Device for reducing the propulsion power requirement of a ship

Abstract

In order to provide a device (20) for a propeller (30) having at least one receiving space (22) and at least one rudder (21), wherein a receiving space (22) is formed in front of the rudder (21) along the direction of travel (F) of the ship, and to reduce the propulsion power requirement of the ship (100) by means of such a device (20), it is proposed that at least one pre-nozzle (23) including at least one guide surface (24) be arranged in front of the receiving space (22) of the propeller (30) along the direction of travel (F), and at least one side fin (25) be arranged on the rudder (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device for reducing the propulsion power requirements of a vessel (particularly a ship), comprising at least one rudder and at least one housing for a propeller, the housing being formed forward of the rudder along the ship's direction of travel. Furthermore, this invention relates to a ship having such a device. Background Technology

[0002] Various devices for reducing a ship's propulsion power requirements are known. For example, an annular nozzle located upstream of the propeller along the ship's direction of travel can optimize the propeller inflow, thereby positively impacting the ship's energy consumption. Furthermore, an annular nozzle with an internal guide surface located upstream of the propeller is known from EP 2100088 B1, which also contributes to reducing a ship's energy consumption.

[0003] Furthermore, active devices for reducing frictional losses between water and the hull are known. Such devices can reduce hull friction by generating bubbles through nozzles distributed along the hull, thereby achieving additional energy savings. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved device for reducing the propulsion power requirements of ships, that is, for reducing the energy consumption of ships.

[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, this objective is achieved by a device for reducing the propulsion power requirements of a vessel (particularly a ship). This device may preferably be designed as an energy-saving device and is arranged at the stern of the hull.

[0006] The device includes at least one rudder and, when viewed in the ship's direction of travel, at least one space for housing the propeller forward of the rudder. Furthermore, when viewed in the ship's direction of travel, at least one pre-nozzle, including at least one guide surface, is arranged forward of the propeller space, and at least one side fin is arranged on the rudder. In this way, multiple energy-saving devices can be combined with each other, which remarkably further increases propulsion power, thereby saving fuel.

[0007] Depending on the number of propellers located at the stern, multiple pre-nozzles with guide surfaces and multiple rudders with side fins can be used. Preferably, one rudder and one pre-nozzle are assigned to each propeller.

[0008] Specifically, this device can be used on medium and large ships, such as container ships, general cargo ships, bulk carriers, ferries, or tankers, to achieve fuel savings and thus reduce the ship's operating costs. Specifically, the ship can have a maximum speed of at least 15 knots, preferably at least 20 knots, and particularly preferably at least 24 knots.

[0009] At least one rudder of the device can be designed as a so-called full-shovel rudder, which is rotatably mounted to the hull only in the upper region. This at least one rudder can be attached to the hull via a rudder stock. Additionally, the rudder may optionally include a rudder ball.

[0010] More preferably, the rudder (especially a full-shovel rudder) can be configured as a so-called "twisted rudder". In this case, the upper rudder blade portion can have a different angle of attack relative to the propeller fluid, i.e., the direction of the propeller fluid, in the leading and / or trailing edge regions of the rudder relative to the lower rudder blade portion. The angles of attack of the upper and lower rudder blade portions can be constant, or, viewed from the height of the respective rudder blade portions, the angles of attack of the upper and lower rudder blade portions can be continuously or discontinuously different.

[0011] A receiving space for accommodating at least one propeller is provided forward of the rudder along the ship's course of travel. A pre-nozzle is positioned immediately forward of the propeller receiving space along the course of travel. Thus, the rudder and the pre-nozzle are spaced apart from each other in such a way that sufficient space exists between them for accommodating the propeller (receiving space). Preferably, the propeller can be a component of the device. The pre-nozzle, including at least one guide surface, can optimize the propeller inflow. In particular, in this way, especially in certain areas of the propeller inflow, an increase in the velocity of the propeller inflow and / or eddies (especially eddies rotating opposite to the propeller eddies) can be induced, which has a positive effect on the thrust generated by the propeller.

[0012] The rudder is positioned within the propeller wake (the jet path of the propeller). The rudder converts a portion of the wake's energy into buoyancy, with the propulsive component supporting the ship's propulsion. Due to the optimized propeller inflow as described above, the propeller generates increased thrust, resulting in a more energetic wake. However, in certain regions of the wake generated in this way, turbulence unexpectedly increases. The propeller wake can be further optimized by incorporating at least one side fin on the rudder (especially in those wake regions where turbulence increases). The side fin generates reverse vortices in the wake, thereby increasing the propeller's thrust. Furthermore, the side fin generates additional buoyancy, thus producing additional propulsion. Therefore, the already optimized fluid propulsion's thrust can be further increased, fuel consumption can be further reduced, and overall propulsion can be further enhanced.

[0013] The propeller housing is located in the direction of travel, i.e., the direction of flow, between the rudder and the pre-nozzle, both having at least one side fin. Preferably, the side fin is attached to the side of the rudder. In particular, if the rudder includes a rudder ball, the side fin may also be attached to or arranged at the rudder ball.

[0014] Preferably, the pre-nozzle, side fins, and / or the guide surface of the pre-nozzle can be profiled (i.e., include airfoils) and thus act on the flow of water.

[0015] If the pre-nozzle has the shape of an annular nozzle or at least a fan-shaped annular nozzle, wherein the pre-nozzle at least partially circumferentially restricts the flow channel, the propeller arranged in the receiving space can obtain particularly optimized inflow. The annular nozzle is closed circumferentially, while the fan-shaped annular nozzle is open circumferentially. The annular nozzle and the fan-shaped annular nozzle can be rotationally symmetric or rotationally asymmetric. Therefore, the wake of the flow channel or the flow velocity in the flow channel increases. Due to the addition of at least one guide surface at the pre-nozzle, additional vortices, especially reverse vortices, are generated in the propeller inflow. These measures can improve the efficiency of the propeller.

[0016] Pre-nozzles with a fan-shaped annular nozzle can be designed with dimensions corresponding to the circumferential area of ​​the pre-nozzle with the annular nozzle shape, for example, an angle range greater than, less than, or equal to 180°, 90°, or 45°. The fan-shaped annular nozzle can cover or clamp any angle range. With a pre-nozzle having a fan-shaped annular nozzle, fluid can be affected in a targeted and locally concentrated manner.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment, at least one guide surface of the pre-nozzle is designed in the form of a fin, which is arranged at an annular nozzle or at least one fan-shaped annular nozzle. Preferably, in this case, the fin can be substantially orthogonally aligned with the annular nozzle or fan-shaped annular nozzle (particularly the housing surface of the annular nozzle or fan-shaped annular nozzle). According to an embodiment, at least one guide surface can be arranged with or without an angle of attack relative to the ship's direction of travel.

[0018] At least one guide surface may be arranged inside and / or outside the flow channel formed by the pre-nozzle. Specifically, if the pre-nozzle includes multiple guide surfaces, these guide surfaces may be located inside and outside the flow channel. Furthermore, the guide surfaces may be arranged continuously through the nozzle housing, thus being located inside and outside the flow channel. The guide surfaces may be arranged substantially radially relative to the axis of rotation of the pre-nozzle. The axis of rotation of the pre-nozzle may coincide with the axis of the propeller. However, preferably, the axis of rotation may be offset upwards relative to the axis of the propeller or arranged above the axis of the propeller. The axis of rotation of the pre-nozzle may be parallel to or inclined to the axis of the propeller.

[0019] If at least one of the aforementioned fins protrudes from the housing surface of the annular nozzle or fan-annular nozzle, then that fin can act on the fluid outside the flow channel. Through this measure, fluid outside the flow channel that is not accelerated by the annular nozzle or fan-annular nozzle can be guided by vortices or reverse vortices. A smaller nozzle diameter can also be used, thereby reducing the overall resistance of the pre-nozzle.

[0020] More preferably, in embodiments of a pre-nozzle comprising a plurality of guide surfaces, these guide surfaces may be arranged asymmetrically inside and / or outside the pre-nozzle.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the aforementioned at least one guide surface is designed as a support for the pre-nozzle. Therefore, in addition to influencing the flow, the aforementioned at least one guide surface can also perform the task of attaching the pre-nozzle to the hull. The guide surface formed in this way is preferably arranged within the flow channel of the pre-nozzle, with one end attached to an annular nozzle or a fan-shaped annular nozzle, and the other end attached to the hull (particularly in the stern tube region).

[0022] Because at least one guide surface is fully or partially arranged in the flow channel of the pre-nozzle, additional optimization of the flow within the flow channel can be achieved. This measure allows water to flow into the propeller in the region closer to the axis of rotation, resulting in less turbulence.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment, at least one guide surface radiates from and / or extends radially beyond the annular or fan-shaped annular nozzle from the rotation axis of the pre-nozzle. This measure enables a particularly symmetrical pre-nozzle with guide surfaces. Simultaneously, the guide surface serves as a fastening element for the pre-nozzle and can positively influence the overall flow of the propeller within the housing space. Specifically, the guide surface is arranged both inside and outside the flow channel of the pre-nozzle. More preferably, in this embodiment, the length of the guide surface is greater than the length of at least one side fin.

[0024] Further control of the inflow into the propeller can be achieved through pre-nozzles comprising multiple guide surfaces that are uniformly or non-uniformly distributed. In particular, the fluid flowing toward a predetermined local area of ​​the propeller can be specifically influenced, especially by guiding it in the form of reverse vortices.

[0025] According to another embodiment, a pre-nozzle having at least one guide surface and at least one side fin are asymmetrically arranged relative to the rudder in such a way that, in the non-deflecting rudder position, at least one side fin is arranged on one side of the rudder, and the pre-nozzle having at least one guide surface is at least partially arranged on the other side of the rudder, preferably with the main portion of the pre-nozzle arranged on the other side of the rudder, and particularly preferably with the pre-nozzle completely arranged on the other side of the rudder. Preferably, the pre-nozzle having at least one guide surface extends beyond a first side surface of the rudder, and at least one side fin extends beyond a second side surface of the rudder. The non-deflecting rudder position is the zero position where the rudder angle is zero (e.g., when the ship is traveling straight forward). In particular, when viewed from the rear view position of the device or the ship, the asymmetrical device causes the side fin to be arranged on one side of the rudder, and the pre-nozzle having at least one guide surface to be at least partially arranged on the other side of the rudder, preferably with the main portion of the pre-nozzle arranged on the other side of the rudder, and particularly preferably with the pre-nozzle completely arranged on the other side of the rudder. Preferably, in this embodiment of the device, a pre-nozzle and one or more side fins are arranged, wherein the one or more side fins are preferably all arranged on the same side of the rudder. In particular, no side fins are provided on the side of the rudder where the main part or all of the pre-nozzle is arranged. In particular, it is preferred that most of the guide surfaces (preferably all guide surfaces) of the pre-nozzle are arranged on the side of the rudder opposite to the side fins, i.e., the other side of the rudder.

[0026] Furthermore, in a device with multiple rudders, the pre-nozzle can be arranged at least partially on one side of a rudder, preferably the main part of the pre-nozzle, particularly preferably the pre-nozzle is completely arranged on one side of the rudder, and the side fins can be arranged on one side of another rudder, that is, the pre-nozzle and the side fins are arranged in such a way that the pre-nozzle and the side fins are arranged on opposite sides of the two rudders.

[0027] The asymmetrical arrangement of the pre-nozzle and side fins offers significant hydrodynamic advantages, further reducing the propulsion power requirements of the vessel. Therefore, in the case of a starboard propeller, turbulence frequently occurs in the inflow fluid toward the propeller in certain regions, particularly from approximately 8 o'clock to 12 o'clock in the propeller's rear view. By arranging a pre-nozzle with at least one guide surface in this region—that is, arranging the pre-nozzle at least partially, substantially partially, or completely on one side of the rudder—a reverse vortex can be generated in the inflow fluid at appropriate points, thereby reducing turbulence in the inflow fluid upon impact with the propeller and improving propeller efficiency. Tests and simulations conducted by the applicant have remarkably demonstrated that, with the pre-nozzle positioned in the propeller wake, turbulence typically occurs on the opposite (other) side of the rudder. Therefore, arranging at least one side fin on the aforementioned opposite (other) side of the rudder is particularly advantageous, as the side fin has a positive effect on the wake in the region of strongest turbulence, particularly by reducing turbulence through the generation of reverse vortices. In a right-hand rotating propeller, in the rear view of the propeller, these turbulences typically occur in the wake ranging from approximately 2 o'clock to 4 o'clock, so it can be particularly advantageous to place at least one side fin in this region.

[0028] According to another embodiment, a pre-nozzle having at least one guide surface and at least one side fin are arranged symmetrically with respect to the rudder, such that the pre-nozzle and / or at least one guide surface are arranged on both one side and the other side of the rudder. Therefore, preferably, the pre-nozzle and / or at least one guide surface extends beyond the first and second side surfaces of the rudder. Furthermore, at least one side fin is arranged on the first side surface of the rudder and at least one side fin is arranged on the second side surface. In this arrangement, the pre-nozzle and side fins can be used to optimize the total inflow and outflow of the propeller.

[0029] Preferably, at least one side fin is attached to one surface of the rudder (particularly the side surface of the rudder and / or rudder ball). Preferably, the other end of at least one side fin is formed as a free end.

[0030] If at least one side fin is substantially aligned at right angles with the first and / or second side surfaces of the rudder, then at least one side fin can be designed and attached to the rudder in a particularly simple technical manner.

[0031] In another embodiment, at least one side fin is aligned at an angle to the first and / or second side surfaces of the rudder, the angle being less than 90°, preferably less than 75°, and particularly preferably less than 60°.

[0032] In particular, the width of the rudder can be reduced by decreasing the angle between the side fins and the side surface of the rudder. As a result, the risk of damaging the side fins during ship operation can be reduced and / or the drag of the device can be reduced. A similar effect can be achieved by adjusting the length of the side fins.

[0033] If there are multiple side fins, these side fins may be arranged on only one side surface of the rudder or on both side surfaces of the rudder.

[0034] If at least one side fin includes a tapered winglet, further optimization of the fluid generated by the propeller can be achieved. Furthermore, the tapered winglet of the side fin can improve the slippage of floating debris and reduce the likelihood of damage.

[0035] According to another embodiment, at least one side fin attached to the rudder includes a cap or winglet disposed at its end. Specifically, the cap or winglet may be formed or attached to the free end or edge of the side fin. This measure simplifies fluid separation from one edge of the side fin and reduces the hydrodynamic drag of the side fin.

[0036] According to another aspect of the invention, a vessel is provided that includes the aforementioned device. This device may include all the embodiments described. The vessel may preferably be a ship comprising a hull having at least one rudder arranged at the stern.

[0037] For example, at least one rudder can be designed as a full shovel rudder and thus rotatedly connected to the hull along the rudder axis.

[0038] Along the ship's course, forward of the rudder, is a housing space and a propeller located within the housing space. The housing space may extend laterally along the course of navigation on multiple parallel rudders and may accommodate one or more propellers.

[0039] By equipping a vessel with this device, energy-saving devices operating in combination along the direction of travel, both in front of and behind the propeller, are used to improve the efficiency of the propeller and the vessel. Preferably, a pre-nozzle including at least one guide surface can be positioned in front of the propeller and the containment space to facilitate propeller flow.

[0040] If multiple thrusters are positioned in the receiving space, multiple pre-nozzles with guide surfaces may also be used optionally.

[0041] Along the ship's course, behind the propeller and housing, the propeller's wake can be optimized by attaching at least one side fin to the rudder.

[0042] One or more side fins can be used on each rudder and on each side of the rudder. For example, the thrust generated by the propeller can be combined in the direction of travel through the side fins, thus amplifying the thrust. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Several exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate:

[0044] Figure 1 This is a side view of the stern region of a ship having the device according to the first embodiment;

[0045] Figure 2 This is a top view of the stern region of a ship having the device according to the second embodiment;

[0046] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the stern region of a ship having the device according to the third embodiment; and

[0047] Figure 4 This is another perspective view of the stern region of a ship having the device according to the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0048] In the accompanying drawings, the same structural elements each have the same reference numerals.

[0049] Figure 1 A side view of the stern region 10 of a vessel 100 having the device 20 according to a first embodiment is shown. In particular, the stern region 10 of the hull 110 of the vessel 100 is shown.

[0050] Device 20 is used to reduce the propulsion power requirements of vessel 100. In the exemplary embodiment shown, vessel 100 is designed as a ship. As an example, device 20 includes only one rudder 21, which is pivotable along the rudder axis R.

[0051] In the direction of travel F of the vessel 100, a receiving space 22 is provided in front of the rudder 21, and a propeller 30 is provided in the receiving space 22, for example.

[0052] The thruster 30 is used to drive the ship 100, and the thruster 30 is rotatable and can be driven about the rotation axis P (thruster axis) of the thruster 30.

[0053] Along the direction of travel F of the vessel 100, in front of the receiving space 22 of the propeller 30, a pre-nozzle 23 comprising a plurality of guide surfaces 24 is arranged. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the pre-nozzle 24 spans an angular range of 180°, thereby forming an approximately semi-circular fan-shaped nozzle.

[0054] In addition, the device 20 has two side fins 25 (due to...) Figure 1The side view shows only one side fin; the side fin (not shown) is arranged similarly to the side fin shown on one side of the rudder. The side fin 25 is attached to each side surface 26, 27 of the rudder 21. Therefore, the device 20 is a symmetrical design.

[0055] The side fins 25 are connected to the rudder 21 at the height of the rotation axis P of the thruster 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the side fins are attached to the rudder ball 211 region of the rudder 21.

[0056] Figure 2 A top view of the stern region 10 of a vessel 100 having device 20 according to a second embodiment is shown. Compared to the first exemplary embodiment, device 20 is an asymmetrical design. In this case, a pre-nozzle 23 having multiple guide surfaces 24 protrudes laterally onto the second side surface 27. Specifically, the pre-nozzle 23 is positioned with its main portion on one side of the rudder 21 shown in the figure (the left side of the rudder (port side)); only a small portion protrudes to the other side of the rudder 21 (starboard side). The angle range of the pre-nozzle 23 is approximately 120°. In this case, the pre-nozzle 23 is shaped as an irregularly shaped fan-shaped annular nozzle.

[0057] The pre-nozzle 23 at least partially circumferentially restricts the flow channel 40. The guide surface 24 also includes a cross-section and projects radially from the rotation axis of the pre-nozzle, which in the illustrated exemplary embodiment coincides with the rotation axis P of the propeller 30, passes through the flow channel 40, and passes through the pre-nozzle 23. As an example, three guide surfaces 24 are provided, which are arranged at a uniform angle to each other along the rotation axis P of the propeller 30.

[0058] Side fins 25 are attached to the first side surface 26 of the rudder 21. The side fins 25 are therefore mostly positioned on the other side of the rudder 21 relative to the pre-nozzle 23. No side fins are provided on the second side surface 27. A winglet 29 may be provided, for example, at the free end 28 of the side fins 25. The winglet 29 may be designed to be integral with the side fins 25 or subsequently attached to them.

[0059] Wing 29 may be directed toward and / or away from the hull 110 of vessel 100.

[0060] Figure 3 A perspective view of the stern region 10 of a vessel 100 having device 20 according to a third embodiment is shown. Figure 2 Compared to the illustrated embodiment, device 20 includes side fins 25, which include tapered winglets in the direction opposite to the flight direction F, and does not include winglets. Apart from this, the third embodiment is identical to the second embodiment.

[0061] also, Figure 3As shown, at least one guide surface 50 is designed as a support for the pre-nozzle 23 on the hull 110 of the vessel 100.

[0062] exist Figure 4 In the middle, it is shown that according to Figure 3 Another perspective view of the stern region 10 of the vessel 100 with device 20 according to the third embodiment. An asymmetrical structure of device 20 is shown. As an alternative to the pre-nozzle 23 being designed as a fan-shaped annular nozzle, the pre-nozzle 23 can also be formed as an annular nozzle, covering a 360° angular range and preferably positioned parallel to the propeller 30.

[0063] List of reference numerals

[0064] 100 ships

[0065] 110 Hull

[0066] 10. Stern area

[0067] 20 Devices / Energy Saving Devices

[0068] 21 rudder

[0069] 211 Rudder Ball

[0070] 22. Capacity

[0071] 23 Pre-nozzle

[0072] 24 Guide Surface

[0073] 25 Side fins

[0074] 26. The first side surface of the rudder

[0075] 27. Second side surface of the rudder

[0076] 28. Free ends / edges of side fins

[0077] 29 Little Wings

[0078] 30 thrusters

[0079] 40 flow channels

[0080] 50 Guide surfaces designed as pillars

[0081] F. Sailing direction

[0082] P thruster rotation axis

[0083] R rudder axis

Claims

1. A device (20) for reducing the propulsion power requirement of a ship (100), the device (20) comprising at least one rudder (21) and at least one housing space (22) for a propeller (30), wherein, The accommodating space (22) is formed in front of the rudder (21) along the sailing direction (F) of the vessel (100), characterized in that at least one pre-nozzle (23) is arranged in front of the accommodating space (22) of the propeller (30) along the sailing direction (F), the pre-nozzle (23) including at least one guide surface (24) and at least one side fin (25) arranged on the rudder (21), wherein the pre-nozzle (23) and the at least one side fin (25) are asymmetrically arranged relative to the rudder (21) in the following manner: in the rudder position without deflection, the at least one side fin (25) is arranged on one side of the rudder (21), and the main part or all of the pre-nozzle (23) is arranged on the other side of the rudder (21), wherein no side fin (25) is arranged on the side of the rudder (21) on which the main part or all of the pre-nozzle (23) is arranged.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pre-nozzle (23) is an annular nozzle or a fan-shaped annular nozzle, wherein the pre-nozzle (23) at least partially circumferentially restricts the flow channel (40).

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one guide surface (24) of the pre-nozzle (23) is designed in the form of a fin, which is arranged at the annular nozzle or the fan-shaped annular nozzle.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The at least one guide surface (24) designed as a fin protrudes from the housing surface of the pre-nozzle (23) designed as an annular nozzle or a fan-shaped annular nozzle.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The at least one guide surface (24) is designed as a support (50) for the pre-nozzle (23).

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The at least one guide surface (24) is arranged in the flow channel (40) of the pre-nozzle (23).

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The at least one guide surface (24) extends radially beyond the annular nozzle or the fan-shaped annular nozzle from the axis of rotation (RA) of the pre-nozzle (23).

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The pre-nozzle (23) includes multiple guide surfaces (24) that are uniformly or non-uniformly distributed.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The at least one side fin (25) is substantially aligned at right angles with the first side surface (26) and / or the second side surface (27) of the rudder (21).

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The at least one side fin (25) is aligned at an angle less than 90° with the first side surface (26) and / or the second side surface (27) of the rudder (21).

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The at least one side fin (25) is aligned at an angle less than 75° with the first side surface (26) and / or the second side surface (27) of the rudder (21).

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The at least one side fin (25) is aligned at an angle less than 60° with the first side surface (26) and / or the second side surface (27) of the rudder (21).

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The at least one side fin (25) includes a conical wing.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The at least one side fin (25) attached to the rudder (21) includes a cap disposed at the end of the side fin (25) or a winglet (29) disposed at the end of the side fin (25).

15. A vessel (100) comprising the apparatus (20) according to any one of claims 1-14.

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