Steering system, azimuthing propulsion system, and method for absorbing heat

Abstract

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a steering system of an azimuthing propulsion system, the steering system comprising at least one hydraulic motor configured to operate an azimuthing system of a propulsion unit, the propulsion unit being arranged outside a vessel, a fluid cycle from the at least one hydraulic motor via a separate hydraulic overload protection unit and back to the motor, the overload protection unit comprises a pressure relief unit and a heat management unit, and wherein the pressure relief unit comprises a pressure relief valve, and the heat management unit comprises a heat storage, a heat exchanger, or a combination of both, and wherein the fluid cycle comprising the overload protection unit is configured to at least partially absorb heat generated during turning of the propulsion unit.

Description

FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to a steering system of an azimuthing propulsion system. Further, the present invention relates to an azimuthing propulsion system. In particular, aspects of the invention relate to a steering system of an azimuthing propulsion system comprising a shock absorption system. Additionally, the invention relates to a method for absorbing heat generated during an over torque situation of a steering system of an azimuthing propulsion system. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating a steering system of an azimuthing propulsion system. Yet further, the present invention relates to a computer readable memory.BACKGROUND[0002]Document WO 2000 / 15495 A1 describes common propeller propulsion systems of vessels such as passenger ships, ferries, cargo vessels, lighters, oil tankers, ice-breakers, off-shore vessels, etc. and propeller units in which the equipment creating the propulsion power for the propeller shaft and any gearing...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is about a new type of small hydraulic motor that can be used in a propulsion system. These motors are more compact than current ones, which makes them lighter, smaller, and less expensive. There are also more varieties of small motors available than large ones. The system can be built using standard components without any further changes, and it can be manufactured in large quantities. Overall, this patent offers a way to create a compact, efficient, and versatile propulsion system.

Problems solved by technology

Consequently, a relatively high torque is required for turning the propulsion unit.

The high torque causes problems in particular in slow moving ships with high propeller thrust such as tugs and ice breakers.

Further, over torque situations may, for example, occur due to collisions of at least a part of the system with blocks of ice or other objects when the propulsion unit is forced to turn along the colliding object in order to avoid damage.

An over torque situation may, for example, occur in arctic environments when the propulsion system is frequently exposed to collisions with blocks of ice during operation.

However, use of smaller hydraulic motors operating at an increased rotation speed compared to a system comprising the large hydraulic motors can create a heating problem during an over torque movement due to the small motor volume, the high rotation speed and small volumes in the working lines between the pressure relief valves and the motor ports.

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