Surface rotor sail based on airbag weight reduction

Abstract

The present application relates to a surface rotating drum sail based on air bag weight reduction, comprising: an inner frame, a skin frame, an air bag, a skin and a skin transmission device, the inner frame is installed on a deck, the inner space thereof is communicated with a cabin below the deck, the center of the inner frame is a hollow structure for accommodating the air bag, the air bag is installed on the skin frame, the skin frame can be installed on the inner frame, the skin is sleeved on the outside of the skin frame, the bottom end of the skin is connected with the skin transmission device, and the skin is driven to rotate through the skin transmission device. The air bag arranged in the rotating drum sail is filled with helium, which effectively reduces the pressure of the skin frame on the inner frame, reduces friction, and uses light materials to make the skin and the frame, which can completely balance the structure weight, thereby playing a role of saving motor power, and providing greater lift under the same power. There is an end plate on the skin frame, which plays a rectifying role.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ship design technology, and more particularly to a surface rotary sail based on airbag weight reduction. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the international shipping industry has faced both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, the international situation has brought a large number of orders and profits to the shipping industry; on the other hand, rising oil prices and increasing demands for carbon emission reduction have also placed requirements on the shipping industry to conserve energy, reduce emissions, and adopt various green energy sources. In the field of ship propulsion, wind power is an old and reliable method. Wind energy, as a free renewable energy source, is widely available in the ocean. Although wind power is not suitable as a primary energy source for most international shipping vessels, a comparison of the average output power and main engine power requirements of typical shipping vessels shows that wind can provide a considerable share of power. For example, installing three spinners on a 5500 dwt ordinary cargo ship can provide more than half of the main engine power required on average under typical slow-speed sailing conditions. The potential for significant emission reductions in shipping through spinner propulsion technology has become the next hot topic, given the current difficulty in achieving breakthroughs in marine engine efficiency.

[0003] Spinner sails, as a type of high-efficiency special sail, are currently used in many ships. In June 2020, a 325,000-ton cargo ship designed by the Shanghai Ship Design Institute for Vale was equipped with a spinner sail, which, according to statistics, can save the ship 8% of its fuel consumption. Currently, there are two types of spinner sails equipped on ships. On large ships, spinner sails are mainly vertically arranged, providing significant thrust when the ship is affected by crosswinds. On smaller ships, horizontally arranged spinner sails are more common. When a small ship is moving forward quickly, the horizontal rotation of the spinner sail creates a velocity difference, providing upward lift and reducing drag. However, existing spinner sails are generally heavy, require a lot of power to rotate, and have high overall energy loss. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In response to the aforementioned technical problems, a surface rotary sail based on airbag weight reduction is provided.

[0005] The technical means employed in this invention are as follows:

[0006] A surface rotary sail based on airbag weight reduction includes: an internal frame, a skin frame, an airbag, a skin, and a skin drive mechanism. The internal frame is installed on the deck, and its internal space communicates with the compartment below the deck. The center of the internal frame is a hollow structure that accommodates the airbag. The airbag is installed on the skin frame, which can be installed on the internal frame. The skin is fitted onto the outside of the skin frame, and the bottom end of the skin is connected to the skin drive mechanism, which drives the skin to rotate.

[0007] Furthermore, the airbag is filled with helium.

[0008] Furthermore, the internal frame includes a base plate, an upper limit switch, a lower limit switch, and a support structure. The base plate has a reserved hole for a motor drive shaft. The lower limit switch is mounted on the base plate, and the upper limit switch and the lower limit switch are connected by the support structure.

[0009] Furthermore, the upper limiter is provided with a limiting frame inside, and the center of the limiting frame is provided with a hole matching the airbag specification. After the skin frame is connected to the inner frame, the displacement of the airbag is restricted by the limiting frame.

[0010] Furthermore, the skin frame includes an upper end plate, an upper limit switch for the skin frame, a lower limit switch for the skin frame, and a skin frame support structure. The upper limit switch for the skin frame is installed below the upper end plate, and the upper limit switch for the skin frame and the lower limit switch for the skin frame are connected by the skin frame support structure.

[0011] Furthermore, the diameter of the upper end plate is not less than 1.5 times the diameter of the skin.

[0012] Furthermore, the skin transmission device includes a rotating motor and a gear transmission belt. The lower edge of the skin is connected to the gear transmission belt, and the rotating motor is installed inside the lower cabin. The gear connected to the output shaft of the rotating motor meshes with the skin transmission belt.

[0013] Furthermore, the skin frame is made of polymer composite material.

[0014] Before starting the motor, the airbags are inflated to balance the structural weight. The motor starts at different speeds depending on wind speed and requirements during navigation. During rotation, the ship experiences crosswinds, and the high-speed rotation of the sprocket draws air from the surface, creating high-velocity and low-velocity zones on the sail surface. According to Magnus's principle, the sprocket generates significant thrust under these conditions. Simultaneously, the upper endplate acts as a flow straightener, maximizing the sprocket's thrust efficiency.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: Unlike the traditional swivel sail, which rotates as a whole, the present invention connects the skin to the frame, reducing the structural weight of the rotating part; the skin and frame of the present invention use lightweight composite materials, reducing the structural weight; the present invention fills the internal air bladder with helium, which balances the structural weight and reduces the friction at the boundary of the two sets of limiters. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the internal framework of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the skinned frame (without skin) of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the skinned frame (with skin) of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 These are the front view, top view, left view, and isometric view of the present invention after installation.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the high-velocity region and the low-velocity region in the two-dimensional flow field of this invention.

[0022] Figure 6 The figure shows the lift coefficient of the structure at different Reynolds numbers and different speed ratios in the numerical simulation of this invention.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Internal frame; 2. Pre-drilled hole for motor drive shaft; 3.1. Upper limit switch; 3.2. Lower limit switch; 4. Upper end plate; 5.1. Upper limit switch for skin frame; 5.2. Upper and lower limit switches for skin frame; 6. Skin frame; 7. Airbag; 8. Skin; 9. Gear drive belt. Detailed Implementation

[0024] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0027] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0029] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation besides the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "above" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0030] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0031] like Figures 1-4 As shown, in order to reduce the power consumed by existing rotary sails during sail rotation and increase the propulsion efficiency of rotary sails to achieve the purpose of reducing fuel consumption and saving energy and reducing emissions, this invention discloses a surface rotary sail based on airbag weight reduction, including: an internal frame 1, a skin frame 6, an airbag 7, a skin 8, and a skin transmission device. The internal frame is installed on the deck, and its internal space communicates with the compartment below the deck, facilitating access to the rotary sail for maintenance and airbag inflation during actual operation and navigation. The center of the internal frame is a hollow structure to accommodate the airbag. The airbag is installed on the skin frame, which can be installed on the internal frame. The skin is fitted onto the outside of the skin frame, and the bottom end of the skin is connected to the skin transmission device, which drives the skin to rotate.

[0032] The airbag is filled with helium, which reduces the pressure between the upper and lower limiters of the skin frame and the internal frame through buoyancy, thereby reducing friction.

[0033] The internal frame includes a base plate, an upper limit switch 3.1, a lower limit switch 3.2, and a support structure. The base plate has a pre-drilled hole 2 for a motor drive shaft. The lower limit switch is mounted on the base plate, and the upper and lower limit switches are connected by the support structure. The upper and lower limit switches of the internal frame and the skin frame are fitted with bearings according to the actual production dimensions to reduce friction.

[0034] The upper limit switch has an internal limit frame with a hole at its center matching the airbag size. After the skin frame is connected to the inner frame, the displacement of the airbag is restricted by the limit frame. This rotary sail device uses two limit switches on the inner frame, one above the other, and different sized bearing assemblies in actual installation to allow the skin frame to be fixed and rotated on the inner frame.

[0035] The skin frame includes an upper end plate 4, an upper limit device 5.1, a lower limit device 5.2, and a skin frame support structure. The upper limit device is installed below the upper end plate, and the upper limit device and the lower limit device are connected by the skin frame support structure.

[0036] The upper end plate on the skin frame serves a rectifying function; therefore, the diameter of the upper end plate is no less than 1.5 times the diameter of the skin. In this embodiment, its diameter is twice the diameter of the rotary sail skin. In actual engineering, the diameter of the end plate should be no less than 1.5 times the diameter of the skin; a diameter smaller than this would significantly reduce the rectifying effect of the end plate.

[0037] The skin transmission device includes a rotating motor and a gear transmission belt 9. The lower edge of the skin is connected to the gear transmission belt. The rotating motor is housed inside the lower cabin, and the gear connected to the output shaft of the rotating motor meshes with the skin transmission belt. The rotating shaft of the rotating motor inside the cabin passes through a motor hole on the deck surface. The gear on the rotating shaft engages with the skin rotating belt, driving the sail to rotate. While the overall structure rotates, the hull experiences crosswinds during navigation, which combine with the air generated by the rotating toboggan, creating high-velocity and low-velocity zones on the sail. According to Magnus's principle, this generates a large amount of thrust, such as... Figure 5 As shown. Unlike traditional rotary sails where the entire structure rotates, this invention uses a motor and conveyor belt to rotate the surface skin, thereby providing thrust; it has an internal air bladder that uses helium to reduce the weight of the frame; and two limiters on the upper and lower parts of the internal frame restrict the position of the skin.

[0038] The skin frame is made of high-molecular composite materials. The use of lightweight materials for the skin and frame can completely balance the structural weight, thereby saving motor power and providing greater lift at the same power.

[0039] In summary, this invention proposes a surface rotunda sail based on airbag weight reduction, which differs from previous rotunda sails with end plates that rotate as a whole. The sail skin uses a lightweight material frame to fix the sail surface, reducing structural weight. A gear drive belt at the lower edge of the sail surface cooperates with the motor shaft to allow the sail surface to rotate as a whole. Upper and lower limiters at the inner end of the sail skin frame cooperate with the upper and lower limiters of the inner frame to fix the position of the sail frame. The two sets of limiters are connected by a large bearing. An airbag is installed inside the sail skin frame. The hollow internal structure provides space for the airbag. Before the rotunda sail rotates, helium gas is injected into the airbag through the hollow internal structure of the frame, balancing the weight of the skin frame and thus reducing the friction between the inner and outer frame limiters, minimizing the power consumed during the rotation of the rotunda sail.

[0040] With the above structure, the rotary sail device based on the airbag weight reduction surface rotation of the present invention can significantly save the power required for rotation compared with the traditional rotary sail. At the same time, the traditional rotary sail provides the same propulsion efficiency, further reducing the fuel consumption of ships, thereby achieving better energy saving and emission reduction effects.

[0041] pass Figure 6 The lift coefficient diagram of this structure under different Reynolds numbers and different speed ratios also shows that the rotary sail structure provided in this embodiment can be used in various cargo ships. The airbag can be inflated according to the actual situation, and the structural gravity can be adjusted according to different sea conditions and actual conditions.

[0042] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A surface rotary sail based on airbag weight reduction, characterized in that, include: The system comprises an internal frame, a skin frame, an airbag, a skin, and a skin drive mechanism. The internal frame is mounted on the deck and its internal space communicates with the compartments below the deck. The center of the internal frame is a hollow structure that accommodates the airbag. The airbag is mounted on the skin frame, which can be mounted on the internal frame. The skin is fitted onto the outside of the skin frame, and the bottom end of the skin is connected to the skin drive mechanism, which drives the skin to rotate. The internal frame includes a base plate, an upper limit switch, a lower limit switch, and a support structure. The base plate has a reserved hole for a motor drive shaft. The lower limit switch is installed on the base plate. The upper limit switch and the lower limit switch are connected by the support structure. The upper limit device has an internal limit frame, and the center of the limit frame has a hole that matches the airbag specification. After the skin frame is connected to the internal frame, the displacement of the airbag is limited by the limit frame. The skin frame includes an upper end plate, an upper limit switch for the skin frame, a lower limit switch for the skin frame, and a skin frame support structure. The upper limit switch for the skin frame is installed below the upper end plate, and the upper limit switch for the skin frame and the lower limit switch for the skin frame are connected by the skin frame support structure. The diameter of the upper end plate is not less than 1.5 times the diameter of the skin.

2. The surface rotary sail based on airbag weight reduction according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airbag is filled with helium.

3. The surface rotary sail based on airbag weight reduction according to claim 1, characterized in that, The skin transmission device includes a rotating motor and a gear transmission belt. The lower edge of the skin is connected to the gear transmission belt. The rotating motor is installed inside the lower cabin. The gear connected to the output shaft of the rotating motor meshes with the skin transmission belt.

4. The surface rotary sail based on airbag weight reduction according to claim 1, characterized in that, The skin frame is made of polymer composite material.

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