Modularized suction type flap sail device

Abstract

The invention provides a modular suction type flap sail device. The modular suction type flap sail device comprises an external rotating mechanism and an internal fixed hollow cylindrical shell. The external rotating mechanism comprises leading edge and flap modules and is used for adjusting the posture according to the wind direction; the internal fixed hollow cylindrical shell comprises a hollow cylinder, a fan and the like and is used for providing a negative pressure field. Through the modular design, each module can be independently manufactured and assembled, manufacturing, transportation, hoisting, debugging, maintenance and upgrading and updating are convenient, the cost is reduced, and the flexibility and the energy efficiency are improved. The front edge and the flap module are designed in sections, so that the height and the length-diameter ratio of the sail body can be flexibly adjusted; the hollow cylinder module is segmented and is specially connected, so that air tightness and air suction uniformity are ensured; the hollow rotating platform enables internal and external mechanisms to move independently, so that energy consumption and load are reduced; the fan installation position is optimized, and the wind energy utilization efficiency is improved. The device is stable, reliable and high in adaptability, and has remarkable economic benefits and engineering application value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of ship flap sail structures, in particular to a modular suction flap sail device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, suction-controlled flap sail technology has gradually gained attention, with related device names including suction sail, turbosail, ventifoil, and suction sail. This technology incorporates a permeable wall on the leeward side of a thick airfoil-shaped sail, evenly distributed with suction holes. Combined with an internal suction system, this creates a negative pressure field, activating boundary layer flow on the sail surface, delaying flow separation, and improving aerodynamic performance. When equipped with a suction flap sail, adjusting the windward orientation of the sail in crosswind or oblique wind conditions creates forward thrust, thereby achieving a propulsion effect. Compared to wind-assisted propulsion technologies such as kites and rigid sails, suction flap sails are highly adaptable to wind speed and direction, have a relatively small size and windward area, are safer, and are more conducive to ship layout. Compared to rotor sails, suction flap sails consume less power, have no transmission system, and are safer in operation. In addition, suction flap sails and other energy-saving and emission-reduction measures such as hydrodynamic energy saving and alternative fuels can be used in combination, which is conducive to new and operating ships to achieve indicators such as the Ship Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), Ship Energy Efficiency Index (EEXI), and Carbon Intensity Index (CII).

[0003] 1. Existing suction flap sails are manufactured in an integrated manner, resulting in a complex manufacturing process and difficulty in achieving mass production. Furthermore, any aerodynamic shape optimization or functional upgrade requires the entire system to be remanufactured, resulting in high costs and long lead times, low resource utilization, and an inability to flexibly adapt to the needs of different ships and routes. Furthermore, the integrated structure is bulky and heavy, making it difficult to operate during transportation and hoisting, increasing the difficulty of on-site installation and commissioning. Furthermore, when the entire system undergoes maintenance, localized faults are difficult to locate, impacting the continuous operation of the system.

[0004] 2. Existing suction flap sails adjust their posture according to different wind directions, often requiring the rotation of the entire sail, including the fan, which is heavy, consumes high power, and has a complex design.

[0005] To this end, we propose a modular suction flap sail device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a modular suction flap sail device to address the technical problems of the existing suction flap sail device, such as complex manufacturing process, difficulty in mass production, high upgrading and maintenance costs, difficulty in transportation and lifting, and high energy consumption, so as to make the manufacturing, transportation, lifting, debugging, maintenance and upgrading of the suction flap sail device more convenient, reduce costs, and improve the flexibility and energy efficiency of the device.

[0007] The present invention provides a modular suction flap sail device, comprising an external rotating mechanism for adjusting its attitude according to wind direction. The device includes a leading edge module for forming the aerodynamic shape of the sail's leading edge; a flap module for forming the aerodynamic shape of the sail's trailing edge; upper and lower end plates for connecting the leading edge and flap modules; a hollow rotating platform for driving the overall rotation of the external rotating mechanism; an internal fixed hollow cylindrical shell for providing a negative pressure field, comprising a hollow cylindrical module for evenly distributing suction holes to form the negative pressure field; a fan for generating negative pressure through suction; a base for securing the internal fixed hollow cylindrical shell; and connecting components for connecting the external rotating mechanism and the internal fixed hollow cylindrical shell to ensure airtightness. The modular design makes the entire device more convenient to manufacture, transport, hoist, debug, maintain, and upgrade. Each module can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing manufacturing complexity and production costs. The modular design also enhances the device's flexibility and adaptability, allowing for flexible combination and adjustment to meet the needs of different ships and routes. In addition, the separation design of the internal fixed hollow cylindrical shell and the external rotating mechanism reduces the weight and load of the rotating part, reduces energy consumption and design costs, and improves the stability and reliability of the device.

[0008] In other embodiments, the leading edge module comprises multiple segmented modules, each connected by a connection point. Each segment has a span no greater than 1.5 times the chord length, allowing for flexible adjustment of the sail's height and aspect ratio. The segmented design of the leading edge modules allows for flexible adjustment of the sail's height and aspect ratio based on actual needs, improving the adaptability and flexibility of the device. Furthermore, the miniaturization of the segmented modules facilitates manufacturing, transportation, and installation, reducing costs and risks.

[0009] In other embodiments, the flap module comprises multiple segmented modules, each connected by a connection point. Each segment has a span no greater than 1.5 times the chord length, allowing for flexible adjustment of the sail's height and aspect ratio. Similar to the leading edge module, the segmented design of the flap module also enhances the device's adaptability and flexibility. By adjusting the number and position of the flap modules, the sail's aerodynamic performance can be further optimized, increasing lift and reducing drag.

[0010] In other embodiments, the hollow cylindrical module comprises multiple segmented modules, each connected by hollow screws and bolts. A cylindrical shell with a slightly smaller diameter is positioned at the top of the module, connecting to the upper module. This ensures airflow at the interface and maintains uniform air intake. The segmented design and unique connection method of the hollow cylindrical module ensure airtightness and uniform air intake at the interface. This design not only improves the formation of a negative pressure field but also facilitates module removal and replacement, reducing maintenance costs.

[0011] In other embodiments, the hollow rotating platform drives the entire external rotating mechanism through rotation, while the internal fixed hollow cylindrical shell remains fixed. This reduces energy consumption associated with rotation and lowers the load requirements of the hollow rotating platform. The design of the hollow rotating platform allows the external rotating mechanism to rotate independently while the internal fixed hollow cylindrical shell remains fixed. This design reduces the weight and load of the rotating parts, lowering energy consumption and design costs. It also improves the stability and reliability of the device and reduces vibration and noise caused by rotation.

[0012] In other embodiments, the fan is mounted at the top of a fixed hollow cylindrical shell. Through suction, it creates negative pressure within the cylinder, allowing the air intake holes exposed on the leeward side of the sail to evenly draw in air, delaying flow separation, increasing lift, and reducing drag. The fan's mounting position and suction effect allow the leeward side of the sail to evenly draw in air, delaying flow separation, increasing lift, and reducing drag. This design optimizes the sail's aerodynamic performance and improves the device's wind energy utilization efficiency.

[0013] In other embodiments, the upper and lower end plates, respectively connecting the leading edge module and the flap module, form the framework of the external rotating mechanism, ensuring a secure connection between the modules and a continuous aerodynamic shape. This design improves the overall stability and aerodynamic performance of the device, reducing performance degradation caused by loose or deformed modules.

[0014] In other embodiments, the connecting components include hollow screws and bolts, which are used to connect the external rotating mechanism and the segmented modules of the internal fixed hollow cylindrical shell, ensuring that airflow can be drawn into the interface and maintaining uniform air intake. The design of the connecting components ensures a stable connection and airtightness between the external rotating mechanism and the internal fixed hollow cylindrical shell. The use of hollow screws and bolts not only ensures the firmness of the connection, but also facilitates the removal and replacement of the modules. At the same time, they also maintain the uniformity of air intake at the interface, improving the formation effect of the negative pressure field.

[0015] In other embodiments, the base is fixed to the vessel to support the internal fixed hollow cylindrical shell, ensuring the stability of the device during operation. The base design provides a solid support for the internal fixed hollow cylindrical shell, ensuring the stability of the device during operation. Its attachment to the vessel reduces vibration and displacement caused by external factors such as wind and waves, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the device.

[0016] In other embodiments, the external rotating mechanism covers a portion of the intake holes during rotation while leaving others exposed. The exposed intake holes are always located at the flow separation point behind the leeward side of the sail. By adjusting the fan speed, negative pressure is generated inside the cylinder, allowing the exposed intake holes on the leeward side of the sail to uniformly draw in air. The special design of the external rotating mechanism during rotation ensures that the exposed intake holes are always located at the flow separation point behind the leeward side of the sail. By adjusting the fan speed, an appropriate negative pressure is generated inside the cylinder, allowing the exposed intake holes on the leeward side of the sail to uniformly draw in air. This design optimizes the aerodynamic performance of the sail and improves the wind energy utilization efficiency and stability of the device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure from another perspective of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 These are the front view, rear view, top view and bottom view of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of the first part of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of the second part of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a partial enlarged view of the first part A of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a partial enlarged view of the first part B of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 It is a structural schematic diagram of the hollow cylindrical module of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the hollow cylindrical module and the fan of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 10 It is a structural schematic diagram of the base in the present invention.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a partial enlarged view of the second part C and the structural diagram after removing the hollow cylindrical module a.

[0028] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the present invention in a rotating state.

[0029] Among them: 1. Fan; 2. Upper end plate; 3. Leading edge module a; 4. Flap module a; 5. Leading edge module b; 6. Flap module b; 7. Leading edge module c; 8. Flap module c; 9. Leading edge module d; 10. Flap module d; 11. Leading edge module e; 12. Flap module e; 13. Lower end plate; 14. Hollow rotating platform; 15. Hollow cylinder module a; 16. Hollow cylinder module b; 17. Hollow cylinder module c; 18. Hollow cylinder module d; 19. Hollow cylinder module e; 20. Base; 71. Leading edge module connection point; 72. Flap module connection point; 101. Hollow screw; 102. Bolt. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] like Figures 1-12 As shown, this embodiment discloses a modular suction flap sail device. The present invention not only ensures the optimization of boundary layer flow in aerodynamic performance, delays flow separation, improves the lift of the sail body and reduces resistance, but also effectively solves the difficulties of traditional integrated devices in manufacturing, transportation, lifting, debugging, maintenance and upgrading through modular design, reduces energy consumption during rotation, and has extremely high engineering application value and economic benefits.

[0032] In the horizontal direction, the overall structure forms an external rotating mechanism and an internal fixed hollow cylindrical shell with fan 1. The external rotating mechanism can be further divided into the leading edge, including leading edge modules a3, b5, c7, d9, and e11, and the flaps, including flap modules a4, b6, c8, d10, and e12.

[0033] In the longitudinal direction, the present invention is designed as a segmented structure, including a hollow rotating platform 14, a lower end plate 13, a base 20, a segmented hollow cylindrical shell including a hollow cylinder module a15, a hollow cylinder module b16, a hollow cylinder module c17, a hollow cylinder module d18, and a hollow cylinder module e19, a segmented leading edge including a leading edge module a3, a leading edge module b5, a leading edge module c7, a leading edge module d9, and a leading edge module e11, a segmented flap including a flap module a4, a flap module b6, a flap module c8, a flap module d10, and a flap module e12, an upper end plate 2, and an exhaust fan 1, and each module such as the leading edge module a3 is connected to the leading edge module b5 by a leading edge module connection point 71, and the flap module a4 is connected to the flap module b6 by a flap module connection point 72, and each module can also be fixed by hollow screws 101, bolts 102, etc. and can be freely disassembled and assembled.

[0034] On the one hand, this design makes testing, manufacturing, transportation, hoisting, commissioning, maintenance and upgrading more convenient, greatly reducing costs and improving device flexibility;

[0035] Furthermore, the hollow rotating platform 14 allows only the external mechanism to rotate when the wind direction changes, while the hollow cylindrical shell containing the exhaust fan 1 remains fixed. This not only reduces the energy consumption associated with rotation but also lowers the load requirements of the hollow rotating platform 14, thus saving design costs and simplifying the design process.

[0036] The integrated manufacturing of traditional suction flap sails presents numerous challenges at every stage of the process. For example, the structural complexity of the system necessitates high-precision processing equipment and complex process flows, which undoubtedly increases manufacturing costs and time.

[0037] The modular design breaks the entire device down into multiple independent modules, each of which can be designed and manufactured independently, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process. During the testing phase, the modular design allows for individual testing of each module, enabling faster and more accurate identification of potential issues and improving testing efficiency. During transportation and installation, the modules' small size and light weight allow for the use of conventional transportation and lifting equipment, reducing the difficulty and cost of transportation and installation. During the commissioning phase, each module can be individually debugged to ensure optimal performance before the entire system is debugged, improving accuracy and efficiency. Regarding maintenance and upgrades, if a module, such as the leading edge module a3 or the flap module a4, fails or requires an upgrade, only that module needs to be replaced, eliminating the need for extensive disassembly and replacement of the entire device. This significantly shortens maintenance cycles and upgrade times, improving the device's usability and flexibility. Furthermore, the hollow rotating platform 14 allows the external rotating mechanism and the hollow cylindrical shell containing the exhaust fan 1 to move independently, reducing the weight and load of the rotating components, lowering energy consumption and design costs, while also improving the stability and reliability of the device.

[0038] The overall structure of the present invention is as follows Figure 1 and Figure 2 Its front and rear views are shown as follows. Figure 3As shown. The whole is divided into two parts. The first part is the external rotating mechanism including the leading edge module a3, the leading edge module b5, the leading edge module c7, the leading edge module d9, the leading edge module e11, the flap module a4, the flap module b6, the flap module c8, the flap module d10, the flap module e12, etc. The second part is the fixed hollow cylindrical shell with the exhaust fan 1 inside, including the hollow cylinder module a15, the hollow cylinder module b16, the hollow cylinder module c17, the hollow cylinder module d18, the hollow cylinder module e19, etc. The two parts fit tightly together, and the first part covers the unexposed cavity in the hollow cylindrical shell of the second part. The design schematic diagram of the first part is shown as follows Figure 4 As shown, the second part of the design diagram is as follows Figure 5 shown.

[0039] The tightly fitting design of the two components not only ensures the overall structural stability of the device but also allows for smooth airflow within the device, thereby enhancing the functionality of the suction flap sail. The primary function of the first component's external rotating mechanism is to adjust its position according to wind direction to optimize wind energy utilization. This mechanism conceals the unexposed cavities within the second component's hollow cylindrical shell, preventing unnecessary air leakage and enhancing the formation of a negative pressure field. The fixed hollow cylindrical shell within the second component, equipped with an exhaust fan 1, generates negative pressure. The suction effect of the exhaust fan 1 creates a negative pressure field within the cylinder, allowing the exposed intake holes on the leeward side of the sail to draw in air evenly, delaying flow separation, increasing lift, and reducing drag. The two components work together to achieve efficient operation of the suction flap sail. Structurally, this design is also scalable, allowing for further optimization and improvement of both components based on actual needs. This can be achieved by increasing or decreasing the number of modules, such as the hollow cylindrical modules or the number of leading edge and flap modules, or adjusting module size to accommodate different vessel requirements.

[0040] The first part of the rotating mechanism in this embodiment is composed of the upper end plate 2, the leading edge module ae (mechanisms 3, 5, 7, 9, 11), the flap module ae (mechanisms 4, 6, 8, 10, 12), the lower end plate 13, and the hollow rotating platform 14. When the hollow rotating platform 14 rotates, it will drive all the above mechanisms to rotate. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, point A is the connection between the leading edge module a3 and the leading edge module b5, and the flap module a4 and the flap module b6. The connection between the other leading edges and the trailing edges is the same as point A. The partial enlarged diagram is shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown. B is the connection between the lower end plate 13 and the hollow rotating platform 14, and its partial enlarged view is shown in FIG. Figure 7 shown.

[0041] The upper end plate 2 and the lower end plate 13 play an important supporting and connecting role in the external rotating mechanism. The leading edge module and the flap module are connected separately to form the framework of the external rotating mechanism, ensuring the stability of the connection between the modules and the continuity of the aerodynamic shape. The design of the leading edge module ae and the flap module ae adopts a segmented structure. Each segmented module is connected by a connection point. The span of each module is no more than 1.5 times the chord length. This design allows the sail height and aspect ratio to be flexibly adjusted to adapt to different wind conditions and ship requirements. The hollow rotating platform 14 is the core component of the external rotating mechanism. It drives the entire external rotating mechanism to rotate through rotation, allowing the device to adjust its posture in time according to changes in wind direction. In the connection design at A and B, a special connection method is adopted to ensure the firmness and airtightness of the connection. For example, at A, the connection between the leading edge module and the flap module adopts a high-strength connector that can withstand large wind forces and rotational torques. At the same time, the connection is also sealed to avoid airflow leakage. At point B, the lower end plate 13 is connected to the hollow rotating platform 14 by bolts, which facilitates disassembly and installation while ensuring the stability of the connection. This connection design not only improves the reliability of the device, but also facilitates maintenance and repair of the device.

[0042] In this embodiment, the second part is a fixed hollow cylindrical shell with a fan inside. The second part of the rotating mechanism consists of the fan 1, the hollow cylindrical module ae (mechanism 15, 16, 17, 18, 19), and the base 20. The entire part is fixed. The hollow cylindrical module be (mechanism 16, 17, 18, 19) is as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, each module is evenly distributed with holes for air intake. The top of the module has a cylindrical shell with a slightly smaller diameter for connecting to the upper module. The top hollow cylinder module a15 is connected to the fan as shown in the figure. Figure 9 As shown, the base 20 is as shown in FIG. Figure 10 As shown. Among them, C is the connection between the hollow cylinder module a15 and the hollow cylinder module a16. The connection method between other hollow cylinder modules is the same as that of C. Its partial enlarged diagram is shown as follows Figure 11 As shown, the connection of each module is connected to the bottom row of hollow holes of the upper module with hollow screws 101 and fixed with bolts inside to ensure that the interface can inhale air flow and maintain uniform air intake.

[0043] The fan 1 creates negative pressure inside the cylinder through suction, allowing the air intake holes exposed on the leeward side of the sail to evenly draw in air. The selection of a fan requires consideration of parameters such as air volume, air pressure, and power to ensure that it can meet the negative pressure requirements of the device. The design of the hollow cylindrical module ae adopts a segmented structure, with each module having uniform holes. The size and distribution of these holes have been carefully designed to ensure uniform airflow. The cylindrical shell design with a slightly smaller diameter at the top of the module allows for a tight connection between the modules and also facilitates the flow of air. In the connection design at point C, hollow screws 101 and bolts are used for fixing. The hollow screws 101 can ensure smooth passage of airflow at the connection, while the bolts ensure the firmness of the connection. The function of the base 20 is to fix the entire hollow cylindrical shell with the fan inside. It is usually fixed to the ship to ensure the stability of the device during operation. The design of the base needs to consider its strength and stability, and be able to withstand the weight of the device and the vibration during operation. This fixed hollow cylindrical shell design with an internal fan not only improves the negative pressure formation effect of the device, but also facilitates the installation and maintenance of the device.

[0044] In this embodiment, vertical segmentation is primarily reflected in the construction of the leading edge modules ae (mechanisms 3, 5, 7, 9, 11), the flap modules ae (mechanisms 4, 6, 8, 10, 12), and the hollow cylinder modules ae (mechanisms 15, 16, 17, 18, 19). The span of each module is no more than 1.5 times the chord length. Modular construction and assembly of the sail allows for flexible adjustment of the sail's height, and by increasing the number of modules, the aspect ratio of the suction flap sail can be easily adjusted. A suction flap sail typically consists of 4 to 6 modules. The vertical segmentation design, by separating the leading edge modules, flap modules, and hollow cylinder modules, allows for flexible assembly to suit different vessel and route requirements. The span of each module is no more than 1.5 times the chord length, ensuring both strength and stability while facilitating inter-module connection. In practical applications, the sail's height and aspect ratio can be flexibly adjusted based on the vessel's installation space and wind energy utilization requirements. For example, for vessels with limited space, the number of modules can be appropriately reduced, lowering the sail height. For vessels requiring greater wind energy efficiency, the number of modules can be increased, improving the sail's aspect ratio. This segmented design also facilitates the transport and installation of the system. Each module can be transported separately to the site and then assembled, significantly reducing the difficulty and cost of transportation and installation. Furthermore, if a module fails or requires an upgrade, only that module needs to be replaced, eliminating the need for extensive disassembly and replacement of the entire system, improving maintenance and repair efficiency.

[0045] like Figure 12As shown, in the present embodiment, in the rotation working mode, when the wind direction changes, the external rotating mechanism rotates accordingly based on the sensor data, covering some of the air intake holes during the rotation while exposing other air intake holes. The air intake holes are evenly distributed on the cylindrical shell, ensuring that the exposed air intake holes are always at the flow separation point behind the leeward side of the sail body. By adjusting the speed of the fan 1, a negative pressure is generated inside the cylinder, so that the air intake holes exposed on the leeward side of the sail body evenly inhale the air flow.

[0046] Specifically, when wind direction changes, sensors monitor the wind direction changes in real time and transmit the data to the control system. Based on the sensor data, the control system controls the rotation of the hollow rotating platform 14, driving the external rotating mechanism to rotate accordingly. During rotation, the external rotating mechanism covers some of the air intake holes while leaving others exposed. Because the air intake holes are evenly distributed on the cylindrical shell, the exposed air intake holes are always located at the flow separation point behind the leeward side of the sail. By adjusting the speed of the fan 1, varying negative pressures can be generated within the cylinder, ensuring that the exposed air intake holes on the leeward side of the sail draw in air evenly. This rotating operating mode allows the device to adjust its posture in real time according to wind direction changes, ensuring optimal wind energy utilization efficiency. Furthermore, adjusting the fan speed allows for precise control of negative pressure, further improving device performance. In practical applications, this rotating operating mode can be optimized based on different wind conditions and vessel requirements. For example, in strong winds, the fan speed can be appropriately increased to enhance the negative pressure effect; in light winds, the fan speed can be appropriately reduced to conserve energy. This flexible operating mode makes the present invention more adaptable and reliable.

[0047] Through the above technical solution, the present invention not only ensures the optimization of boundary layer flow in aerodynamic performance, delays flow separation, improves the lift of the sail and reduces resistance, but also effectively solves the difficulties of traditional integrated devices in manufacturing, transportation, lifting, commissioning, maintenance and upgrading through modular design, reduces energy consumption during rotation, and has extremely high engineering application value and economic benefits.

[0048] Compared with the traditional integrated suction flap sail device, the present invention has significant advantages.

[0049] In terms of aerodynamic performance, by optimizing boundary layer flow and delaying flow separation, the lift of the sail body is improved and the resistance is reduced, so that the device can more effectively utilize wind energy and provide greater thrust for the ship.

[0050] In terms of manufacturing, the modular design allows each major component to be manufactured and assembled independently, reducing manufacturing complexity and production costs. In terms of transportation and hoisting, the small size and light weight of each module make the device more convenient during transportation, hoisting, and on-site installation, reducing operational risks and logistics costs.

[0051] In terms of debugging, repair and maintenance, when a local fault occurs in the device, the external rotating device and the internal hollow cylindrical tube can be checked in blocks. At the same time, the corresponding modules can be quickly disassembled and replaced, shortening the maintenance cycle and improving the reliability of the continuous operation of the device.

[0052] In terms of adaptability and flexibility, through the vertically segmented modular design, the device can be flexibly combined according to the installation requirements of different ships, with high adaptability; at the same time, the standardized interfaces of each module facilitate future technological upgrades and functional expansions to meet the requirements of changing working conditions.

[0053] In terms of energy consumption, by separating the external rotating device from the internal hollow cylinder, the load requirement of the hollow rotating platform is reduced while maintaining the original function, saving design costs, reducing design difficulty, and reducing energy consumption. In summary, this invention has extremely high engineering application value and economic benefits, and is expected to be widely used in the field of wind propulsion for ships.

[0054] The above description is an explanation of the present invention, not a limitation of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined in the claims. Any modifications may be made within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular suction flap sail device, characterized in that: include: External rotation mechanism, used to adjust the attitude according to the change of wind direction, including: Leading edge module, used to form the aerodynamic shape of the leading edge of the sail; Flap modules, used to form the aerodynamic shape of the trailing edge of the sail; Upper and lower end plates for connecting the leading edge module and the flap module; The hollow rotating platform is used to drive the external rotating mechanism to rotate as a whole; The internal fixed hollow cylindrical shell is used to provide a negative pressure field, including: The hollow cylindrical module is used to evenly distribute the air intake holes to form a negative pressure field; a fan for generating negative pressure by suction; A base, used to fix the internal hollow cylindrical shell; Connecting component, used to connect the external rotating mechanism and the internal fixed hollow cylindrical shell and ensure airtightness.

2. The modular suction flap sail device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The leading edge module includes multiple segment modules, each segment module is connected by a connection point, and the span of each segment module is no more than 1.5 times the chord length, which is used to flexibly adjust the sail body height and aspect ratio.

3. The modular suction flap sail device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flap module includes multiple segment modules, each segment module is connected by a connection point, and the span of each segment module is no more than 1.5 times the chord length, which is used to flexibly adjust the sail body height and aspect ratio.

4. The modular suction flap sail device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hollow cylindrical module includes multiple segmented modules, each segmented module is connected by hollow screws and bolts, and a cylindrical shell with a slightly smaller diameter is provided at the top of the module, which is used to connect with the upper module to ensure that air flow can be inhaled at the interface and maintain uniform air intake.

5. The modular suction flap sail device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hollow rotating platform drives the external rotating mechanism to rotate as a whole through rotation, and the internal fixed hollow cylindrical shell always maintains a fixed posture, thereby reducing energy consumption caused by rotation and lowering the load requirement of the hollow rotating platform.

6. The modular suction flap sail device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fan is installed at the top of the internal fixed hollow cylindrical shell, and generates negative pressure inside the cylinder through suction, so that the air intake holes exposed on the leeward side of the sail body evenly inhale the air flow, delaying flow separation, increasing the lift of the sail body and reducing resistance.

7. The modular suction flap sail device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper end plate and the lower end plate are respectively connected to the leading edge module and the flap module to form a framework of the external rotating mechanism, ensuring a stable connection between the modules and the continuity of the aerodynamic shape.

8. The modular suction flap sail device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting components include hollow screws and bolts, which are used to connect the external rotating mechanism and the segmented modules of the internal fixed hollow cylindrical shell to ensure that air flow can be inhaled at the interface and maintain uniform air intake.

9. The modular suction flap sail device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base is fixed on the ship and is used to support the internal fixed hollow cylindrical shell to ensure the stability of the device during operation.

10. The modular suction flap sail device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The external rotating mechanism covers a portion of the air intake holes while exposing a portion of the air intake holes during the rotation process. The exposed air intake holes are always located at the flow separation point behind the leeward side of the sail body. By adjusting the fan speed, negative pressure is generated inside the cylinder, so that the air intake holes exposed on the leeward side of the sail body evenly inhale air flow.

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