Propeller system adapted for dynamic interaction with fluid flowing through channel unidirectionally and channel for fluid flow unidirectionally provided with such propeller system

Abstract

A propulsor system adapted to dynamically interact with a fluid flowing unidirectionally through a channel, where the propulsor system comprises: a support body configured to be integrated within the channel at a fixed position; and a dynamic interaction system provided on the support body such that when the support body is integrated in a fixed position, the dynamic interaction system extends in the interior region of the channel, where the dynamic interaction system is provided with at least one pair of rotating blades or a single rotating blade, and where each rotating blade rotates in combination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a propeller system suitable for dynamically interacting with a fluid flowing unidirectionally through a channel. The present invention also relates to a channel for unidirectional fluid flow provided with such a propeller system.

[0002] The thruster system according to the invention is suitable for transferring kinetic energy from the thruster system to a unidirectional fluid flow in a channel, wherein the thruster system applies a thrust to the fluid flow, by which the fluid flow is accelerated. Such an application is useful for water vehicles, for example as a propeller for a ship.

[0003] Furthermore, the thruster system is adapted to transfer kinetic energy in the opposite manner, wherein the kinetic energy of the fluid flow directed through the channel drives the thruster system to move, such that the kinetic energy of the fluid flow is captured by the thruster system and can subsequently be utilized, such as for conversion into electromagnetic energy, hydraulic energy, pneumatic energy or mechanical energy. Such an application is useful, for example, in a turbine system for generating electromagnetic energy.

[0004] The following description focuses primarily on the first application for imparting thrust to a fluid flow. However, it should be noted that the same advantages also apply in reverse to the reverse application of obtaining kinetic energy from a fluid flow by means of a thruster system. Background Art

[0005] Propulsion systems are widely known for their use in ship propulsion and are usually based on the design of a ship propeller with several propeller blades rotating in the water. Although high propulsion energies can be obtained by such ship propellers, the purely rotational motion of the blades results in some energy losses which reduce the effectiveness and therefore the efficiency of the dynamic interaction of the ship propeller with the water.

[0006] In view of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a completely different thruster system design for dynamically interacting with a fluid flow, which design makes the performance, and therefore the efficiency of the dynamic interaction, attractive compared to the prior art thruster systems. Summary of the invention

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the first aspect of the present invention is to provide:

[0008] A thruster system adapted to dynamically interact with a fluid flowing unidirectionally through a channel,

[0009] wherein the thruster system comprises a support body configured to be integrated in the channel at a fixed position and a dynamic interaction system arranged on the support body such that when the support body is integrated in the fixed position, the dynamic interaction system extends in an inner region of the channel,

[0010] The dynamic interaction system includes any of the following:

[0011] (i) at least one pair of rotating blades, preferably at least two pairs of rotating blades, wherein each pair of rotating blades is arranged in such a way that:

[0012] - each rotating blade has a planform comprising two opposing operative surfaces designed for dynamic interaction with the fluid flow;

[0013] - each rotary blade comprises a respective blade shaft about which the rotary blade can rotate, and a respective blade gear arrangement drivingly engaged to the blade shaft;

[0014] - two rotating blades are rotatably mounted via their respective blade shafts on one side of a common wheel and at a distance from each other, wherein the common wheel comprises a wheel axle about which the common wheel can rotate, and wherein the two blade shafts are mounted on the common wheel at two respective positions which are both eccentric with respect to the wheel axle,

[0015] - the common wheel is rotatably connected to the support body via a wheel axle and drivingly connected to the wheel gear arrangement;

[0016] - The rotation of the common wheel drives the two blade gears so that the two blade shafts rotate simultaneously;

[0017] - The dynamically interacting system is constructed so that the two blade axes and the wheel axis have directions similar or parallel to each other;

[0018] - during operation of the propeller system, the rotation of the common wheel is combined with a simultaneous rotation of each rotating blade about its blade axis so that each rotating blade performs a combined rotation, wherein each rotating blade follows a periodic trajectory for each revolution of the common wheel without the two rotating blades being in contact with each other during their simultaneous rotation, and

[0019] (ii) A single rotating blade, the single rotating blade being arranged in this manner:

[0020] - the rotating blade has a plan shape comprising two opposing operating surfaces designed for dynamic interaction with the fluid flow;

[0021] - the rotary blade comprises a respective blade shaft about which the rotary blade can rotate, and a respective blade gear arrangement drivingly engaged to the blade shaft;

[0022] - the rotating blades are rotatably mounted via their blade shafts on one side of a common wheel, wherein the common wheel comprises a wheel axle about which the common wheel can rotate, and wherein the blade shafts are mounted on the common wheel at a position eccentric to the wheel axle,

[0023] - the common wheel is rotatably connected to the support body via a wheel axle and drivingly connected to the wheel gear arrangement;

[0024] - Rotation of the common wheel drives the blade gear arrangement to rotate the blade shaft;

[0025] - The dynamically interacting system is constructed so that the blade axis and the wheel axis have directions similar or parallel to each other;

[0026] - During operation of the propeller system, the rotation of the common wheel is combined with a simultaneous rotation of the rotating blades about their blade axes so that the rotating blades perform a combined rotation, wherein the rotating blades follow a periodic trajectory per one revolution of the common wheel.

[0027] Such a propeller system with a kinetic interaction system according to option (i) or (ii) allows the rotating blades to exert thrust on the unidirectional fluid flow during the propulsive phase of their periodic trajectory, wherein the operating surfaces of the blades assume an active orientation when moving in the direction of the unidirectional fluid flow, and the operating surfaces of the blades assume an idle orientation when moving in the direction against the unidirectional fluid flow during the complementary phase of the periodic trajectory. Thus, the propeller system is very efficient in transferring its kinetic energy to the fluid flow in the channel.

[0028] In addition, when the propulsion system includes a power system according to option (ii), during one rotation of the common wheel, the pair of rotating blades of each common wheel allows continuous thrust to be applied to the fluid flow by the two blades in an alternating manner, which makes the thrust of the propulsion system relatively constant for each rotation of the common wheel, which further contributes to the efficiency of the propulsion system.

[0029] In the propeller system according to the invention, it is preferred that the periodic trajectory followed by the rotating blades conforms to the shape of a cardioid curve, in particular with regard to the periodic trajectory of the side ends of the rotating blades.

[0030] Such periodic trajectories have been found to be well suited for improving the efficiency and efficacy of the thruster system, particularly with respect to improving the dynamic interaction with the fluid flow.

[0031] For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that due to the combined rotation of the rotating blades, all parts of the rotating blades that do not coincide with the blade axis will follow a periodic trajectory having a cardioid shape. This aspect of the periodic trajectory is most obvious when following the side ends of the rotating blades. The periodic trajectory of the side ends also defines the area in which the rotating blades will move during operation.

[0032] In the propeller system according to the present invention, it is further preferred that the periodic trajectories of the two rotating blades in a pair of rotating blades are similar or identical.

[0033] This ensures that the dynamic interaction of the fluid flow with both rotating blades in a pair of rotating blades is similar or identical during operation, which contributes to the efficacy of the propeller system.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the propeller system according to the invention, the transmission ratio of the blade gearing of each rotating blade is 1 / 2, so that one rotation of the common wheel causes a half rotation of the rotating blade about its blade axis.

[0035] This transmission ratio achieves that the orientation of the rotating blades rotates 180 degrees during the next rotation of the common wheel, which is beneficial for the efficiency of the propeller system. The opposing operating surfaces are all designed to interact dynamically with the fluid flow and therefore have a similar design. Therefore, the effective orientation of the rotating blades is repeated during each rotation, but with different sides (i.e. the operating surfaces of the blades) facing the fluid flow. In this way, after a continuous, complete rotation of the common wheel, the rotating blades present the same orientation.

[0036] In a next preferred embodiment of the propeller system according to the invention the blade shafts of both rotating blades of each pair of rotating blades are mounted on a common wheel at opposite positions with respect to the wheel axle, preferably at diametrically opposite positions.

[0037] This positioning of the rotating blades by their respective blade shafts enables a series of consecutive rotating blades to perform their dynamic interaction at equal time intervals, thereby achieving a more constant thrust per revolution of the common wheel.

[0038] In the propeller system according to the present invention, it is further preferred that during operation of the propeller system, two rotating blades in a pair of rotating blades perform their corresponding combined rotation simultaneously and have a phase difference, preferably a phase difference of between 160 degrees and 200 degrees, most preferably 180 degrees.

[0039] By the phase difference between the two combined rotations, the orientations of the rotating blades complement each other and occur successively at equal time intervals.

[0040] In the propeller system according to the present invention, it is also preferred that during one rotation of the common wheel, the rotating blades assume an idle (non-active or drag) orientation during the first half of the rotation of the common wheel for minimum dynamic interaction, and the rotating blades assume an active (thrust) orientation during the second half of the rotation of the common wheel for maximum dynamic interaction.

[0041] During the first half revolution, the idle orientation of the rotating blade is presented by the operating surface of the rotating blade being oriented substantially parallel to the unidirectional fluid flow. During the second half revolution, the active orientation of the rotating blade is presented by the operating surface of the rotating blade being oriented substantially perpendicular to the unidirectional fluid flow.

[0042] This configuration is particularly effective when the propeller system is fixed in the channel in such a way that the first half revolution involves the blade shaft of the rotating blade moving against the direction of the fluid flow and the second half revolution involves the blade shaft of the rotating blade moving with the direction of the fluid flow.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment of the propeller system according to the present invention, during one full rotation of the common wheel, the rotation speed of the rotating blades gradually increases from a minimum rotation speed to a maximum rotation speed, and then gradually decreases from the maximum rotation speed to a minimum rotation speed, wherein preferably, the ratio of the maximum rotation speed to the minimum rotation speed is approximately 2:1.

[0044] In the propeller system according to the invention, it is particularly preferred that the maximum rotation speed is achieved during the first half of a full rotation of the common wheel, wherein the rotating blades assume an idle orientation, and the minimum rotation speed is achieved during the second half of a full rotation of the common wheel, wherein the rotating blades assume an active orientation.

[0045] In the propeller system, maximum dynamic interaction is achieved when the blades are in an active orientation (i.e., substantially perpendicular to the unidirectional fluid flow). When this orientation is present in a rotational phase in which lower rotational speeds are simultaneously observed, a longer dynamic interaction with the fluid flow can be achieved. Thus, the efficacy of the dynamic interaction of the propeller system is improved.

[0046] During this thrust phase, the blades thus move by translation in an axial direction aligned with the unidirectional fluid flow, while rotational movement of the blades is kept to a minimum when thrust is applied.

[0047] In the propeller system according to the invention, it is particularly preferred that the blade gear arrangement of each rotating blade comprises an elliptical or oval gear cooperating with a circular gear, wherein the circular gear is preferably an eccentrically rotating circular gear.

[0048] Such a blade gear arrangement enables the rotational speed of the rotating blade to oscillate gradually between a maximum rotational speed and a minimum rotational speed.

[0049] Alternatively, the gradual oscillation between the maximum rotational speed and the minimum rotational speed may be achieved in a different manner, for example by utilizing a microprocessor-controlled stepper motor which is programmed to implement such an oscillating rotational speed.

[0050] In the propeller system according to the present invention, it is particularly preferred that the blade gear device of each rotating blade is mounted on a corresponding common wheel, wherein the blade gear device is positioned so that it includes a connecting gear engaged with a non-rotating gear, which is fixed to the supporting body at a position concentric with the wheel axle.

[0051] This combination of interacting gears is well suited to performing a combined rotation of the rotating blades while they are driven by the rotation of a common wheel.

[0052] In the propeller system according to the present invention, it is further preferred that each rotating blade has a height and a width, wherein the blade axis extends parallel to the height direction of the rotating blade, and preferably, the height of the rotating blade is greater than the width of the rotating blade.

[0053] Such sizing of the rotating blades is well suited to implement a specific combination of rotations while achieving effective and efficient dynamic interaction with the fluid flow.

[0054] This is particularly attractive when the height and width of the rotating blade are substantially constant over the entire rotating blade. Alternatively, the width of the rotating blade may gradually decrease towards its mid-height compared to the width at the upper and lower ends of the rotating blade.

[0055] Preferably, in the propeller system according to the present invention, the relative operating surfaces of each rotating blade are similar or identical and are basically formed as a planar surface, which is preferably provided with curved side ends when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the height direction of the rotating blade.

[0056] In a particularly preferred propeller system according to the invention, the dynamically interacting system comprises a first pair of rotating blades and a second pair of rotating blades,

[0057] wherein the first pair of rotating blades is rotatably connected to the first common wheel, and the second pair of rotating blades is rotatably connected to the second common wheel,

[0058] Wherein, the first common wheel and the second common wheel are rotatably connected to the supporting body so that the first common wheel and the second common wheel are arranged adjacent to each other in a coplanar structure, and the first common wheel and the second common wheel are drivingly connected to the corresponding first wheel gear device and the second wheel gear device, wherein preferably, the first common wheel and the second common wheel rotate in opposite directions to each other during operation.

[0059] Rotation in opposite directions may conveniently be achieved by providing each of the two circumferences of the first common wheel and the second common wheel with toothed gearing which engages directly with each other.

[0060] This preferred dual configuration of two pairs of rotating blades provides the possibility of enhanced dynamic interaction with the unidirectional fluid flow, since the first pair of rotating blades and the second pair of rotating blades act in a synergistic manner by applying their combined thrust substantially to the main part of the fluid flow, i.e. the central part of the fluid flow.

[0061] The above-described dual configuration with two pairs of rotating blades is particularly effective for enhanced dynamic interaction when, during each rotation of the common wheel, the rotating blades assume an idle (non-active or drag) orientation during the first half of the rotation of the common wheel for minimum dynamic interaction, and the rotating blades assume an active (thrust) orientation during the second half of the rotation of the common wheel for maximum dynamic interaction, so that the two pairs of rotating blades assume an active orientation at a relatively short distance from each other and an idle orientation at a relatively large distance from each other.

[0062] In the propeller system according to the present invention, it is further preferred that the first pair of rotating blades and the second pair of rotating blades rotate in opposite directions and mirror-symmetrically to each other, and preferably, the rotation phase of the rotating blades of the first common wheel and the rotation phase of the rotating blades of the second common wheel differ from each other by a phase difference of 60 to 120 degrees, and the phase difference is preferably 80 to 100 degrees, and more preferably 90 degrees.

[0063] In this way, the phase difference between the four consecutive active orientations of the two pairs of rotating blades is smaller than the phase difference that can be achieved with one pair of rotating blades. This further helps to achieve a more constant thrust of the propeller system.

[0064] In the propeller system according to the invention, it is of particular interest that the periodic trajectory of the first pair of rotating blades partially overlaps the periodic trajectory of the second pair of rotating blades, in particular with regard to the periodic trajectory of the lateral ends of each rotating blade.

[0065] This further helps to achieve the synergistic thrust achieved by the combination of the two pairs of rotating blades.

[0066] When the propulsion system according to the invention comprises a kinetic interaction system according to option (ii), it is particularly preferred that the propulsion system comprises a first kinetic interaction system according to option (ii) and a second kinetic interaction system according to option (ii), wherein the first kinetic interaction system comprises a single rotating blade rotatably connected to a first common wheel and the second kinetic interaction system comprises a single rotating blade rotatably connected to a second common wheel,

[0067] Wherein, the first common wheel and the second common wheel are rotatably connected to the supporting body so that the first common wheel and the second common wheel are arranged adjacent to each other in a coplanar structure, and the first common wheel and the second common wheel are drivingly connected to the corresponding first wheel gear device and the second wheel gear device, wherein preferably, the first common wheel and the second common wheel rotate in opposite directions to each other during operation.

[0068] In the context of the above-described preferred embodiment of the thruster system comprising a dynamic interaction system according to option (ii), it is particularly preferred that the single rotating blades of the first dynamic interaction system and the single rotating blades of the second dynamic interaction system rotate in opposite directions and mirror-symmetrically to each other, and that the rotation phase of the first common wheel differs from the rotation phase of the second common wheel by a phase difference, which is preferably between 160 degrees and 200 degrees, most preferably 180 degrees.

[0069] Furthermore, in the context of the above-described preferred embodiment of the thruster system comprising a dynamic interaction system according to option (ii), it is preferred that the periodic trajectories of the individual rotating blades of the first dynamic interaction system overlap with the periodic trajectories of the individual rotating blades of the second dynamic interaction system, in particular with respect to the periodic trajectories of the side ends of each rotating blade.

[0070] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to:

[0071] A channel for guiding a unidirectional fluid flow, the channel comprising a side wall and an inlet side and an outlet side for guiding the fluid flow unidirectionally from the inlet side to the outlet side, the channel being provided with a thruster system according to the first aspect of the invention,

[0072] Therein, the support body of the thruster system is fixedly integrated in the channel, and the dynamic interaction system of the thruster system comprises at least one common wheel, which is arranged in such a way that:

[0073] - during each revolution of the common wheel, the rotating blades assume an idle (non-active or drag) orientation during the first half of the revolution of the common wheel for minimum dynamic interaction, and the rotating blades assume an active (thrust) orientation during the second half of the revolution of the common wheel for maximum dynamic interaction;

[0074] - during the first half of a full revolution, each common wheel rotates against the unidirectional fluid flow in the channel, and during the second half of a full revolution, the common wheel rotates with the unidirectional fluid flow in the channel,

[0075] Therein, the first half of the full revolution is performed at a smaller distance from the nearest side wall of the channel, while the second half of the full revolution is performed at a larger distance from the nearest side wall of the channel.

[0076] In such a channel, the dynamic interaction with the unidirectional fluid flow occurs for the major part in the second half of the full turn, and it is hydrodynamically favorable to have this second half turn spaced from the nearest sidewall. Conversely, it is also hydrodynamically attractive when the first half turn is performed close to the nearest sidewall of the channel, presenting an idle orientation during its course.

[0077] The advantage of the above distances is even more pronounced when the propulsion system has a dual configuration with two adjacent common wheels as discussed above.

[0078] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the channel according to the invention, the propeller system is fixedly integrated in a longitudinal section of the channel through which the fluid flow is guided, which longitudinal section has a width between the opposite side walls of the channel that is no more than 20% larger, preferably no more than 10% larger, than the width necessary to allow the rotating blades to achieve their respective periodic trajectories during operation without contacting the opposite side walls.

[0079] Such dimensioning of the channel ensures the most effective and therefore most efficient kinetic interaction of the propeller system with the unidirectional fluid flow guided through the channel.

[0080] With regard to thruster systems suitable for different purposes, some specific arrangements have been observed to be very effective in practice.

[0081] When the propulsion system is used to apply thrust to a fluid flow, for example in an engine for propelling a vessel, a vertical orientation of the propulsion system within the vessel has proven to be particularly effective. In this case, the vertical orientation of the propulsion system can be achieved when the blade axis of each rotating blade is oriented in a direction parallel to or similar to the vertical axis of the vessel on which the propulsion system is fixedly mounted.

[0082] Furthermore, it has been found that when the propeller system is applied to extract kinetic energy from a fluid flow, it is attractive when the propeller system is fixedly mounted so that it is oriented horizontally relative to the environment. The horizontal orientation can be achieved when the blade axis of each rotating blade is oriented in a direction parallel or similar to the horizontal plane of the environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0083] The present invention will be further elucidated by means of the accompanying drawings which show preferred embodiments of the present invention, in which:

[0084] Figure 1 A thruster system having a dual configuration according to the present invention is shown;

[0085] Figure 2 A single rotating blade is shown;

[0086] Figure 3 Shows the settings according to Figure 1 A cross-sectional portion of a channel of a thruster system;

[0087] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 a top view of a cross-sectional portion of the depicted thruster system;

[0088] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 a bottom view of the common wheel of the depicted propulsion system;

[0089] Figure 6 shows that during subsequent phases of the rotation of the common wheel Figure 4 A top view of a pair of rotating blades;

[0090] Figure 7 The thrust system is shown as follows during operation of the thrust system for a period of time: Figure 1 The combined thrust applied by a propeller system to a unidirectional fluid flow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] Figure 1 A thruster system 1 of double construction is shown, comprising a bottom support body 3a and an upper support body 3b, which are flat structures configured to be integrated in a channel in a fixed position. A dynamic interaction system 5 is connected to the upper support body 3b on the upper side via two upper axles 7 and 7', on which two corresponding upper common wheels (not visible) can rotate. At the bottom support body 3a, and in a mirror-symmetrical manner to the upper support body 3b, the dynamic interaction system 5 is connected to corresponding bottom common wheels 9 and 9', which can rotate on corresponding bottom axles (not visible; positioned in line with the upper axles 7 and 7').

[0092] A pair of rotating blades 11 and 11' (only one visible) is rotatably mounted on each common wheel 9 and 9' by its respective blade shaft 12 and 12'. The pair of rotating blades 11 connected to the common wheel 9 is an embodiment of the kinematic interaction system in accordance with option (i) of the invention as defined above.

[0093] exist Figure 1 In the case of an embodiment of , if the common wheel 9 was provided with only a single rotating blade 11 (instead of two blades as depicted), such an embodiment would comply with making the dynamically interacting system consistent with option (ii) of the invention as defined above.

[0094] Figure 2 Shown with Figure 1 The propeller system shown is divided into individual rotating blades 11. The rotating blades 11 have a constant height H and a constant width W, and are provided with blade shafts 12 at the upper and lower sides of the rotating blades to be rotatably connected to the rotating blades. Figure 1 The common wheel 9 is shown.

[0095] The rotating blade 11 has two opposite operating surfaces 14 and 14' for dynamic interaction with the fluid flow, which surfaces 14 and 14' are similar or identical and are basically formed as plane surfaces, which are provided with curved side ends 16 and 16' when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the height direction H of the rotating blade 11.

[0096] Figure 3 The longitudinal section of a channel 30 for guiding a unidirectional fluid flow is shown, the channel comprising a side wall 32 and an inlet side 33 and an outlet side 34 for guiding a fluid flow F from the inlet side to the outlet side in a unidirectional manner, the channel having a longitudinal section 35 provided with Figure 1 A similar cross-section of a thruster system 1 is shown, which is fixedly connected to the channel 1 via a supporting body 3a.

[0097] Figure 4 It shows that Figure 3 A top view of a cross-sectional portion of the propeller system shown, wherein the bottom common wheels 9' and 9 and the bottom support body 3a are as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown above. Figures 1 to 3 The corresponding other features are indicated in Figure 4 The longitudinal section 35 of the channel comprises two opposite side walls 40 and 40'.

[0098] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4A bottom view of the common wheel 9 of the propeller system is depicted in FIG, wherein the entire circumference is provided with a toothed gear arrangement 58 for engaging with a suitable gear (not depicted) driving the common wheel 9 in rotation.

[0099] The wheel 9 is centrally provided with an axle 7 which is rotatably connected to a support body 3a (only a portion of which is depicted). Fixed to the support body 3a is a non-rotating gear 60 (partially visible and partly indicated in phantom) concentric with the axle 7.

[0100] The non-rotating gear 60 is positioned in engagement between two blade gear arrangements 62, which consist of respective gears 54, 52 and 50 mounted on the wheel 9 and which are positioned diametrically opposite to each other. The non-rotating gear 60 is directly engaged with the gear 54 of the blade gear arrangement 62, which is a circular gear that rotates on a concentric gear shaft 56 that is rotatably connected to the wheel 9. The gear 54 is also provided with an eccentric circular gear 52 that is fixed to the gear 54 at an eccentric position relative to the gear shaft 56. The eccentric gear 52 is engaged with an elliptical or oval gear 50 that has a center point provided with a blade shaft 12 to which the rotating blades are connected (e.g. Figure 4 depicted).

[0101] In the illustrated configuration, when the wheel 9 turns about the non-rotating gear 60, the rotation of the wheel will move the gear 54. The gear 54 thus drives the gears 52 and 50, causing the blade shaft 12 to rotate. Within the blade gear arrangement 62 consisting of the gears 54, 52 and 50, the gear 54 thus acts as a connecting gear connected to the non-rotating gear 60 to transmit the rotational movement of the wheel 9 to the blade shaft 12.

[0102] Figure 6 A sequence of seven figures is shown, each of which shows the rotation of the common wheel 9 during a subsequent phase of the rotation of the common wheel 9 when the propeller system is in operation. Figure 4 A top view of a pair of rotating blades 11A and 11B corresponding to the pair of rotating blades 11 on the right shown. In each of the consecutive figures shown, the rotation phase of the common wheel 9 is about its central axis (not shown, but related to Figure 4 The common wheel rotates 30 degrees counterclockwise in unison. The rotation of the common wheel is driven by a wheel gear arrangement (not visible), and subsequent phases of the common wheel's rotation are represented by three digits (i.e., 000 through 180).

[0103] As the common wheel 9 rotates around its central axis, the two corresponding blade gear devices of the blades 11A and 11B are driven via the corresponding circular gears 52A and 52B engaged with the corresponding oval gears 50A and 50B, so that the blade shafts 12A and 12B rotate and thus the rotating blades 11A and 11B rotate. The peripheries of the oval gears and the circular gears are provided with toothed gear devices, so that the transmission ratio of the circular gears to the oval gears is equal to 1:2.

[0104] for Figure 6 For the sake of visibility in the view of FIG. 5 , only the most relevant parts 50 and 52 of the blade gearing of each rotating blade are shown, although the blade gearing comprises Figure 5 Consistent additional additional parts.

[0105] Starting from the upper left figure (000 degrees), the orientation of rotating blade 11B is perpendicular to the indicated unidirectional fluid flow F, while the orientation of rotating blade 11A is aligned with the indicated unidirectional fluid flow F. The orientation of blade 11A is here an idle orientation, which means that the dynamic interaction with the fluid flow F is minimized. At the same time, the orientation of blade 11B is here an active orientation, which means that the dynamic interaction with the fluid flow F is maximized.

[0106] During the subsequent phases (030 degrees up to 150 degrees), the orientation and position of blades 11A and 11B gradually change so that at 180 degrees (lower right figure) the orientation of the two blades has completely swapped so that blade 11A is in the active orientation and blade 11B is in the idle orientation. Since the two blades are identical, each blade has the same side, and each blade has the same blade gearing, the subsequent phases of the common wheel rotating from 180 degrees up to 360 degrees are the same as the phases shown from 000 degrees up to 180 degrees, except that blades 11A and 11B should be indicated oppositely.

[0107] It should be noted that starting from the common wheel rotation to 090 degrees, the blade shaft 12A of the blade 11A will move along the unidirectional fluid flow in the channel, and this movement continues during half a revolution of the common wheel, that is, until 270 degrees (corresponding to the position depicted by the blade 11B at 090 degrees). This trajectory of rotation from 090 degrees until 270 degrees corresponds to the second half of the revolution with the active orientation (at 180 degrees). The complementary trajectory from 270 degrees until 090 degrees corresponds to the first half of the revolution with the idle orientation (at 000 degrees). The same sequence applies to the blade 11B, but with a phase difference of 180 degrees.

[0108] Figure 7 The following diagram shows a period of time during which the common wheels 9 and 9' are rotated continuously. Figure 1 The combined thrust applied by a propeller system to a unidirectional fluid flow.

[0109] On the X-axis, the degrees of rotation of the common wheels 9 and 9' are indicated, and on the Y-axis, the amount of thrust of the individual common wheels during continuous rotation is indicated by the corresponding 69 and 69' curves. The total thrust provided by the propeller system is indicated as [69+69']. It can be directly derived from this figure that the propeller system achieves a substantially constant thrust during its operation at a constant rotation speed of the common wheels, so that the propeller system according to the invention has excellent efficiency and efficacy.

Claims

1. A thruster system adapted to dynamically interact with a fluid flowing through a channel in one direction, in, The thruster system comprises: a support body configured to be integrated in the channel at a fixed position; and a dynamic interaction system arranged on the support body such that when the support body is integrated in the fixed position, the dynamic interaction system extends in an inner region of the channel, Wherein, the dynamic interaction system includes any one of the following two items: (i) at least one pair of rotating blades, preferably at least two pairs of said rotating blades, wherein each pair of said rotating blades is arranged in such a manner that: - each of said rotating blades has a plan shape comprising two opposing operating surfaces designed for dynamic interaction with a fluid flow; - each of the rotary blades comprises: a respective blade shaft about which the rotary blade is rotatable; and a respective blade gear device drivingly engaged to the blade shaft; - two rotating blades are rotatably mounted on one side of a common wheel via their respective blade shafts and are spaced apart from each other, wherein the common wheel comprises a wheel axle, the common wheel is rotatable around the wheel axle, and wherein the two blade shafts are mounted on the common wheel at two respective positions that are both eccentric relative to the wheel axle, - the common wheel is rotatably connected to the support body via the wheel axle and the common wheel is drivingly connected to a wheel gear arrangement; - the rotation of the common wheel drives the two blade gears so that the two blade shafts rotate simultaneously; - the kinematic interaction system is configured so that the wheel axis and the two blade axes have directions similar or parallel to each other; - during operation of the propeller system, the rotation of the common wheel is combined with a simultaneous rotation of each rotating blade about its blade axis, so that each of the rotating blades performs a combined rotation, wherein each of the rotating blades follows a periodic trajectory per one revolution of the common wheel, without the two rotating blades being in contact with each other during their simultaneous rotation, and (ii) A single rotating blade, the single rotating blade being arranged in this manner: - the rotating blade has a plan shape comprising two opposing operating surfaces designed for dynamic interaction with the fluid flow; - the rotary blade comprises: a corresponding blade shaft, about which the rotary blade is rotatable; and a corresponding blade gear device, drivingly engaged to the blade shaft; - the rotating blades are rotatably mounted on one side of a common wheel via their blade shafts, wherein the common wheel comprises a wheel axle, the common wheel is rotatable around the wheel axle, and wherein the blade shafts are mounted on the common wheel at an eccentric position relative to the wheel axle, - the common wheel is rotatably connected to the support body via the wheel axle and the common wheel is drivingly connected to a wheel gear arrangement; - rotation of the common wheel drives the blade gear arrangement to rotate the blade shaft; - the kinematic interaction system is configured so that the wheel axis and the blade axis have directions similar or parallel to each other; - During operation of the propeller system, a rotation of the common wheel is combined with a simultaneous rotation of the rotating blades about their blade axes, so that the rotating blades perform a combined rotation, wherein the rotating blades follow a periodic trajectory per one revolution of the common wheel.

2. The propulsion system according to claim 1, wherein: The periodic trajectory followed by the rotating blades conforms to the shape of a cardioid curve, especially with respect to the periodic trajectory of the side ends of the rotating blades.

3. The propulsion system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The periodic trajectories of the two rotating blades in a pair of the rotating blades are similar or identical.

4. A propulsion system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The transmission ratio of the blade gear device of each rotating blade is 1 / 2, so that one rotation of the common wheel causes the rotating blade to rotate half a circle around its blade axis.

5. A propulsion system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The blade shafts of the two rotating blades in each pair of the rotating blades are mounted on the common wheel at opposite positions relative to the wheel axle, preferably at diametrically opposite positions.

6. A propulsion system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: During operation of the propeller system, the two rotating blades of a pair of rotating blades perform their respective combined rotations simultaneously and with a phase difference, preferably, the phase difference is between 160 and 200 degrees, most preferably 180 degrees.

7. A propulsion system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: During one revolution of the common wheel, the rotating blades assume an idle orientation for minimum dynamic interaction during a first half revolution of the common wheel and assume an active orientation for maximum dynamic interaction during a second half revolution of the common wheel.

8. A propulsion system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: During one full rotation of the common wheel, the rotation speed of the rotating blades gradually increases from a minimum rotation speed to a maximum rotation speed, and then gradually decreases from the maximum rotation speed to the minimum rotation speed, wherein, preferably, the ratio of the maximum rotation speed to the minimum rotation speed is approximately 2:

1.

9. The thruster system according to the combination of claims 7 and 8, wherein: The maximum rotation speed is achieved during a first half of a full revolution of the common wheel, wherein the rotating blades assume the idle orientation, and the minimum rotation speed is achieved during a second half of a full revolution of the common wheel, wherein the rotating blades assume the active orientation.

10. The thruster system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The blade gear arrangement of each of the rotating blades comprises an elliptical or oval gear cooperating with a circular gear, wherein, preferably, the circular gear is an eccentrically rotating circular gear.

11. A propulsion system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The blade gear arrangement of each of the rotating blades is mounted on the corresponding common wheel, wherein the blade gear arrangement is positioned so that it includes a connecting gear engaged with a non-rotating gear fixed to the support body at a position concentric with the wheel axle.

12. A thruster system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each of the rotating blades has a height and a width, wherein the blade axis extends parallel to the height direction of the rotating blade, and preferably, the height of the rotating blade is greater than the width of the rotating blade.

13. A propulsion system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The opposing operating surfaces of each of the rotating blades are similar or identical and are shaped substantially as planar surfaces, preferably provided with curved side ends when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the height direction of the rotating blade.

14. A propulsion system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The dynamic interaction system includes a first pair of rotating blades and a second pair of rotating blades, wherein the first pair of rotating blades is rotatably connected to a first common wheel, and the second pair of rotating blades is rotatably connected to a second common wheel, Wherein, the first common wheel and the second common wheel are rotatably connected to the supporting body so that the first common wheel and the second common wheel are arranged adjacent to each other in a coplanar structure, and the first common wheel and the second common wheel are drivingly connected to the corresponding first wheel gear device and the corresponding second wheel gear device, wherein preferably, the first common wheel and the second common wheel rotate in opposite directions to each other during operation.

15. The thruster system of claim 14, wherein: The first pair of rotating blades and the second pair of rotating blades rotate in opposite directions and in mirror symmetry with each other, and a rotation phase of the rotating blades of the first common wheel and a rotation phase of the rotating blades of the second common wheel differ from each other by a phase difference of 60 to 120 degrees, preferably 80 to 100 degrees, more preferably 90 degrees.

16. The propulsion system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: The periodic trajectory of the first pair of rotating blades partially overlaps with the periodic trajectory of the second pair of rotating blades, particularly with respect to the periodic trajectory of the side end portion of each of the rotating blades.

17. The propulsion system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 13, comprising a first kinetically interacting system according to option (ii) and a second kinetically interacting system according to option (ii), wherein, the first kinetic interaction system comprises a single rotating blade rotatably connected to a first common wheel, and the second kinetic interaction system comprises a single rotating blade rotatably connected to a second common wheel, Wherein, the first common wheel and the second common wheel are rotatably connected to the supporting body so that the first common wheel and the second common wheel are arranged adjacent to each other in a coplanar structure, and the first common wheel and the second common wheel are drivingly connected to the corresponding first wheel gear device and the corresponding second wheel gear device, wherein preferably, the first common wheel and the second common wheel rotate in opposite directions to each other during operation.

18. The thruster system of claim 17, wherein: The single rotating blade of the first dynamic interaction system and the single rotating blade of the second dynamic interaction system rotate in opposite directions and mirror-symmetrically to each other, and the rotation phase of the first common wheel and the rotation phase of the second common wheel differ from each other by a phase difference, and the phase difference is preferably between 160 degrees and 200 degrees, and most preferably 180 degrees.

19. The thruster system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein: The periodic trajectory of the single rotating blades of the first dynamic interaction system overlaps with the periodic trajectory of the single rotating blades of the second dynamic interaction system, in particular with respect to the periodic trajectory of the side end of each of the rotating blades.

20. A channel for guiding a unidirectional fluid flow, the channel comprising side walls and an inlet side and an outlet side for guiding the fluid flow unidirectionally from the inlet side to the outlet side, the channel being provided with a thruster system according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The support body of the thruster system is fixedly integrated in the channel and the dynamic interaction system of the thruster system comprises at least one common wheel, which is arranged in this way: - during each full revolution of said common wheel, said rotating blades assume an idle (non-active or drag) orientation for minimum dynamic interaction during a first half of a full revolution of said common wheel, and said rotating blades assume an active (thrust) orientation for maximum dynamic interaction during a second half of a full revolution of said common wheel; - during said first half of said full revolution, each of said common wheels rotates against said unidirectional fluid flow in said channel, and during said second half of said full revolution, said common wheel rotates with said unidirectional fluid flow in said channel, Wherein, the first half of the full turn is performed at a smaller distance from the nearest side wall of the channel, and the second half of the full turn is performed at a larger distance from the nearest side wall of the channel.

21. A channel according to claim 20, wherein The propeller system is fixedly integrated in a longitudinal section of the channel through which the fluid flow is guided, and the longitudinal section has a width between the opposite side walls of the channel, which is no more than 20% larger, preferably no more than 10% larger, than the width necessary to allow the rotating blades to achieve their corresponding periodic trajectories during operation without contacting the opposite side walls.

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