A ship auxiliary propulsion and drag reduction system

Abstract

The present invention discloses a ship auxiliary propulsion and drag reduction system, which specifically relates to the field of energy conservation and carbon reduction in the shipping industry. It comprises a suction sail body, wherein the inner wall of the suction sail body is fixedly connected to a suction sail mainmast structure, the suction sail mainmast structure, the bottom of the suction sail mainmast structure is fixedly connected to a suction sail base, the bottom of the suction sail base is fixedly connected to the hull, and the bottom of the suction sail base is connected to an air intake pipe system. The suction sail body can generate a large auxiliary thrust under conditions of suitable wind direction, and can be unfolded through a mechanical structure when the ship is in a headwind condition, thereby forming a streamlined structure at the bow of the ship that can reduce the air resistance above the waterline of the ship, and directing the wind in the opposite direction of the ship to both sides of the ship, thereby forming a shielding effect on the cargo above the deck surface. Under headwind conditions, the streamlined windward surface generates less resistance than the containers or irregular cargo on the deck surface, thereby reducing the air resistance of the ship under headwind conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of energy conservation and carbon reduction in the shipping industry, and in particular to a ship auxiliary propulsion and drag reduction system. Background Art

[0002] Energy conservation and carbon reduction are also a major trend in the shipping industry. To promote energy conservation and carbon reduction in the shipping industry, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the global governing body for the shipping industry, adopted a resolution at MEPC77 to include wind-assisted propulsion and air layer drag reduction systems in the ship design energy efficiency indicators (EEDI / EEXI). This demonstrates that these two technologies are important technical pathways for achieving energy conservation and carbon reduction on ships and increasing their range.

[0003] A suction wing sail is a type of wind-assisted propulsion system that utilizes the Bernoulli principle and the Coanda effect. The sail has an egg-shaped or airfoil-shaped cross-section; as air flows over the sail, it flows along the surface, increasing velocity and pressure on one side while decreasing velocity and increasing pressure on the other. The side with the faster airflow also has air holes that draw air into the sail. When suction is activated, the air is drawn in and reattaches the airflow to the sail, further increasing velocity on the low-pressure side and the pressure difference between the two sides. This creates a significant lift effect, generating thrust in the direction of the ship's forward motion.

[0004] Air layer drag reduction is an effective way to improve ship resistance. Air is rapidly pumped out through small holes in the outer shell of the ship's bottom. This creates a honeycomb-like bubble layer that contacts the bottom surface, reducing the ship's wetted surface area. Because air resistance is much less than water, the greater the area of ​​air contact with the ship's bottom, the lower the ship's resistance. This reduces drag during navigation and improves propulsion efficiency. As the ship moves forward, the bubbles attached to the hull slide backward and eventually move away from the bottom surface.

[0005] A search revealed an existing patent (publication number: CN113788102A) that discloses a pressure-stabilizing chamber structure, an air layer drag reduction system, and a vessel. The pressure-stabilizing chamber structure is located at the bottom of the vessel and includes a fixed component and a detachable component. The fixed component is fixed to the bottom plate of the vessel to form a pressure-stabilizing chamber. The pressure-stabilizing chamber wall is provided with an opening. The bottom plate and / or the detachable component are provided with an air jet hole, which connects the pressure-stabilizing chamber to the exterior of the vessel. The air layer drag reduction system includes the aforementioned pressure-stabilizing chamber structure, and the vessel includes the aforementioned air layer drag reduction system. The detachable component can close or open the opening of the pressure-stabilizing chamber. When the detachable component is opened, the user can repair the anti-corrosion coating within the pressure-stabilizing chamber and maintain and clean the pressure-stabilizing chamber, thereby improving the corrosion protection of the air layer drag reduction system and the safety of the vessel. During the process of implementing the present invention, the inventors discovered the following problems with the prior art: The main problem with conventional technologies is that suction sails need to address the problem of air intake by the sail body. The higher the air velocity, the greater the thrust generated. Conventional wind turbine blades have low air intake efficiency, resulting in insignificant thrust generation. Air layer drag reduction requires the use of a high-power air compressor. Although the energy-saving effect is very impressive, the power consumption is also relatively high. For some ship types, the use of it alone may not be worth the cost.

[0006] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, a ship auxiliary propulsion and drag reduction system is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] (1) Technical problems solved

[0008] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a ship auxiliary propulsion and drag reduction system that enables a suction sail to draw in air at high power, generating significant auxiliary thrust. Simultaneously, the air compression system supplies compressed air to the air layer drag reduction system, forming a bubble layer, effectively improving the ship's energy efficiency index and reducing carbon emissions.

[0009] (2) Technical solution

[0010] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: a technical solution adopted by a ship auxiliary propulsion and drag reduction system comprises: a suction sail body, an inner wall of the suction sail body being fixedly connected to a suction sail mainmast structure, the suction sail mainmast structure, the bottom of the suction sail mainmast structure being fixedly connected to a suction sail base, the bottom of the suction sail base being fixedly connected to a ship hull, and the bottom of the suction sail base being connected to an air intake pipe system;

[0011] One end of the air intake pipe system is fixedly connected to an air compressor, the bottom of the air compressor is fixedly connected to an air supply pipe system, a check valve is fixedly connected to the air supply pipe system, and one end of the air supply pipe system is fixedly connected to a bubble generating device.

[0012] As a preferred solution, a wind direction and speed meter is fixedly connected to the hull, and a detection and control system is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the hull.

[0013] As a preferred solution, the air compressor is connected to the suction sail main mast structure through the air intake pipe system, and the air compressor is connected to the bubble generating device through the air supply pipe system.

[0014] As a preferred solution, when the air compressor is in operation, compressed air is injected into the bubble generating device through the air supply pipe system, thereby generating bubbles at the bottom of the hull and an air layer at the bottom of the hull, thereby reducing the resistance of the ship.

[0015] A ship auxiliary propulsion and drag reduction system comprises the following steps:

[0016] Step 1. When the air compressor is running, air is sucked in from the air intake side, and the air intake side is connected to the suction sail main mast structure through the air intake pipe system. The suction sail body is located outside the suction sail main mast structure and can rotate around the suction sail main mast structure. The wind direction and speed meter will monitor the wind direction in real time and transmit the data to the monitoring and control system. The monitoring and control system will control the suction sail body to rotate to an angle that can generate thrust in the direction of travel. When the air intake pipe system supplies air to the air compressor, a strong negative pressure environment will be formed inside the suction sail body. The air will be sucked into the suction sail body through a row of circular holes evenly distributed on the suction sail body, thereby forming a positive and negative pressure difference on both sides of the suction sail body, generating thrust in the direction of travel;

[0017] Step 2: When the air compressor is running, compressed air is injected into the bubble generating device through the air supply pipe system, thereby generating bubbles at the bottom of the ship. As the ship moves forward, an air layer is generated at the bottom of the ship, thereby reducing the resistance of the ship;

[0018] Step 3: The monitoring and control system monitors the operating status of the air compressor, the opening and closing status of the check valve, and the air supply pressure of the air intake and air supply pipes. It receives data from the wind direction and anemometer and controls the angle of the suction sail. It is responsible for the safety alarm and system shutdown of the entire system.

[0019] Step 4: An ultrasonic sensor may be optionally installed near the bubble generating device. The ultrasonic sensor emits a specific low-power pulse ultrasonic wave. The hull acts as a sound plate, carrying the sound waves, thereby destroying the growth of marine organisms and preventing the exhaust hole from being blocked.

[0020] (3) Beneficial effects

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a ship auxiliary propulsion and drag reduction system, which has the following beneficial effects.

[0022] In the present invention, for ships such as container ships or deck transport ships that carry a large amount of cargo on their decks, the suction sail body can be unfolded by a mechanical structure when the ship is in headwind condition, and the unfolded height will not block the view of the cab, or a front camera can be added under the permission of relevant laws and regulations, thereby forming a streamlined structure at the bow of the ship that can reduce the air resistance above the waterline of the ship, and directing the wind in the opposite direction of the ship to the sides of the ship, forming a shielding effect on the cargo located above the deck. Under headwind conditions, the streamlined windward surface has less resistance than the containers or irregular cargo on the deck, thereby reducing the air resistance of the ship under headwind conditions, improving the energy efficiency index, and reducing emissions. When the air compressor is running, compressed air is injected into the bubble generating device through the air supply pipe system, thereby generating bubbles at the bottom of the ship, and an air layer is generated at the bottom of the ship as the ship sails forward, thereby reducing the resistance of the ship. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a side structural sectional view of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the suction sail structure of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the unfolded structure of the suction sail of the present invention.

[0028] In the figure: 1. Suction sail hull; 2. Suction sail mainmast structure; 3. Suction sail base; 4. Air intake pipe system; 5. Air compressor; 6. Air supply pipe system; 7. Check valve; 8. Bubble generating device; 9. Detection and control system; 10. Hull; 11. Wind direction and speed meter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0030] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more; terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "head," and "tail" indicate positions or relationships based on those shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are intended solely to facilitate the description of the present invention and simplify the description. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integral connection; mechanical connection, electrical connection; direct connection, or indirect connection through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] See also Figure 1-5 The present invention provides a ship auxiliary propulsion and drag reduction system, comprising a suction sail body 1, the inner wall of the suction sail body 1 being fixedly connected to a suction sail main mast structure 2, the bottom of the suction sail main mast structure 2 being fixedly connected to a suction sail base 3, the bottom of the suction sail base 3 being fixedly connected to a ship hull 10, and the bottom of the suction sail base 3 being connected to an air intake pipe system 4;

[0033] One end of the air intake pipe system 4 is fixedly connected to an air compressor 5, the bottom of the air compressor 5 is fixedly connected to an air supply pipe system 6, a check valve 7 is fixedly connected to the air supply pipe system 6, and one end of the air supply pipe system 6 is fixedly connected to a bubble generating device 8.

[0034] As a preferred solution, a wind direction and speed meter 11 is fixedly connected to the hull 10 , and a detection and control system 9 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the hull 10 .

[0035] As a preferred solution, the air compressor 5 is connected to the suction sail main mast structure 2 through the air intake pipe system 4 , and the air compressor 5 is connected to the bubble generating device 8 through the air supply pipe system 6 .

[0036] As a preferred solution, when the air compressor 5 is running, compressed air is injected into the bubble generating device 8 through the air supply pipe system 6, thereby generating bubbles at the bottom of the hull 10 and an air layer at the bottom of the hull 10, thereby reducing the resistance of the ship.

[0037] A ship auxiliary propulsion and drag reduction system comprises the following steps:

[0038] Step 1. When the air compressor 5 is running, air is sucked in from the air intake side, and the air intake side is connected to the suction sail main mast structure 2 through the air intake pipe system 4. The suction sail body 1 is located outside the suction sail main mast structure 2 and can rotate around the suction sail main mast structure 2. The wind direction and speed meter 11 will monitor the wind direction in real time and transmit the data to the monitoring and control system 9. The monitoring and control system 9 will control the suction sail body 1 to rotate to an angle that can generate thrust in the direction of travel. When the air intake pipe system 4 supplies air to the air compressor 5, a strong negative pressure environment will be formed inside the suction sail body 1. Air will be sucked into the suction sail body 1 through a row of circular holes evenly distributed on the suction sail body 1, thereby forming a positive and negative pressure difference on both sides of the suction sail body 1, generating thrust in the direction of travel;

[0039] Step 2: When the air compressor 5 is running, compressed air is injected into the bubble generating device 8 through the air supply pipe system 6, thereby generating bubbles at the bottom of the ship. When the hull 10 sails forward, an air layer is generated at the bottom of the ship, thereby reducing the resistance of the ship;

[0040] Step 3: The monitoring and control system 9 monitors the operating status of the air compressor 5, the opening and closing status of the check valve 7, and the air supply pressure of the air intake pipe system 4 and the air supply pipe system 6. It receives data from the wind direction and anemometer 11 and controls the angle of the suction sail body 1. It is responsible for the safety alarm and system shutdown of the entire system.

[0041] Step 4: An ultrasonic sensor may be optionally provided near the bubble generating device 8. The ultrasonic sensor emits a specific low-power pulse ultrasonic wave. The hull 10 acts as a sound plate, carrying the sound waves, thereby destroying the growth of marine organisms and preventing the exhaust hole from being blocked.

[0042] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions of the present invention may be modified or replaced by equivalents without departing from the essence and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A ship auxiliary propulsion and drag reduction system, comprising a suction sail body (1), characterized in that: The inner wall of the suction sail body (1) is fixedly connected to the suction sail main mast structure (2), the bottom of the suction sail main mast structure (2) is fixedly connected to the suction sail base (3), the bottom of the suction sail base (3) is fixedly connected to the hull (10), and the bottom of the suction sail base (3) is connected to the air intake pipe system (4); One end of the air intake pipe system (4) is fixedly connected to an air compressor (5), the bottom of the air compressor (5) is fixedly connected to an air supply pipe system (6), a check valve (7) is fixedly connected to the air supply pipe system (6), and one end of the air supply pipe system (6) is fixedly connected to a bubble generating device (8); A wind direction and anemometer (11) is fixedly connected to the hull (10), and a detection control system (9) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the hull (10); The air compressor (5) is connected to the suction sail main mast structure (2) through the air intake pipe system (4), and the air compressor (5) is connected to the bubble generating device (8) through the air supply pipe system (6); When the air compressor (5) is in operation, compressed air is injected into the bubble generating device (8) through the air supply pipe system (6); The bubble generating device (8) generates bubbles at the bottom of the hull (10) using the air provided by the air supply pipe system (6); The air layer is generated at the bottom of the hull (10), the air layer is attached to the bottom of the hull (10), and then the air is allowed to act as a medium between the hull (10) and the water flow, thereby reducing the resistance of the ship.

2. A ship auxiliary propulsion and drag reduction system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method for using the drag reduction system includes the following steps: Step 1: When the air compressor (5) is running, air is sucked in from the air intake side, and the air intake side is connected to the suction sail main mast structure (2) through the air intake pipe system (4). The suction sail body (1) is located outside the suction sail main mast structure (2) and can rotate around the suction sail main mast structure (2). The wind direction and speed meter (11) will monitor the wind direction in real time and transmit the data to the monitoring and control system (9). The monitoring and control system (9) will control the suction sail body (1) to rotate to an angle that can generate thrust in the direction of travel. When the air intake pipe system (4) supplies air to the air compressor (5), a strong negative pressure environment will be formed inside the suction sail body (1). Air will be sucked into the suction sail body (1) through a row of circular holes evenly distributed on the suction sail body (1), thereby forming a positive and negative pressure difference on both sides of the sail body, generating thrust in the direction of travel; Step 2: When the air compressor (5) is running, compressed air is injected into the bubble generating device (8) through the air supply pipe system (6), thereby generating bubbles at the bottom of the ship, and an air layer is generated at the bottom of the ship when the ship sails forward through the hull (10), thereby reducing the resistance of the ship; Step 3: The monitoring control system (9) monitors the operating status of the air compressor (5), the opening and closing status of the check valve (7), and the air supply pressure of the air suction pipe system (4) and the air supply pipe system (6), receives data transmitted by the wind direction and speed meter (11), controls the angle of the suction sail body (1), and is responsible for the safety alarm and system shutdown of the entire system; Step 4: An ultrasonic sensor may be optionally provided near the bubble generating device (8), and the ultrasonic sensor emits a specific low-power pulse ultrasonic wave. The hull (10) acts as a sound plate, carrying the sound wave, thereby destroying the growth of marine organisms and preventing the exhaust hole from being blocked.

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