Wave energy conversion system for propulsion

Abstract

A wave energy conversion system (100) for propulsion comprising a flap and configured for mounting at the rear of a vessel wherein the wave energy conversion system can place the flap in a working configuration in which the flap is submerged in water, or in a raised configuration in which the flap is outside the water, and wherein the wave energy conversion system for propulsion comprises: a base (110) mounted to a rear portion of the vessel (103) wherein the base is connected to a rudder yoke (115) arranged to place the flap in the working configuration or the raised configuration, and wherein the wave energy conversion system for propulsion comprises: a base (110) mounted to a rear portion of the vessel (103) wherein the base is connected to a rudder yoke (115) arranged to place the flap in the working configuration or the raised configuration; a hinge assembly (120) connecting the flap (105) to the rudder yoke (110), where the hinge assembly is arranged to allow oscillation of the flap under the action of movement of the vessel caused by movement of waves when the flap is in the working configuration; and a lift actuation member (260) to switch from the working configuration to the raised configuration.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of propulsion and, more particularly, to a wave energy conversion system for propulsion that uses energy from waves to propel a vessel. Background Art

[0002] As a wave phenomenon mainly generated by wind, swell shapes the surface of the water in the ocean and can provide renewable energy. The energy generated by converting this renewable energy can be mechanical energy, hydraulic energy or even electrical energy. In the case of conversion into mechanical energy, the generated mechanical energy can be used, for example, to propel a vessel.

[0003] The capture and conversion of this renewable energy can be accomplished in various ways, for example via a wave energy conversion system. Most current wave energy conversion systems rely on a single principle, which consists in causing a moving element to follow the movement displacement of a wave relative to a fixed element. This displacement of the first element relative to the second element is then converted into usable energy.

[0004] Currently, the main obstacles to the commercial development of wave energy conversion systems, such as those for propulsion, are the lack of maturity and / or effectiveness, and / or high production and maintenance costs. In fact, the difficult environmental conditions they are subjected to and the moderate efficiency make the production cost of energy (electrical or mechanical) non-competitive compared to other energies, such as fossil energies or other renewable energies such as solar or wind energy, whose technologies are now mature and the production costs are continuously decreasing. In addition, wave energy conversion systems designed to propel a vessel and / or generate energy for a vessel generally have to be designed and incorporated from the start of the vessel's design, which involves major costs and limitations. Moreover, existing wave energy conversion systems are generally not designed to disconnect when weather conditions are unfavorable for their operation or during vulnerable movements such as towing of a vessel (as defined in SOLAS standards) or while moored at a dock.

[0005] Therefore, there is still a need for two things: a need to propose a solution with a greater effectiveness / cost ratio that effectively converts the renewable energy generated by the movement of waves for the propulsion of a vessel and / or the generation of electrical energy; and a need to propose a solution that can be installed on many types of vessels that meet maritime safety requirements after installation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure aims to improve this situation.

[0007] A wave energy conversion system for propulsion is proposed, which is configured to be installed on a vessel, wherein the system includes a flap, wherein the wave energy conversion system can place the flap in a working configuration in which the flap is submerged in water, or in a raised configuration in which the flap is outside the water, and wherein the wave energy conversion system for propulsion may include:

[0008] - A base, which is installed at the rear of the vessel, wherein the base is connected to a yoke that can move relative to the base, and wherein the yoke is arranged to place the flap in the working configuration or the raised configuration;

[0009] - A hinge assembly, which connects the flap to the yoke, wherein the hinge assembly is arranged to allow the flap to oscillate under the action of the movement of the vessel caused by the movement of waves when the flap is in the working configuration;

[0010] - A lifting actuating member, which is used to switch from the working configuration to the raised configuration.

[0011] Advantageously, due to these arrangements, when the flap is placed in the working configuration, the propulsion generated by the wave energy conversion system for propulsion may result in a reduced need for other propulsion means for the vessel (e.g., a cargo ship or a passenger ship). For example, when the vessel is equipped with a propeller motor as the first propulsion member, using a wave energy conversion system installed on the stern of the vessel can advantageously reduce fuel consumption. According to another related advantage, when also coupled to a generator (e.g., an electric) motor via, for example, an energy conversion chain, the wave energy conversion system for propulsion can supply electrical energy to the vessel. Additionally, advantageously, when the flap is placed in the raised configuration, the space located at the rear of the vessel (the stern of the vessel) can then be released to facilitate various operations, such as the emergency or non-emergency towing of vessels such as liquefied natural gas carriers, or even to allow the wave energy conversion system for propulsion to be disengaged when the conditions are not optimal for its operation, e.g., in the absence of swells or when the swells are too high, thus avoiding any risk of damaging the wave energy conversion system for propulsion or the vessel, or even allowing risk-free berthing.

[0012] Specifically, it is advantageous that the rear of the vessel can be released by completely placing the hinge assembly and the flap outside the water without reducing the surface area of the (e.g., main) deck at the rear of the vessel.

[0013] Furthermore, advantageously, the body of the system is contained (even entirely contained) within the width of the vessel. Specifically, the dimensions and / or layout of the pedestal and / or the yoke and / or the articulation assembly and / or the flap are configured to limit the body of the wave energy conversion system and, in particular, are configured such that the body of the system is contained (even entirely contained) within the width of the vessel. By eliminating or at least limiting the risk of interference between the system and the dock, the vessel can be moored on the right or left side of the hull. The presence of the system does not prevent the vessel from being moored to the dock.

[0014] A flap can also mean a foil or a hydrofoil.

[0015] To switch from the working configuration to the raised configuration, it is understood that the flap changes from the working configuration to the raised configuration and vice versa.

[0016] The raised pedestal at the rear of the vessel can be understood to mean that the pedestal is mounted on the far rear surface of the hull of the vessel, is arranged below the deck of the vessel (e.g., the main deck) and above the water, such that the yoke is always outside the water and such that, in the raised configuration, the articulation assembly and the flap are entirely outside the water without reducing the surface area of the deck at the rear of the vessel (or reducing the useful surface area of the deck at the rear of the vessel or limiting the use of the useful surface area of the deck at the rear of the vessel). The pedestal is thus fixed to the stern, above the waterline when the vessel is unloaded and preferably above the waterline when the vessel is fully loaded, the waterline being commonly referred to as the reference waterline.

[0017] The movement of the vessel can be understood to mean the pitching or heaving movement generated by the movement of the waves (meaning by the swell). Via the wave energy conversion system for generating the oscillation of the flap, the energy of the pitching and / or heaving of the vessel is converted into energy for propulsion.

[0018] To a lesser extent or as a supplement, the energy of the swell via the movement of the waves can also be directly transferred to the flap for propulsion, thereby increasing the movement generated by the vessel and thus strengthening the oscillation of the flap.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the yoke can be rotatably mounted on the pedestal between a lower position and an upper position.

[0020] The upper position of the yoke is for placing the flap in the raised configuration and the lower position of the yoke is for placing the flap in the working configuration.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the vessel can include a longitudinal direction X and wherein the pedestal includes a first bearing and a second bearing, wherein the first bearing and the second bearing are arranged on opposite sides of a central plane (XM), and wherein the yoke is connected (A1; A1') to the first bearing and the second bearing via respective journals.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the rotational angle of the yoke between a lower position and an upper position about the axis of the journal (A1, A1') may be greater than 70°, preferably greater than 105°, and more preferably greater than 120°.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the articulation assembly may include at least a first arm and a second arm connected to the yoke by respective pivot connections (A2, A2', A3, A3') and connected to at least one flap arm, wherein the first arm and the second arm are arranged to cross in a plane perpendicular to the flap and along the longitudinal direction X of the vessel and pivot relative to each other, and wherein the flap arm is connected to the flap by means of a pivot connection (A4) with the flap.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the articulation assembly may include at least a first arm and a second arm connected to the yoke by respective pivot connections (A2, A2', A3, A3') and connected to at least one flap arm (230a), wherein the first arm and the second arm are arranged to cross in a plane perpendicular to the flap and along the longitudinal direction X of the vessel and pivot relative to each other, wherein the flap arm is connected to the flap by means of a pivot connection (A4) with the flap, and wherein the articulation assembly is configured such that under the action of the vessel, the oscillation of the flap is simultaneously the result of the operation of the first arm and the second arm pivoting relative to the yoke between the pivot connections (A2', A3') and pivoting relative to the flap arm through the pivot connections (A2, A3), and the operation of the flap about the pivot connection (A4) relative to the flap arm between the flap and the at least one flap arm.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the articulation assembly may include a first arm and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm being respectively connected to an arm or a plurality of flap arms and connected to the yoke, and being symmetrically arranged about a central plane (XM).

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the articulation assembly may include at least a first assembly of active and / or passive movement control elements configured to respectively control the pivoting of the first arm and the second arm and at least a second assembly of active and / or passive movement control elements, wherein the first assembly of movement control elements is arranged between the yoke and the first arm, and wherein the second assembly of movement control elements is arranged between the yoke and the second arm.

[0027] Therefore, it is advantageous to use a combination of passive and / or active movement control elements between the arms of the articulated assembly to enhance the propulsion effectiveness of the wave energy conversion system, for example by causing a form of mechanical resonance to occur in the movement of the flap. This mechanical resonance in the movement of the flap can depend on the configuration of the combination of movement control elements and / or the configuration of each movement control element.

[0028] Active can mean that the movement control elements of the active combination of movement control elements can be driven by a control unit so that the characteristics of the movement control are adapted to external conditions, such as with respect to the encountered swell, or to the respective phases of the movement of the propulsion flap and / or the first and second arms. This driving requires an electric and / or hydraulic energy supply.

[0029] Therefore, it is advantageous that when the combination of movement control elements is active, its characteristics can be adjusted. For each movement control element, its characteristics can mean its respective stiffness, its respective inertia, and its respective damping. The respective damping of each active movement control element can be positive when the movement is braked, or negative when energy is injected to increase the oscillation of the flap.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the first combination of movement control elements and / or the second combination of movement control elements can be passive, and each combination of movement control elements can respectively include a first return spring and a second return spring.

[0031] When the first combination of movement control elements and / or the second combination of movement control elements is passive, the mechanical resonance in the movement of the flap can depend on the stiffness of the return spring.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the first combination of movement control elements and / or the second combination of movement control elements is active, and each combination of movement control elements can respectively include a first cylinder and a second cylinder.

[0033] The first cylinder and the second cylinder can be linear cylinders.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the first combination of movement control elements and / or the second combination of movement control elements is active, and each combination of movement control elements can respectively include a first screw-nut system and a second screw-nut system.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the base can include a guiding element for guiding the tow cable.

[0036] Preferably, the tow cable is used when the flap is in the raised configuration.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the guiding element may be formed as a through-opening, and when the flap is in the raised configuration, a space is released and is defined by an opening cone starting from the opening, where the opening cone is defined by an opening angle that is at least 180° in a plane perpendicular to the central plane XM and at least 30° in the central plane XM, preferably at least 60° in the central plane XM.

[0038] The guiding element may be an opening included in a fairlead that meets the towing requirements defined in the SOLAS standard for very large ships such as gas carriers. The fairlead may be defined by a minimum diameter of 600 mm and a minimum height of 300 mm.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the lifting actuating member may be at least one hydraulic cylinder, or at least one electric cylinder, or at least one screw-nut system.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the wave energy conversion system for propulsion may include at least one locking device for locking the flap in the working configuration or the raised configuration.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the flap may have a rectangular or triangular or trapezoidal or elliptical shape in the plane XY and a symmetric NACA profile type in the plane XM.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the flap arm may include at least one active adjustment member for adjusting the angle between the flap and the flap arm in a plane perpendicular to the flap and along the transverse direction of the flap.

[0043] The present disclosure also relates to an assembly including the system according to the present disclosure and a ship, where the system is installed at the rear of the ship, preferably at the stern of the ship.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the ship may be a cargo ship or a passenger ship.

[0045] A cargo ship may mean a container ship (including processed cargo), a bulk carrier (including ore, grain, gravel, sand, etc.), or even a chemical tanker, or even a gas carrier, or even an oil tanker, or even a liquefied natural gas carrier, or even a roll-on / roll-off ship.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the base may be installed on the outer surface of the rear part of the ship's hull near the stern, where the base is positioned below the deck of the ship and above the water, such that the rudder yoke is always outside the water, and such that in the raised configuration, the articulated assembly and the flap are completely outside the water without reducing the surface area of the deck of the ship.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the body of the system is fully contained within the width of the vessel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Other features, details, and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and analyzing the drawings, in which:

[0049] Figure 1

[0050] Figure 1 Shows a wave energy conversion system for propulsion mounted on a vessel such as a cargo ship.

[0051] Figure 2a

[0052] Figure 2a Shows a perspective view of a propulsion system with a rotatably mounted tiller yoke.

[0053] Figure 2b

[0054] Figure 2b Shows Figure 2a a top view (plane XY) of

[0055] Figure 2C

[0056] Figure 2c Shows Figure 2a a cross-section and perspective view along the cutting plane A-A' of

[0057] Figure 3

[0058] Figure 3 Shows the kinematics of a flap for propulsion in a working configuration under the action of the pitch of the ship and waves in a raised configuration Figure 2a a cross-section B-B' and side view of

[0059] Figure 4

[0060] Figure 4 Shows the kinematics of a flap for propulsion in a working configuration under the action of the pitch of the ship and waves.

[0061] Figure 5

[0062] Figure 5 Shows a wave energy conversion system for propulsion mounted translatably on a vessel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] In the figures, the same reference numerals represent the same or similar items. For clarity, some parts may not be shown to scale.

[0064] Figure 1 Shows a wave energy conversion system for propulsion mounted on a vessel such as a cargo ship.

[0065] The wave energy conversion system 100 for propulsion may be mounted at the rear of a vessel, such as at the stern of the vessel. Figure 1 In an example, the wave energy conversion system for propulsion may be found in an operating condition corresponding to the flap 105 being partially or completely submerged in water.

[0066] The vessel 103 may be a ship, such as a cargo ship or a passenger ship, and comprises a longitudinal direction X and a transverse direction Y. The cargo ship may be, for example, a container ship (comprising handled cargo), a bulk carrier (comprising ore, grain, gravel, sand, etc.), or even a chemical tanker, or even a gas tanker, or even an oil tanker.

[0067] The passenger vessel may be, for example, a ferry or a cruise ship.

[0068] like Figure 1 , when the wave energy conversion system for propulsion is positioned in the working configuration, the propulsion flaps can be partially or completely submerged, preferably completely submerged, so as to allow the vessel to be propelled by the oscillations of the flaps generated by the movement of the vessel, the movement of the vessel itself being generated by the swell, thus limiting the use of, for example, its electric motor or its internal combustion engine. The movement of the vessel generated by the swell can be a pitch and / or heave movement of the vessel, wherein the energy of the pitch and / or heave is transferred to the flaps, so as to drive the oscillations of the flaps via the articulated assembly and thus propel the vessel.

[0069] Furthermore, to a lesser extent, the energy of the swell can also be transferred directly to the flap, thus intensifying its oscillations.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, the converted energy may also be partially or fully used to generate electrical energy via a conversion chain connected to a converter (e.g., a generator, not shown), wherein the conversion chain is connected to the wave energy conversion system 100 for propulsion, for example to an articulated assembly.

[0071] The wave energy conversion system for propulsion may include a base 110 fixed to the rear of a vessel, such as the stern of a boat, and connected to a rudder yoke 115 , and a hinge assembly 120 for connecting the rudder yoke 115 to the propulsion flap 105 .

[0072] In one or more embodiments, the base can be mounted on the rear outer surface of the hull of the boat in the area of ​​the stern. The base can be arranged below the deck of the boat and above the water so that the rudder yoke is always outside the water and so that in the raised configuration, the hinge assembly and flaps are placed completely outside the water without reducing the surface area of ​​the deck of the boat (or reducing the useful surface area of ​​the deck at the rear of the boat).

[0073] Specifically, in one or more embodiments, the base is thus fixed to the stern, above the waterline when the vessel is unloaded and preferably also above the waterline when the vessel is fully loaded, the waterline being generally referred to as the reference waterline.

[0074] The articulated assembly can be arranged to allow oscillation of the propulsion flap (or flaps) under the action of the movement of the vessel generated by the swells (i.e., by the movement of the waves) when the flap is placed in the working configuration, and thus to generate propulsion of the vessel. The yoke can be arranged to place the propulsion flap in the working configuration or the raised configuration. More precisely, the movement of the yoke between a lower position and an upper position serves to drive the movement of the articulated assembly, the movement of the articulated assembly in turn driving the propulsion flap so as to place the propulsion flap from the working configuration into the raised configuration and vice versa (from the upper position to the lower position).

[0075] For this purpose, the yoke can be rotatably mounted on the base between a lower position and an upper position.

[0076] Furthermore, the yoke (and the base) can remain outside the water both in the lower position and in the upper position. Specifically, they can always be above the buoyancy line of the vessel.

[0077] Figures 2a to 2c A wave energy conversion system for propulsion is shown in the working configuration and includes a rotatably mounted yoke.

[0078] More precisely, Figure 2a A perspective view of a wave energy conversion system for propulsion with a rotatably mounted yoke is shown, Figure 2b is shown Figure 2a in a top view (plane XY), and Figure 2c is shown Figure 2a in a cross-section and perspective view along the cutting plane A - A'.

[0079] The base can include a first bearing 210a and a second bearing 210b, where the first bearing and the second bearing are arranged on either side of the central plane (XM), and the yoke can 115 be connected to the first bearing and the second bearing via respective journal connections A1; A1'.

[0080] For example, the first bearing 210a and the second bearing 210b can be respectively defined in a first protrusion and a second protrusion respectively located at the first end and the second end of the base, where the protrusions are arranged opposite to each other. The yoke (e.g., U-shaped) can include a first journal and a second journal, the first journal and the second journal connecting A1; A1' to the first protrusion and the second protrusion respectively via a first plate and a second plate.

[0081] In addition, the base may include a guiding element 210c configured to guide a towing cable when the flap is in the raised configuration and / or the lowered configuration. For example, the guiding element may be in the shape of a through-opening. For instance, the guiding element 210c may be a through-opening in a third protrusion included in the base 110 to form a fairlead. The through-opening may have a diameter exceeding 600 mm, and the fairlead may have a height of at least 300 mm and have structural characteristics that meet the requirements related to emergency towing defined in the SOLAS standard.

[0082] The flap may be connected to the articulation assembly via a flap arm 230a.

[0083] For example, the flap arm 230a may be connected to the yoke via at least one first arm 220a and one second arm 220b, and the first arm and the second arm are connected to the yoke 115 and the flap arm 230a through corresponding pivot connections A2, A3, A2', A3'. The first arm and the second arm may be arranged to cross in a plane (e.g., plane XM) perpendicular to the flap and following the longitudinal direction Y of the vessel and pivot around each other.

[0084] Reference Figure 2b , the flap arm may be further connected to the flap through at least one corresponding connection A4.

[0085] Therefore, the oscillation of the flap in the working position under the action of the vessel can be the result of both: the operation of the first arm and the second arm pivoting around the yoke through the pivot connections A2', A3' and pivoting relative to the flap arm through the pivot connections A2, A3, and the operation of the flap pivoting relative to the flap arm around the pivot connection A4 between the flap 105 and the at least one flap arm 230a. In other words, the oscillation of the flap can be ensured by the simultaneous operation of each of the pivots A2, A3, A2', A3' and A4.

[0086] In one or more preferred embodiments, the articulation assembly may include a first arm and a second arm, which are respectively connected to one flap arm or multiple flap arms and connected to the yoke, and are symmetrically arranged around the central plane (XM).

[0087] In addition, the first flap arms may be separated from each other such that their separation distance is less than the width of the vessel (or ship). Similarly, the second flap arms may be separated from each other such that their separation distance is less than the width of the vessel (or ship). This helps to reduce the volume of the wave energy conversion system such that it is completely contained within the width of the vessel.

[0088] For example, a flap arm or a plurality of arms 230a, 230b can be connected to the yoke by at least one first arm 220a, 220c and can be connected to the yoke by at least two second arms 220b, 220d. The at least one first arm is connected to the yoke 115 and to the flap arm or the plurality of arms 230a, 230b through pivot connections A2, A2' respectively, and the at least two second arms are connected to the yoke and to the flap arm or the plurality of arms 230a, 230b through pivot connections A3, A3' respectively.

[0089] The flap can be connected to a flap arm or a plurality of arms through corresponding pivot connections A4, A4'.

[0090] In one or more embodiments, the first arm or the second arm or the flap arm may or may not form a single corresponding part of an inverted U shape. For example, the first arms 220a, 220c may be included in an inverted U-shaped part.

[0091] In addition, referring Figure 2c to, the articulated assembly 120 can include a first assembly 240a, 240b of at least one movement control element and a second assembly 245a, 245b of movement control elements, which are respectively configured to control (or drive) the pivoting of the first arm and the second arm. The first assembly of movement elements can be arranged between the yoke 115 and the first arm 220a, and the second assembly of movement control elements can be arranged between the yoke 115 and the second arm 220b.

[0092] In addition, each assembly of movement control elements can be an assembly of active and / or passive movement control elements.

[0093] In one or more embodiments, when the first assembly of movement control elements and / or the second assembly of movement control elements are passive, each assembly of movement control elements respectively includes a first return spring 240a, 245a and a second return spring 240b, 245b.

[0094] As an example ( Figure 2c) The first assemblies 240a, 240b of the movement control elements may include a first return spring (e.g., a compression or extension spring) 240a connected to the yoke 115 and the first arm 220a through respective pivot connections, and a second return spring 240b (e.g., a compression or extension spring) connected to the yoke 115 and the first arm 220a through respective pivot connections. Similarly, the second assemblies 245a, 245b of the movement control elements may include a first return spring (e.g., a compression or extension spring) 245a connected to the yoke 115 and the second arm 220b through respective pivot connections, and a second return spring 245b (e.g., a compression or extension spring) connected to the yoke 115 and the second arm 220b through respective pivot connections.

[0095] In one or more embodiments, the first assembly of the movement control element and / or the second assembly of the movement control element are active, and each assembly of the movement control element respectively includes a first cylinder (e.g., a linear cylinder) 240a, 245a and a second cylinder (e.g., a linear cylinder) 240b, 245b.

[0096] Each cylinder from the assemblies of the movement control element may be connected to a respective motor driven by a control unit so as to adapt the characteristics (e.g., stiffness, damping, inertia) of each cylinder relative to external conditions or relative to the movement phase of each arm or relative to the movement of the vessel, and in this way optimize the propulsion force of the flap during propulsion. The external conditions may be, for example, the type of swell encountered.

[0097] The control unit may be placed, for example, on the wave energy conversion system or directly arranged on the vessel.

[0098] Furthermore, when the articulated assembly includes a first arm and a second arm, the articulated assembly may include a first assembly and a second assembly of movement control elements symmetrically arranged about a central plane XM.

[0099] To hold the wave energy conversion system for propulsion in a working configuration or a raised configuration, it may include at least one locking device (not shown in Figures 2a to 2c ) for locking the position of the flap in one or the other of said configurations. For example, the locking device may be included between the yoke and the base.

[0100] In one or more embodiments, the locking device is mounted on the yoke so as to engage its movement.

[0101] According to one example, the locking device can be a rack and pinion system coupled to a clevis pin (or shaft / bar locking), where the clevis pin locks into locking positions 280a or 280b, which lock the yoke in a lowered position to place the flap in a mid-operating configuration and in an upper position to place the flap in a raised configuration, respectively. For example, each locking position can be formed by two adjacent openings, with the first opening disposed on the base and the second opening disposed on the yoke. During the passage of the yoke from the lower position to the upper position, the two openings for the upper position are aligned to allow the insertion of the clevis pin by the locking device.

[0102] When the flap is placed in the operating configuration by placing the yoke in the lower position, the locking device serves to block the rotation of the yoke and thus ensure good transmission of the propulsion force and other hydrodynamic forces (and / or good propulsion effectiveness) applied to the flap via connections A1, A1' and the clevis pin (not shown) inserted in the locking position forming the lower position.

[0103] In one or more embodiments, the wave energy conversion system for propulsion can include at least two locking devices symmetrically disposed on both sides of the plane XM and a first locking position and a second locking position.

[0104] In one or more embodiments, the wave energy conversion system for propulsion can include at least three locking positions on one side or either side of the plane XM. Such an arrangement serves to place the wave energy conversion system for propulsion in one or more intermediate positions between the operating configuration (i.e., the lower position of the yoke) and the raised position (i.e., the upper position of the yoke).

[0105] Reference Figure 2b or Figure 3 , the wave energy conversion system for propulsion can include one or a plurality of members 260 for actuating the lift, which are configured to place the propulsion flap in the operating configuration or the raised configuration.

[0106] The members for lift actuation can be arranged between the base and the yoke via respective pivot connections. For example, the lift actuation member can be a hydraulic cylinder, such as a bi-directional linear cylinder, or a screw-nut system.

[0107] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of lift actuation members are a plurality of hydraulic systems (or a plurality of screw-nut systems), which include at least two hydraulic systems (or at least two screw-nut systems). Preferably, the plurality of hydraulic cylinders (or plurality of screw-nut systems) for the lift actuation member 260 include at least four hydraulic cylinders (at least four screw-nut systems).

[0108] For example ( Figure 2b orFigure 3 ) The cylinders for the plurality of hydraulic cylinders 260 can be connected to the base through corresponding pivot connections A6, and the rod of each hydraulic cylinder for transmitting the force (e.g., by pushing) for driving the movement of the articulated assembly and the flap can be connected to the yoke through a corresponding connection A7. See Figure 3 or Figure 2b . During actuation of the cylinder for switching from the working configuration to the raised configuration (after unlocking the locked position by the locking device) or from the raised configuration to the working configuration, the force exerted by the rod of the cylinder on the yoke allows it to follow the rotation around the base of the connections A1, A1' formed by the plate and the journal, such that the yoke moves together with the articulated assembly and the propulsion flap (or flaps) from the lower position to the upper position. See Figure 3 .

[0109] The flap can seemingly be a thin structure mainly extending in two directions, namely the longitudinal direction x and the transverse direction y, with a small thickness along the third direction (direction Z). The thickness of the flap can vary between the leading edge and the trailing edge in the manner of an aerodynamic aileron.

[0110] The flap can have a rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal or even elliptical shape. As an example, the shape of the flap can resemble the tail of a marine mammal such as a dolphin or a whale. The flap can have dimensions where the length along the axis Y is greater than the length along the axis X. The thickness of the flap is defined to be consistent with other dimensions, especially from the perspective of the resistance to forward movement (involving minimizing the drag).

[0111] The dimensions of the propulsion flap must be suitable for the dimensions of the wave energy conversion system for propulsion, which itself is suitable for the environmental conditions and the limitations of the vessel. For example, the dimensions of the flap can range from 4 to 46 meters in length (the length usually does not exceed the length of the ship), 2 to 13 meters in width, and up to a maximum thickness (height) of 200 centimeters. More precisely, the dimensions are a length of 30 meters, a width of 8.75 meters, and a maximum height (or thickness) of 130 centimeters at the end of the flap.

[0112] According to an embodiment, the flap can be made of steel or a composite material (plastic of the fiberglass or carbon fiber type) or a combination of both. In the case of an embodiment with a composite material, by particularly controlling the layout of the fibers along the chord of the wing, the flap can be configured to provide some flexibility for propulsion. This flexibility optimizes aspects of propulsion, such as the fin plate. In addition, by using a composite material to implement the flap, the system can also be made lighter.

[0113] According to an embodiment, the flap can have an aircraft wing profile or a symmetric NACA - type profile.

[0114] Figure 3 Shown in the raised configuration Figure 2aCross-section B-B' and side view of the wave energy conversion system for propulsion.

[0115] The flap 105 can be brought completely outside the water via the lifting actuator member 260, thus allowing the yoke (and thus the articulated assembly) to rotate about the pivot connections A1, A1', where the base allows switching from a lower position to an upper position.

[0116] In this raised configuration, since the rear part of the vessel can be completely (or partially) freed, various operations can be carried out, such as towing of the vessel (e.g., emergency towing) or berthing at a dock. In fact, the size of the wave energy conversion system for propulsion is generally adapted to the size of the vessel and can be relatively large compared to the limited space near a port or mooring dock.

[0117] Furthermore, this detachment does not reduce the usable surface area of the deck (e.g., the main deck) located at the rear of the vessel.

[0118] Moreover, the detachment of the wave energy conversion system for propulsion outside the water can ensure the integrity of the wave energy conversion system or the vessel during environmental conditions not suitable for its use, or even guarantee the safe mooring of the vessel without structural damage.

[0119] This detachment can further be used to free up space in the case where the vessel is towed by another vessel.

[0120] For this purpose, since the third protrusion includes a through-opening 210c, the towing cable 340 can pass through. Placing the flap in the seat configuration can be used to free up the space defined by the opening cone, which starts from the opening and has an opening angle 360 of at least 180° in a plane perpendicular to the central plane XM and at least 30° in the central plane XM, preferably 60° in the plane XM. This opening cone can be defined according to SOLAS standards, which cover the towing of high-tonnage vessels such as LNG carriers.

[0121] This third protrusion including the through-opening can be used to pass through the towing cable for towing the vessel / ship, whether it is in the working configuration or the raised configuration. Preferably, the towing and the use of the total cable with the third protrusion are carried out in the raised configuration.

[0122] In Figure 3 it is also shown the deployment of the rod of the hydraulic cylinder 260 when the yoke has moved from the lower position to the upper position.

[0123] Furthermore, when the flap is in the raised configuration, the locking device can be used to relieve the stress applied to the lifting actuator member 260 (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder or an irreversible screw-nut system) and prevent any fall of the flap and the articulated assembly in the case of a failure of the lifting actuator member.

[0124] Advantageously, when the lifting actuator member 260 is one or more irreversible screw-nut systems, the irreversibility of the irreversible screw-nut system significantly improves the prevention of any dropping of the flap and hinge assembly in the event of any failure of the lifting actuator member.

[0125] In one or more embodiments, the rotational angle of the yoke about the axis of the pivot (A1, A1') between the lower position and the upper position is greater than 70°, preferably greater than 105°, and more preferably greater than 120°.

[0126] Figure 4 Illustrates the kinematics of the flap for propulsion in the working configuration under the pitching of the ship and the action of the waves.

[0127] During the rotational movement of the one or more flap arms (and thus the propulsion flap) about the pivot connections A2, A3, A2', A3' generated by the movement of the waves, the one or more assemblies of movement control elements that drive the oscillatory movement of the flap suitable for the propulsion of the ship can restore the one or more flap arms and the propulsion flap to their original positions.

[0128] The flap arm may include at least one adjustment member 410 for the angle between the flap and the flap arm in the vertical plane and along the transverse direction of the flap (or in the plane XM). For example, the adjustment member may be one or more hydraulic cylinders (e.g., linear cylinders), where each cylinder is pivotally connected to the flap arm at A8, and the rod of each cylinder is pivotally connected to the flap at A9. Thus, the angle between the flap and the one or more flap arms can be actively adjusted during the surge phenomenon, making it possible to optimize the propulsion effect of the wave energy conversion system. By injecting energy into this flap / horizontal arm connection, the resonance in the oscillation of the mechanical system and thus the propulsion performance peak are made more pronounced.

[0129] Figure 5 Illustrates a wave energy conversion system for propulsion mounted translationally on a ship.

[0130] In this embodiment, the yoke 115 can be mounted translationally on the base 110 fixed to the ship 103.

[0131] The principle of the hinge assembly and propulsion is the same as in the previously presented embodiments, except that the flap can be placed in the working configuration or the raised configuration by translational movement along the direction Z or along an inclined ramp.

[0132] The locking device can be placed at various levels along the base for fixing the hinge assembly at various heights corresponding to various heights of the propulsion flap.

Claims

1. A wave energy conversion system (100) for propulsion, configured to be installed on a vessel, wherein the system includes a flap (105), wherein the wave energy conversion system is capable of placing the flap in a working configuration in which the flap is submerged in water, or in a raised configuration in which the flap is outside the water, and wherein the wave energy conversion system for propulsion includes: - A base (110) which is mounted at the rear of the vessel (103), wherein the base is connected to a yoke (115) which is movable relative to the base, and wherein the yoke is arranged to place the flap in the working configuration or the raised configuration; - A hinge assembly (120) which connects the flap (105) to the yoke (110), wherein the hinge assembly is arranged to allow oscillation of the flap under the action of the movement of the vessel caused by the movement of the waves when the flap is in the working configuration; - A lifting actuator member (260) which is used to switch from the working configuration to the raised configuration.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The yoke is rotatably mounted on the base between a lower position and an upper position.

3. The system according to the previous claim, characterized in that, The vessel includes a longitudinal direction X and wherein the base includes a first bearing (210a) and a second bearing (210b), wherein the first bearing and the second bearing are arranged on both sides of a central plane (XM), and wherein the yoke (115) is connected to the first bearing and the second bearing by respective journal connections (A1; A1').

4. The system according to the previous claim, characterized in that, The rotational angle of the yoke between the lower position and the upper position about the pivot axis (A1, A1') is greater than 70°, preferably greater than 105°, and more preferably greater than 120°.

5. The system according to the previous claim, characterized in that, The hinge assembly at least includes a first arm (220a) and a second arm (220b) which are connected to the yoke and connected to at least one flap arm (230a) by respective pivot connections (A2, A2', A3, A3'), wherein the first arm and the second arm are arranged to cross in a plane perpendicular to the flap and along the longitudinal direction X of the vessel and pivot relative to each other, wherein the flap arm (230a) is connected to the flap (105) by means of a pivot connection (A4) with the flap, and wherein the hinge assembly is configured such that the oscillation of the flap under the action of the vessel is simultaneously the result of: the operation of the first arm and the second arm pivoting relative to the yoke between the pivot connections (A2', A3') and pivoting relative to the flap arm through the pivot connections (A2, A3), and the operation of the flap relative to the flap arm about the pivot connection (A4) between the flap (105) and the at least one flap arm (230a).

6. The system according to the previous claim, characterized in that, The hinge assembly includes a first arm and a second arm which are respectively connected to an arm or a plurality of flap arms and connected to the yoke, and the first arm and the second arm are symmetrically arranged about the central plane (XM).

7. The system according to claim 5 or 6 above, characterized in that, The articulated assembly includes at least one first assembly (240a, 240b) of active and / or passive movement control elements configured to respectively control the pivoting of the first arm and the second arm, and at least one second assembly (245a, 2045b) of active and / or passive movement control elements, wherein the first assembly (240a, 240b) of movement control elements is arranged between the yoke (115) and the first arm (220a), and wherein the second assembly (245a, 245b) of movement control elements is arranged between the yoke (115) and the second arm (220b).

8. The system according to the previous claim, characterized in that, When the first assembly of movement control elements and / or the second assembly of movement control elements is passive, each assembly of movement control elements respectively includes a first return spring (240a, 245a) and a second return spring (240b, 245b).

9. The system according to any one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that, When the first assembly of movement control elements and / or the second assembly of movement control elements is active, each assembly of movement control elements respectively includes a first cylinder (240a, 245a) and a second cylinder (240b, 245b).

10. The system according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that, The base includes a guiding element for guiding the towing cable (340).

11. The system according to the previous claim, characterized in that, The guiding element is formed as a through-opening, and when the flap is placed in the raised configuration, a space is released and defined by an opening cone starting from the opening, wherein the opening cone (360) is defined by an opening angle of at least 180° in a plane perpendicular to the central plane XM and at least 30° in the central plane XM, preferably at least 60° in the central plane XM.

12. The system according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that, The lifting actuating member (260) is at least one hydraulic cylinder or at least one electric cylinder or at least one screw-nut system.

13. The system according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that, The wave energy conversion system for propulsion includes at least one locking device for locking the flap in the working configuration or the raised configuration.

14. The system according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that, The flap has a rectangular or triangular or trapezoidal or elliptical shape in the plane XY and has a symmetric NACA profile type in the plane XM.

15. The system according to any one of claims 5 to 13 above, characterized in that, The flap arm includes at least one active adjustment member (410) for adjusting the angle between the flap and the flap arm in a plane perpendicular to the flap and along the transverse direction of the flap.

16. An assembly comprising a system according to any one of the previous claims and a vessel, wherein the system is installed at the rear of the vessel, preferably at the stern of the vessel.

17. The assembly according to the previous claim, characterized in that, The base is mounted on the outer rear surface of the hull of the ship near the stern, wherein the base is positioned below the deck of the ship and above the water, such that the yoke is always outside the water, and such that in the raised configuration, the articulated assembly and the flap are completely outside the water without reducing the surface area of the deck of the ship.

18. The assembly according to claim 16 or claim 17, characterized in that, The body of the system is completely contained within the width of the ship.

19. The assembly according to the previous claim, characterized in that, The ship is a cargo ship or a passenger ship.

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