Cycloidal marine-propulsion system

Abstract

A cycloidal marine-propulsion system is disclosed. The system comprises a blade-mounting disc and a plurality of propeller blades. Each of the plurality of propeller blades has a respective primary blade axis and is connected to the disc in a manner allowing the blade to be rotated about its primary blade axis independent of any about-axis rotation of every other one of the propeller blades. The system also includes a plurality of electric actuators, each actuator being connected to a respective one of the propeller blades. The system further includes a controller in communication with the electric actuators for controlling selectively each of the electric actuators.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present technology relates generally to a cycloidal-marine propulsion system. In some embodiments, the technology relates more particularly to a cycloidal marine-propulsion system comprising multiple electric motors for controlling individually each of multiple respective cycloidal blades.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]A cycloidal-drive propeller system is a specialized marine propulsion system allowing high maneuverability. The system allows change of vessel thrust to a direction and magnitude per command.[0003]Cycloidal-drive propeller systems are used widely in vessels for which station keeping and high maneuverability at lower speeds are central functions, such as tugboats, ferries, and offshore support vehicles. A conventional type of cycloidal-drive propeller system is a Voith-Schneider propeller (VSP) system.[0004]Conventional cycloidal propeller systems use heavy-duty drive engines such as a diesel motor drive. The drive provides input power and to...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system for reducing drag and increasing efficiency in marine propulsion. It uses multiple electric drives that are connected to cycloidal propeller blades, allowing for complex and fine control of blade position and movement. The system can create, increase, or re-direct thrust, and also improves response time between desired blade action. The individual blade control promotes efficiency and fine control, and a direct electric drive further promotes quick response time and is linked to the main system axis shaft and disc or plate holding the propeller blades.

Problems solved by technology

The drive provides input power and torque for a relatively complex group of intermediary structures leading to a complex mechanical gearbox and crosshead arrangement.

During vessel movement, and especially high-vessel-speed operation, the vertical propeller blades of a cycloidal drive create undesirably high drag in the water.

The drag is particularly high under certain conditions, such as during continuous running of the vessel at high power.

The drag slows the vehicle, limiting speed and thus vessel efficiency.

The drag also lowers fuel economy, requiring more power and so fuel to overcome the drag.

Due to the relatively complex intermediate structures, mechanical gearbox, and crosshead arrangement described, response time between a triggering input—e.g., a signal transmitted in response to a captain pulling a lever—and the desired response is also undesirably high.

The complex mechanical drive is also noisy and causes unwanted vibration due to unbalanced forces and couples.

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