a propulsion system for a watercraft, for example to a propulsion system employing a Magnus type rotor for propelling a watercraft. Also, the invention relates to a method of installing a propulsion system in a watercraft. Background technique [0002] More recently, the marine industry has attempted to harness wind energy to propel watercraft. A conventional propulsion system for a watercraft includes one or more underwater thrusters for propelling the watercraft, and may further include a plurality of Magnus rotors for supplementing the thrusters. The Magnus rotors are operable to rotate about respective generally vertical axes to produce a Magnus effect that propels the watercraft. The Magnus effect is defined as: the thrust acting on a rotating body in a moving air flow (such as wind), wherein the thrust acts perpendicular to the direction of the moving air flow. [0003] The Magnus rotor is convenientl...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the implementation of known Magnus-type rotors positions the associated motor in a confined space, resulting in insufficient ventilation and / or cooling of the motor

Furthermore, the implementation of Magnus rotors has been known to be problematic for service personnel when accessing the associated motor or internal components of the Magnus rotor during maintenance or inspection routines

[0004] Fitting and installing a known Magnus-type rotor to the deck of a watercraft is potentially lengthy and cumbersome given the specific structural constraints of such watercraft

Images