Marine vessel installation and marine vessel

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a marine vessel installation (4) comprising a wind propulsion system (6) and an equipment enclosure (8). The wind propulsion system (6) comprises a base (10) and a wind engagement unit (12), the base (10) being configured to be arranged at the deck structure (14) to support the wind engagement unit (12), the wind propulsion system (6) further comprising at least a first hydraulic actuator (18). The wind propulsion system (6) further comprises a hydraulic power unit (20) arranged in the equipment housing (8). The wind propulsion system (6) further comprises a hydraulic conduit (22) extending from the hydraulic power unit (20) to the first hydraulic actuator (18), the hydraulic conduit (22) extending between the equipment housing (8) and the first hydraulic actuator (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to marine vessel facilities and to marine vessels. Background Art

[0002] For a long time, sails have been considered as propulsion devices for ships. Traditionally, flexible sails are mounted on masts to harness the power of the wind and propel the ship.

[0003] Modern marine vessels typically use fossil fuels and combustion engines to propel the vessel. Wind propulsion is proposed to reduce the overall consumption of fossil fuels. For this purpose, one or more wind engagement units may be used. Such wind engagement units may be common flexible sheet sails, various types of rigid sails, rotor sails, wind turbines or the like.

[0004] The amount of propulsion power generated is related to a number of interrelated factors, but the surface area and other geometric aerodynamic characteristics are the main performance indicators.

[0005] For the purpose of controlling the generated propulsion power, one or more aspects of the wind engagement unit may be controllable. Some wind engagement units may be controllable to assume a working position or a non-working position. In the working position, the wind engagement unit generates propulsion power. In the non-working position of the wind engagement unit, no propulsion power is generated, or at least the generated propulsion power is greatly reduced.

[0006] For example, US2019 / 0216582 discloses a wing sail in which the relative position of a front airfoil and a rear airfoil is controllable, and the wing sail is telescopically nested for towing downwards and / or reefing the sail. EP 474363 discloses a rotor sail which includes a turbine with blades. Aspects of the blades, such as their relative position, are controllable. Further, the turbine is retractable into the rotor of the rotor sail. US 7766601 discloses a vertical axis wind turbine having a central rotating tower on which substantially vertical blades are fixed. The blades are capable of rotating and moving radially with respect to the central tower. The movement of each blade is controlled based on the conditions it experiences in order to optimize the overall performance of the wind turbine. CN 109050856 discloses a bulk carrier which includes a wind propulsion device having a rotatable cylinder using the Magnus effect. Mechanisms swing the cylinder between an upright position relative to the base when the wind energy propulsion device is in an operating state and a horizontal position relative to the base when the wind energy propulsion device is in a maintenance state. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, installing a wind propulsion system on a marine vessel requires setting both the wind engagement unit of the system and the associated control equipment for the wind engagement unit.

[0008] It would be advantageous to improve the existing wind propulsion system for marine vessels. In particular, it would be desirable to facilitate the installation and / or maintenance of the wind propulsion system of a marine vessel. To better address one or more of these concerns, there is provided a marine vessel installation and / or one or more of a marine vessel having the features defined in at least one of the independent claims.

[0009] According to one aspect, there is provided a marine vessel installation comprising a wind propulsion system and an equipment housing. The wind propulsion system comprises a base and a wind engagement unit, the base being configured to be arranged at a deck structure of a marine vessel and to support the wind engagement unit, and the wind engagement unit comprising at least one movable part displaceable relative to the base. The wind propulsion system further comprises at least a first hydraulic actuator arranged to engage with the at least one movable part for its displacement relative to the base. The wind propulsion system further comprises a hydraulic power unit arranged in the equipment housing and arranged to supply hydraulic power at least to the first hydraulic actuator. The wind propulsion system further comprises a hydraulic conduit extending from the hydraulic power unit to the first hydraulic actuator, the hydraulic conduit extending between the equipment housing and the first hydraulic actuator.

[0010] Since the marine vessel installation comprises a wind propulsion system and an equipment housing, since the wind propulsion system comprises at least a first hydraulic actuator, since the wind propulsion system comprises a hydraulic power unit arranged in the equipment housing, and since the wind propulsion system further comprises a hydraulic conduit extending between the equipment housing and the first hydraulic actuator - the marine vessel installation is configured for easy installation on a marine vessel and for easy maintenance thereon.

[0011] That is, by arranging the equipment housing on the marine vessel, the hydraulic power unit and thus the power supply to the first hydraulic actuator are provided on the marine vessel as a module, while the base (optionally together with the wind engagement unit and the first hydraulic actuator) is provided as a separate module.

[0012] More specifically, a marine vessel installation comprising a base and a wind engagement unit on the one hand and an equipment housing having a hydraulic power unit arranged therein on the other hand forms a modular installation. Additionally, the equipment housing can thus have an uncomplicated geometric form, and thus, the associated marine vessel can be more easily prepared for the installation of the marine vessel installation. In particular, the installation of the equipment housing having its relatively uncomplicated shape is easy compared to the installation of a hydraulic power unit which is usually geometrically more complex. Further, by accessing the equipment housing, maintenance personnel can easily perform maintenance on the hydraulic power unit.

[0013] When additional devices and / or components of the wind propulsion system are arranged in the equipment housing, an even easier setup is provided. For each additional device / component of the wind propulsion system that is arranged in the equipment housing and can thus be provided on the relevant marine vessel together with the equipment housing, the additional device / component does not have to be provided on the marine vessel individually. Similarly, for each additional device / component of the wind propulsion system arranged in the equipment housing, maintenance personnel can easily access the additional component for, for example, performing maintenance and / or system checks.

[0014] Whether retrofitting an existing marine vessel with a wind propulsion system or providing a wind propulsion system on a newly produced marine vessel, the advantages of the easy setup of the current marine vessel facilities by using a hydraulic power unit arranged in the equipment housing and possible additional devices / components of the wind propulsion system are readily available.

[0015] It has been recognized by the inventors that due to the different designs of the decks of each marine vessel, the installation of the hydraulic power unit for the wind engagement unit and / or the control equipment of the wind engagement unit at the deck of the marine vessel is complex. Each marine vessel facility may have to be adapted to the individual layout of the relevant deck. The placement of the hydraulic power unit and / or the control equipment may vary between each marine vessel, and thus, the foundation of the hydraulic power unit and the connecting elements such as hydraulic conduits will have to be adapted to each individual marine vessel. The currently proposed modular marine vessel facilities avoid this problem of the variation and thus expensive installation of the wind propulsion system, or at least significantly facilitate the installation of the wind propulsion system. The modular and thus (at least to some extent) standardized marine vessel facilities will be easier to install and thus provide a less expensive facility. In addition, the modular marine vessel facilities can gain easier acceptance in the shipping industry (especially in the shipbuilding industry). Thus, the shipbuilding industry can prepare the marine vessel for the installation of the equipment housing by, for example, providing dedicated space at the deck structure with a foundation for the equipment housing.

[0016] It has been further recognized by the inventors that the modular concept will not only provide benefits from the perspective of setup but also facilitate the maintenance and / or refurbishment of the marine vessel facilities once installed on the marine vessel. When installing a new marine vessel facility on the marine vessel, the entire equipment housing is lifted onto the deck structure of the relevant marine vessel, and the hydraulic conduit is connected between the hydraulic power unit and the first hydraulic actuator. In addition, for example, the refurbishment of the current marine vessel facility can be performed by disconnecting the hydraulic conduit between the hydraulic power unit and the first hydraulic actuator and removing the currently installed equipment housing. Install the new equipment housing, reconnect the hydraulic conduit, and the marine vessel is ready for use. The removed equipment housing can be repaired away from the marine vessel and can be used for different marine vessel facilities as a new or replacement equipment housing.

[0017] An ocean vessel installation is configured to at least contribute to the propulsion of an ocean vessel on which the ocean vessel installation is mounted. The ocean vessel may typically be a vessel used in the maritime commercial transportation of goods and / or passengers. However, the ocean vessel may alternatively be a larger type of recreational yacht.

[0018] The wind propulsion system may alternatively be referred to herein as the propulsion system.

[0019] As mentioned above, the wind propulsion system includes a wind engagement unit, i.e., a unit adapted to engage with the wind. Additionally, the propulsion system includes means for controlling the wind engagement unit (for controlling its position between a working position and a non-working position and / or for controlling the position of at least a part of the wind engagement unit relative to the wind). Such means include a first hydraulic actuator and a hydraulic power unit. Such means may also include, for example, one or more additional hydraulic actuators, hydraulic control equipment, valves, electronic control equipment, monitoring equipment, etc.

[0020] The base being configured to be arranged at the deck structure of the ocean vessel means that the base is configured to directly fix the wind engagement unit to the deck of the ocean vessel or indirectly to the deck, such as, via, for example, the superstructure of the ocean vessel, a dedicated construction structure or the like, fixed above or near the deck. The deck or the superstructure or the dedicated construction structure may be specifically reinforced to withstand the stresses that the base and the wind engagement unit may subject the deck and / or the superstructure and / or the dedicated construction structure to during the use of the ocean vessel installation. Thus, the propulsion power generated by the wind engagement unit is transmitted to the ocean vessel via the base so as to contribute to the propulsion of the ocean vessel. Therefore, mounting a base configured for use on an ocean vessel to support the wind engagement unit means that the wind engagement unit is directly or indirectly connected to a part of the base, such as the upper part of the base. The lower part of the base is connected to the deck of the ocean vessel (directly or indirectly via, for example, the superstructure). For example, such a structure may be configured to raise the wind engagement unit a distance above the deck of the ocean vessel.

[0021] At least one movable part of the wind engagement unit that is displaceable relative to the base may be, for example, a movable part configured to control the direction and / or magnitude of the propulsion force generated by the wind engagement unit or the wind engagement unit as a whole, which may be displaceable between a working position and a non-working position.

[0022] The base is separate from the equipment housing, i.e., the base is a separate entity from the equipment housing. Hydraulic conduits and optional other conduits may extend between the equipment housing and, for example, the first hydraulic actuator at the base. Still, the base and the equipment housing are separate entities in the sense that they may be handled separately (e.g., during the installation of the ocean vessel installation on the ocean vessel).

[0023] In this text, the equipment housing may alternatively be referred to as the housing. The equipment housing is a housing designed to accommodate at least a hydraulic power unit and optionally additional control equipment for a wind propulsion system. The equipment housing may be a closed housing such that the hydraulic power unit and the optional additional control equipment are protected from the surrounding environment of the marine vessel, such as from precipitation, low temperatures, and high temperatures. The equipment housing may be provided with climate control equipment, such as heaters, air conditioners, etc.

[0024] The first hydraulic actuator may be a hydraulic cylinder or a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic power unit includes a hydraulic pump that can be driven (e.g., by an electric motor). The hydraulic pump pressurizes a hydraulic fluid (such as hydraulic oil) that circulates in the hydraulic system of the wind propulsion system. Thus, the hydraulic power generated by the hydraulic power unit is pressurized hydraulic fluid.

[0025] The hydraulic conduit extending from the hydraulic power unit to the first hydraulic actuator may include two or more conduit sections. Some conduit sections may extend between the hydraulic power unit and a connector or coupling element that is arranged as a transition element from the interior of the equipment housing to the exterior of the housing. Additionally, from the exterior of the equipment housing, the hydraulic conduit sections may extend between the equipment housing and the first hydraulic actuator.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the wind engagement unit may include a wing sail, wherein the wing sail may include a main wing sail having an airfoil shape and a flap having an airfoil shape. The first hydraulic actuator may control the position of the main wing sail relative to the base and / or the position of the flap relative to the main wing sail. In this way, a wind engagement unit in the form of a wing sail with a controllable flap can be provided, and the first hydraulic actuator is configured to control the controllable flap and is powered by a hydraulic power unit from the equipment housing.

[0027] The wind propulsion system may include additional hydraulic actuators for controlling one or more additional controllable aspects of the wing sail, such as the angular position of the wing sail and thus the direction of the propulsion force generated by the wing sail.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the first hydraulic actuator may control the wind engagement unit between an upright position and a substantially horizontal position. In this way, the wind engagement unit can be controlled by the first hydraulic actuator to assume an upright position or a substantially horizontal position.

[0029] The upright position may be a working position in which the wind engagement unit is positioned to propel the marine vessel. The substantially horizontal position may be a non - working position in which the wind engagement unit does not contribute (at least not to any great extent) to propelling the vessel.

[0030] In an embodiment in which the first hydraulic actuator controls the flap of the wing sail, one or more additional hydraulic actuators may control the wind engagement unit between an upright position and a substantially horizontal position.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the wind propulsion system may include additional hydraulic conduits that extend from a hydraulic power unit to one or more hydraulic actuators of an additional wind engagement unit, the additional hydraulic conduits extending between the equipment housing and the one or more hydraulic actuators of the additional wind engagement unit.

[0032] In this way, the hydraulic power unit may supply hydraulic power to one or more hydraulic actuators of at least one additional wind engagement unit of a relevant marine vessel.

[0033] According to some embodiments, a marine vessel facility may include at least one additional wind propulsion system and an additional equipment housing for each additional wind propulsion system. Each additional wind propulsion system may include a base and a wind engagement unit, the base of each additional wind propulsion system configured to be disposed at a deck structure of a marine vessel and to support the wind engagement unit of each additional wind propulsion system. The wind engagement unit of each additional wind propulsion system may include at least one movable part that is displaceable relative to the base. Each additional wind propulsion system may further include at least one hydraulic actuator arranged to engage the at least one movable part for its displacement relative to the base of the additional wind propulsion system. Each additional wind propulsion system may include a hydraulic power unit disposed in each additional equipment housing, the hydraulic power unit arranged to supply hydraulic power to at least one hydraulic actuator of the relevant additional wind propulsion system. Each additional wind propulsion system may further include additional hydraulic conduits that extend from the hydraulic power unit of the respective one of each additional equipment housing to the respective one of at least one hydraulic actuator of each additional wind propulsion system, the additional hydraulic conduits extending between each additional equipment housing and the respective one of at least one hydraulic actuator. In this way, at least two separate modular wind propulsion systems may be provided for one marine vessel, and the advantages of easy setup and maintenance may be applied to each of the wind propulsion system and at least one additional wind propulsion system.

[0034] According to a further aspect, there is provided a marine vessel that includes a marine vessel facility according to any one of the aspects and / or embodiments discussed herein.

[0035] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the appended claims and the following detailed description are studied. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Various aspects and / or embodiments of the present invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood by way of example embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1Shows an ocean vessel according to an embodiment,

[0038] Figure 2 Schematically shows an ocean vessel facility according to an embodiment,

[0039] Figure 3 Schematically shows a wind engagement unit according to an embodiment, and

[0040] Figure 4a and Figure 4b Schematically shows a wind propulsion system according to an embodiment. Detailed Description

[0041] Aspects and / or embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail.

[0042] Figure 1 Shows an ocean vessel 2 according to an embodiment.

[0043] Ocean vessel 2 includes an ocean vessel facility 4 according to any one of the aspects and / or embodiments discussed herein (especially with reference to Figures 2 - 4b ).

[0044] Ocean vessel facility 4 includes a wind propulsion system 6 and an equipment housing 8.

[0045] Wind propulsion system 6 includes a base 10 and a wind engagement unit 12. Wind engagement unit 12 is configured to generate a force when subjected to wind, the force contributing to the propulsion of ocean vessel 2. Base 10 is configured to be arranged at the deck structure 14 of ocean vessel 2 and support wind engagement unit 12. That is, base 10 connects wind engagement unit 12 to ocean vessel 2, such as to the deck of ocean vessel 2, so as to transfer the propulsion force to ocean vessel 2.

[0046] Equipment housing 8 houses control equipment for at least a first hydraulic actuator at base 10 and / or wind engagement unit 12, such as a hydraulic power unit. The control equipment and the first hydraulic actuator are included in wind propulsion system 6. Refer to Figures 2 - 4b and see further below.

[0047] Hydraulic conduits (not shown) extend between equipment housing 8 and the first hydraulic actuator.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, wind engagement unit 12 includes a wing sail. The wing sail as a whole may form a movable part, and / or parts of the wing sail (such as one or more flaps) may form a movable part of the wing sail. Such a movable part may be displaced relative to base 10. For example, a first hydraulic actuator may be arranged to engage with the movable part for its displacement relative to base 10. Refer to Figures 3 - 4b, see further below.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the marine vessel installation 4 includes at least one additional wind propulsion system 6', 6'' and an additional equipment housing 8', 8'' for each additional wind propulsion system 6', 6''.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the marine vessel installation 4 includes three wind propulsion systems 6, 6', 6'' and three equipment housings 8, 8', 8''.

[0051] In alternative embodiments, the marine vessel installation may include fewer than three (such as one or two) wind propulsion systems with associated equipment housings, or more than three (such as in the range of 4 - 12) wind propulsion systems with associated equipment housings.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the wind engagement unit 12 may be a wing sail, a rotor sail, a turbine sail or a similar device.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the wind engagement unit 12 is a wing sail.

[0054] The rotor sail may utilize the so-called Magnus effect and may include, for example, a Flettner rotor. The turbine sail may sometimes be referred to as a suction sail. Other similar devices may include, for example, kites or wind turbines.

[0055] Figure 2 The marine vessel installation 4 according to an embodiment is schematically illustrated.

[0056] The marine vessel installation 4 may be the marine vessel installation 4 as discussed above with reference to Figure 1 Therefore, hereinafter, reference is also made to Figure 1 .

[0057] Again, the marine vessel installation 4 includes a wind propulsion system 6 and an equipment housing 8. The wind propulsion system 6 includes a base 10 and a wind engagement unit 12. The base 10 is configured to be arranged at the deck structure 14 of the marine vessel and to support the wind engagement unit 12.

[0058] The wind engagement unit 12 includes at least one movable part 16 that is displaceable relative to the base 10.

[0059] The wind propulsion system 6 further includes at least a first hydraulic actuator 18 that is arranged to engage with at least one movable part 16 for its displacement relative to the base 10.

[0060] The wind propulsion system 6 further includes a hydraulic power unit 20 arranged in the equipment housing 8. The hydraulic power unit 20 is arranged to supply hydraulic power at least to the first hydraulic actuator 18.

[0061] The wind propulsion system further includes a hydraulic conduit 22 extending from the hydraulic power unit 20 to the first hydraulic actuator 18. The hydraulic conduit 22 extends between the housing 8 and the first hydraulic actuator 18.

[0062] The modular marine vessel installation 4 is provided by a base 10, a wind engagement unit 12, and a first hydraulic actuator 18 (forming part of the first module 21), and an equipment housing 8 in which a hydraulic power unit 20 is arranged (forming part of the second module 23). In Figure 2 this, the first module 21 and the second module 23 are indicated by double-dashed lines.

[0063] Each of the first module 21 and the second module 23 can be handled separately (e.g., during installation of the marine vessel installation 4 on a marine vessel). Once installed, the hydraulic conduit 22 between the equipment housing 8 and the first hydraulic actuator 18 is connected, and the marine vessel installation 4 is mechanically and hydraulically ready to operate on the marine vessel 2.

[0064] It can be noted that the components of the wind propulsion system 6 are distributed between the two modules 21, 23 to facilitate the installation and / or maintenance of the wind propulsion system 6. Specifically, the hydraulic components of the wind propulsion system 6 are allocated to the first module 21 including the base 10 and the wind engagement unit 12 or to the second module 23 including the housing 8. Typically, the actuators (such as the first actuator 18) of the wind engagement system 6 are allocated to the first module 21, and the hydraulic power supply and control equipment are allocated to the second module 23.

[0065] According to an embodiment (such as the illustrated embodiment), the equipment housing 8 forms a movable module configured to be set at the deck structure 14 of the marine vessel 2 for connection of the hydraulic conduit 22 extending between the equipment housing 8 and the first hydraulic actuator 18 of the wind propulsion system 6. In this way, the equipment housing 8 can form a module, such as the first module 21 discussed above, which can be set and removed as a unit of the wind propulsion system 6. This facilitates the setting and / or maintenance and / or replacement of the equipment housing 8.

[0066] Thus, the housing 8 forming the movable module forms a separate entity that can be moved (e.g., using a crane). For example, during the setting of the equipment housing 8, the housing 8 can be lifted onto the deck structure 14 of the marine vessel 2. Similarly, for maintenance and / or replacement, the equipment housing 8 forming the movable module can be lifted from the deck structure 14 of the marine vessel 2.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the equipment housing 8 can have the external dimensions of a standardized transport container, such as the external dimensions of an ISO container. In this way, a standardized container size can be used for the equipment housing 8, which can facilitate the handling of the housing 8. That is, the lifting and transport arrangements for standardized transport containers are readily available.

[0068] ISO containers are containers of standardized sizes. ISO containers come in various standardized sizes, such as 10-, 20-, 30- or 40-foot containers. A suitable-sized ISO container housing for the equipment, having the external dimensions of a standardized transport container, can be selected depending on the space required for the hydraulic power unit 20 and any additional equipment arranged within the equipment housing 8.

[0069] Within the external dimensions of a standardized transport container (such as an ISO container, a shipping container or an intermodal container), the equipment housing can be structurally stronger than such a standardized container. For example, compared to an ISO container, the frame of the equipment housing can be stronger and the wall elements can be stronger and / or better insulated.

[0070] Alternatively, the container can have standardized external dimensions different from those of an ISO container.

[0071] According to an embodiment (such as the one shown), the equipment housing 8 includes a plurality of wall elements 24, 26, 26' that enclose a space 28. In this way, the hydraulic power unit 20 and other equipment accommodated within the equipment housing 8 are arranged in a protected manner within the space 28 formed by the wall elements 24, 26, 26'.

[0072] According to an embodiment (such as the one shown), the equipment housing 8 has a cuboid shape, wherein the plurality of wall elements 24, 26, 26' includes a first wall element 26 and a second wall element 26'. The first wall element 26 and the second wall element 26' form opposite side walls of the equipment housing 8. At least one of the first wall element 26 and the second wall element 26' is openable or removable to provide access to the space 28 enclosed by the plurality of wall elements 24, 26, 26' inside the equipment housing 8, and / or includes an opening 30 that provides access to the space 28. In this way, access to the space 28 within the housing 8 can be provided.

[0073] More specifically, a large opening is provided for at least one of the openable or removable first wall element 26 and second wall element 26' for moving equipment into or out of the housing 8. In the embodiment shown, the second wall element 26' is removable, as indicated by the dashed line. For example, the second wall element 26' can be bolted to the frame of the equipment housing 8 or to other wall elements 24. The opening 30 that provides access to the space 28 can be provided, for example, at one of the wall elements 24 that form the long side of the cuboid shape. An openable and closable door can be provided at the opening 30. Through the opening 30 and the door, maintenance personnel can enter the space 28 and access the equipment therein.

[0074] According to an embodiment, such as the one shown, the hydraulic power unit 20 includes a hydraulic pump 32, an electric motor 34 arranged to drive the hydraulic pump 32, and a control arrangement 36, and wherein the control arrangement 36 is configured to at least control the supply of hydraulic fluid to and from the first hydraulic actuator 18. In this way, means for controlling the first hydraulic actuator 18 can be provided.

[0075] The control arrangement 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20 may include valves for directing hydraulic fluid to and from chambers within the first hydraulic actuator 18 to control the actuation of one or more aspects of the wind engagement unit 12 by means of the first hydraulic actuator 18. A control unit 38 for the hydraulic power unit 20 may form part of the control arrangement 36 and may optionally also be configured to control the electric motor 34.

[0076] The hydraulic power unit 20 may include more than one hydraulic pump and / or electric motor.

[0077] The hydraulic power unit 20 and the first hydraulic actuator 18 form part of the hydraulic system of the wind propulsion system 6. A hydraulic fluid, such as hydraulic oil, circulates within the hydraulic system through the hydraulic power unit 20.

[0078] The hydraulic system and thus the wind propulsion system 6 may include additional hydraulic components, such as one or more additional hydraulic actuators 19, 19' arranged to control additional aspects of the wind engagement unit 12, a hydraulic fluid reservoir (not shown), and additional hydraulic conduits 25 extending from the hydraulic power unit 20 to, for example, one or more additional hydraulic actuators 19, 19'.

[0079] Each of the hydraulic conduits 22 extending from the hydraulic power unit 20 to the first hydraulic actuator 18 may include two or more conduit sections. At least one of such conduit sections extends within the housing 8, and at least one such conduit section extends outside the housing 8. A standard connector or coupling element 27 is arranged as a transition element between the interior and the exterior of the equipment housing 8 and thus between the conduit section extending within the housing 8 and the conduit section extending outside the housing 8. In Figure 2 FIG., the connector or coupling element 27 is schematically indicated.

[0080] Thus, when the equipment housing 8 is mounted on the marine vessel 2, the conduit sections of the hydraulic conduits 22 may already be provided between the hydraulic power unit 20 and the connector or coupling element 27. Once the housing 8 is mounted on the marine vessel, the conduit sections of the hydraulic conduits 22 can be connected between the connector or coupling element 27 and the first hydraulic actuator 18.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the marine vessel installation 4 may include a control arrangement 40 for the wind propulsion system 6. The control arrangement 40 for the wind propulsion system 6 may be connected to the control arrangement 42 of the marine vessel and to the control arrangement 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20, and may be configured to apply a control signal to the control arrangement 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20 based on a signal from the control arrangement 42 of the marine vessel 2. In this way, the control arrangement 40 for the wind propulsion system 6 may form an interface for higher system level commands and / or information from the control arrangement 42 of the marine vessel to the control arrangement 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20.

[0082] Since the control arrangement 40 for the wind propulsion system 6 is connected to the control arrangement 42 of the marine vessel, the control arrangement 40 for the wind propulsion system 6 may communicate with the control arrangement 42 of the marine vessel 2.

[0083] The control arrangement 42 of the marine vessel may send commands to the control arrangement 40 for the wind propulsion system 6, such as: "Enable the wind propulsion system", "Disable the wind propulsion system", "Provide maximum propulsion power", "Provide 50% of the maximum propulsion power".

[0084] The control arrangement 42 of the marine vessel may send information to the control arrangement 40 for the wind propulsion system 6, such as: "Wind direction 180 degrees", "Wind speed 15 km / h", "Vessel travel direction". Alternatively or additionally, the control arrangement 40 for the wind propulsion system 6 may be connected to a sensor such as an anemometer, which provides information to the control arrangement 40 for the wind propulsion system 6.

[0085] Based on the commands and optional information provided by the control arrangement 42 of the marine vessel or by the sensor of the control arrangement 40 for the wind propulsion system 6, the control arrangement 40 for the wind propulsion system 6 is configured to apply a control signal to the control arrangement 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20 to implement the commands from the control arrangement 42 of the marine vessel.

[0086] For example:

[0087] - In response to the command "Enable the wind propulsion system", the control arrangement 40 for the wind propulsion system 6 applies a control signal to the control arrangement 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20, which causes the control arrangement 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20 to operate the first hydraulic actuator 18 and / or one or more other hydraulic actuators to position the wind engagement unit 12 in the working position for propelling the marine vessel 2.

[0088] - In response to the command "deactivate the wind propulsion system", the control arrangement 40 for the wind propulsion system 6 applies a control signal to the control arrangement 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20, which causes the control arrangement 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20 to operate the first hydraulic actuator 18 and / or one or more other hydraulic actuators for positioning the wind engagement unit 12 in a non-operating position in which the wind engagement unit 12 does not contribute to propelling the marine vessel 2 to any great extent.

[0089] - In response to the command "provide maximum propulsion power" and using information about the wind direction, optionally the wind speed, and the direction of travel of the marine vessel 2, the control arrangement 40 for the wind propulsion system 6 applies a control signal to the control arrangement 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20, which causes the control arrangement 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20 to operate the first hydraulic actuator 18 and / or one or more other hydraulic actuators for positioning the wind engagement unit 12 and / or a part thereof in a position that provides maximum propulsion power under the current wind and travel conditions.

[0090] - In response to the command "provide 50% of the maximum propulsion power" and using information about the wind direction, optionally the wind speed, and the direction of travel of the marine vessel 2, the control arrangement 40 for the wind propulsion system 6 applies a control signal to the control arrangement 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20, which causes the control arrangement 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20 to operate the first hydraulic actuator 18 and / or one or more other hydraulic actuators for positioning the wind engagement unit 12 and / or a part thereof in a position that provides approximately half of the maximum propulsion power that can be generated by the wind engagement unit 12 under the current wind and travel conditions.

[0091] The control arrangement 40 for the wind propulsion system 6 includes a computing unit, which can take the form of essentially any suitable type of processor circuit or microcomputer, such as a circuit for digital signal processing (digital signal processor, DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), a processing unit, a processing circuit, a processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microprocessor or other processing logic that can interpret and execute instructions. The expression computing unit as used herein can represent a processing circuit that includes a plurality of processing circuits (such as any, some or all of those mentioned above). The control arrangement 40 can include a memory unit. The computing unit is connected to the memory unit, which provides, for example, stored program code and / or stored data to the computing unit, which the computing unit requires to enable it to perform calculations. The computing unit can also be adapted to store parts or final results of the calculations in the memory unit. The memory unit can include physical means for temporarily or persistently storing data or programs (i.e., sequences of instructions). The stored program code can be configured to execute commands from the control arrangement 42 of the marine vessel 2 and apply them to the control arrangement 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20. The stored program code can be configured to interpret information from the control arrangement 42 of the marine vessel 2 and / or sensors of the control arrangement 40 for the wind propulsion system 6. The control arrangement 40 for the wind propulsion system 6 includes a communication interface circuit, which is configured to communicate with the control arrangement 42 of the marine vessel 2 and the control arrangement 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20.

[0092] According to an embodiment (such as the illustrated embodiment), the marine vessel installation 4 includes one or more of a battery power pack 44, a generator 45, a cooling unit 46, a heating unit 48 and an air dehumidifier 50 arranged within the equipment housing 8. In this way, backup power can be provided to the wind propulsion system 6, and / or air conditioning equipment can be provided to obtain suitable operating conditions for the hydraulic power unit 20 and other equipment within the equipment housing 8.

[0093] With reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , embodiments including more than one wind propulsion system 6, 6', 6'' are discussed.

[0094] As shown in Figure 1 and as indicated by the dashed lines in Figure 2 the marine vessel installation 4 can include at least one additional wind propulsion system 6', 6'' and one additional equipment housing 8', 8'' for each additional wind propulsion system 6', 6''.

[0095] Each additional wind propulsion system 6', 6'' includes a base 10', 10'' and a wind engagement unit 12', 12''. The bases 10', 10'' of each additional wind propulsion system 6', 6'' are configured to be disposed at the deck structure 14 of the marine vessel 2 and support the wind engagement units 12', 12'' of each additional wind propulsion system 6', 6''.

[0096] The wind engagement units 12', 12'' of each additional wind propulsion system 6', 6'' include at least one movable part 16' that is displaceable relative to the base 10', 10'' of each additional wind propulsion system 6', 6''. Each additional wind propulsion system 6', 6'' also includes at least one hydraulic actuator 18' that is arranged to engage at least one movable part 16' of the respective additional wind propulsion system 6', 6'' for displacement of the at least one movable part 16' relative to the base 10', 10'' of each additional wind propulsion system 6', 6''.

[0097] Each additional wind propulsion system 6', 6'' includes a hydraulic power unit 20' disposed in each additional equipment housing 8', 8''. The hydraulic power unit 20' of each additional wind propulsion system 6', 6'' is arranged to supply hydraulic power at least to the at least one hydraulic actuator 18' of the associated additional wind propulsion system 6', 6''.

[0098] Each additional wind propulsion system 6', 6'' includes additional hydraulic conduits 22' that extend from the hydraulic power unit 20' of the respective additional equipment housing 8', 8'' to the respective at least one hydraulic actuator 18' of each additional wind propulsion system 6', 6''. The additional hydraulic conduits 22' extend between each additional equipment housing 8', 8'' and the respective at least one hydraulic actuator 18' of each additional wind propulsion system 6', 6''.

[0099] In Figure 2 only one additional wind propulsion system 6' and one additional equipment housing 8' are shown. In addition, the additional wind propulsion systems and associated additional equipment housings not shown may correspond to the wind propulsion system 6 and the additional wind propulsion system 6' and the equipment housing 8 and the additional equipment housing 8' shown.

[0100] Each of the additional wind propulsion systems 6', 6'' and the additional equipment housings 8', 8'' may include corresponding components, devices, parts, and assemblies as shown in connection with the wind propulsion system 6 and the equipment housing 8.

[0101] In an alternative embodiment, the hydraulic power unit 20 of the wind propulsion system 6 can supply hydraulic power to at least one additional wind engagement unit 12' of the associated marine vessel. Thus, in such embodiments, a single equipment housing 8 can be provided for the wind engagement unit 12 and the at least one additional wind engagement unit 12'. A dedicated hydraulic conduit can extend from the hydraulic power unit to the first hydraulic actuator of the at least one additional wind engagement unit, and this dedicated hydraulic conduit extends between the equipment housing and the first hydraulic actuator of the at least one additional wind engagement unit.

[0102] Figure 3 FIG. schematically shows a wind engagement unit 12 according to an embodiment.

[0103] The wind engagement unit 12 can be the wind engagement unit 12 of the wind propulsion system 6 as discussed above with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Accordingly, hereinafter, reference is also made to Figure 1 and Figure 2 .

[0104] Again, the wind propulsion system 6 and the equipment housing 8 are included in the marine vessel installation 4. Again, the wind engagement unit 12 is supported by the base 10, and the wind propulsion system 6 includes a first hydraulic actuator 18.

[0105] The wind engagement unit 12 includes a wing sail 52. The wing sail 52 includes a main wing sail 54 having an airfoil shape and a flap 56 having an airfoil shape.

[0106] The first hydraulic actuator 18 is arranged to control the position of the main wing sail 54 relative to the base 10 and / or the position of the flap 56 relative to the main wing sail 54 and / or the base 10. The first hydraulic actuator 18 is configured to control the position of the main wing sail 54 and / or the flap 56 by means of hydraulic power supplied via a hydraulic conduit 22 from a hydraulic power unit arranged in the equipment housing 8.

[0107] According to some embodiments, the wing sail can include one or more additional flaps or other wing sail airfoil modification parts. Additional hydraulic actuators can be arranged for controlling the position of such additional one or more flaps or other wing sail airfoil modification parts.

[0108] Figure 4a and Figure 4b FIG. schematically shows a wind propulsion system 6 according to an embodiment. In Figure 4a , the wind engagement unit 12 of the wind propulsion system 6 is shown in a substantially horizontal position on the marine vessel 2. In Figure 4b , a part of the wind engagement unit 12 is shown in an upright position.

[0109] The wind propulsion system 6 can be the wind propulsion system 6 as discussed above with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2The wind propulsion system 6 discussed. Therefore, hereinafter, reference is also made to Figure 1 and Figure 2 .

[0110] Again, the wind propulsion system 6 and the equipment housing 8 are included in a marine vessel installation. Again, the wind engagement unit 12 is supported by the base 10, and the wind propulsion system 6 includes a first hydraulic actuator 18.

[0111] The upright position of the wind engagement unit 12 is the operating position in which the wind engagement unit 12 is positioned to assist in propelling the marine vessel 2. The substantially horizontal position of the wind engagement unit 12 is the non-operating position in which the wind engagement unit 12 does not assist (at least not to any great extent) in propelling the vessel 2. The substantially horizontal position may be a position in which the longitudinal axis L of the wind engagement unit 12 is disposed at an angle within a range of + / - 15 degrees relative to the waterline W of the marine vessel 2.

[0112] According to these embodiments, the first hydraulic actuator 18 is arranged to control the wind engagement unit 12 between the upright position and the substantially horizontal position. The upright position of the wind engagement unit 12 is also shown in Figure 1 .

[0113] The first hydraulic actuator 18 is configured to control the position of the wind engagement unit 12 by supplying hydraulic power via a hydraulic conduit 22 from a hydraulic power unit arranged in the equipment housing 8.

[0114] Figure 4b The tilting arrangement 300 is schematically shown, which is configured to control the wind engagement unit 12 between its upright position and its substantially horizontal position.

[0115] The tilting arrangement 300 is associated with the base 10 and the shaft 58 connected to the wind engagement unit 12. The shaft 58 is connected at its lower end 60 to a tilting device 310 which has a rotational axis RT about which the wind engagement unit 12 can tilt in the direction shown by the arrow RT. The tilting device 310 is in turn connected to the base 10 via the rotational axis RT.

[0116] The tilting device 310 also includes a locking device 312 which prevents the wind engagement unit 12 from tilting and fixes the shaft 58 and thus the wind engagement unit 12 to the upright position. When the wind engagement unit 12 is to be tilted, the locking device 312 is released.

[0117] The tilting arrangement 300 also includes a tilting drive 350 which includes the first hydraulic actuator 18 in the form of a hydraulic cylinder connected to the base 10. At its opposite end, the first hydraulic actuator 18 is rotatably connected to a torque transmission shaft 330 which is further connected to the shaft 58.

[0118] When the wind engaging unit 12 is to be tilted, the locking device 312 releases. By extending the first hydraulic actuator 18, the torque transmission shaft 330 pushes the shaft 58 to rotate about the rotational axis RT. In this way, the wind engaging unit 12 connected to the shaft 58 tilts about the rotational axis RT to the substantially horizontal position shown in Figure 4a the drawings.

[0119] As an alternative to the first hydraulic actuator 18, one or more additional hydraulic actuators (not shown) may control the wind engaging unit 12 between the upright position and the substantially horizontal position. In such embodiments, the first hydraulic actuator may instead control the position of the main sail relative to the base 10 and / or the position of the flap 56 of the sail relative to the main sail, as discussed above with reference to Figure 3 the drawings.

[0120] It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various exemplary embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the exemplary embodiments may be modified without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims, and that different features of the exemplary embodiments may be combined to produce embodiments other than those described herein.

Claims

1. An offshore marine installation (4), said offshore marine installation (4) comprising a wind propulsion system (6) and an equipment housing (8), wherein said wind propulsion system (6) comprises a base (10) and a wind engagement unit (12), said base (10) being configured to be arranged at a deck structure (14) of an offshore marine vessel (2) and to support said wind engagement unit (12), and said wind engagement unit (12) comprising at least one movable part (16) displaceable relative to said base (10), wherein said wind propulsion system (6) further comprises at least a first hydraulic actuator (18), said first hydraulic actuator (18) being arranged to engage with said at least one movable part (16) for its displacement relative to said base (10), wherein said wind propulsion system (6) further comprises a hydraulic power unit (20) arranged in said equipment housing (8), said hydraulic power unit (20) being arranged to supply hydraulic power at least to said first hydraulic actuator (18), and wherein said wind propulsion system (6) further comprises a hydraulic conduit (22) extending from said hydraulic power unit (20) to said first hydraulic actuator (18), said hydraulic conduit (22) extending between said equipment housing (8) and said first hydraulic actuator (18).

2. The marine vessel facility (4) according to claim 1, wherein, Said equipment housing (8) comprises a plurality of wall elements (24, 26, 26'), said plurality of wall elements (24, 26, 26') enclosing a space (28).

3. The marine vessel facility (4) according to claim 2, wherein, Said equipment housing (8) has a cuboid shape, wherein said plurality of wall elements (24, 26, 26') comprises a first wall element (26) and a second wall element (26'), wherein said first wall element (26) and said second wall element (26') form opposite side walls of said equipment housing (8), and wherein at least one of the first and second wall elements (24, 26, 26') is openable or removable to provide access to the space (28) enclosed by said plurality of wall elements (24, 26, 26') inside said equipment housing (8), and / or comprises an opening (30) providing access to said space (28).

4. The marine ship facility (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Said equipment housing (8) forms a movable module configured to be arranged at the deck structure (14) of said offshore marine vessel (2) for connection of said hydraulic conduit (22) extending between said equipment housing (8) and the first hydraulic actuator (18) of said wind propulsion system (6).

5. The marine ship facility (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Said equipment housing (8) has external dimensions of a standardized transport container, such as the external dimensions of an ISO container.

6. The offshore marine installation (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more of a battery power pack (44), a generator (45), a cooling unit (46), a heating unit (48) and an air dehumidifier (50) arranged inside said equipment housing (8).

7. The marine vessel facility (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Said wind engagement unit (12) is a wing sail, a rotor sail, a turbine sail or a similar device.

8. The marine ship facility (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Said wind engagement unit (12) comprises a wing sail (52), wherein The wing sail (52) includes a main wing sail (54) having an airfoil shape and a flap (56) having an airfoil shape, and wherein the first hydraulic actuator (18) controls the position of the main wing sail (54) relative to the base (10) and / or the position of the flap (56) relative to the main wing sail (54) and / or the base (10).

9. The marine ship facility (4) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The first hydraulic actuator (18) controls the wind engagement unit (12) between an upright position and a substantially horizontal position.

10. The marine ship facility (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The hydraulic power unit (20) includes a hydraulic pump (32), an electric motor (34) arranged to drive the hydraulic pump (32), and a control arrangement (36), and wherein the control arrangement (36) is configured to at least control the supply of hydraulic fluid to and from the first hydraulic actuator (18).

11. The marine vessel installation (4) according to claim 10, including a control arrangement (40) for the wind propulsion system (6), wherein the control arrangement (40) for the wind propulsion system (6) is connected to the control arrangement (42) of the marine vessel (2) and to the control arrangement (36) of the hydraulic power unit (20), and is configured to apply a control signal to the control arrangement (36) of the hydraulic power unit (20) based on a signal from the control arrangement (42) of the marine vessel (2).

12. The marine vessel installation (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, including at least one additional wind propulsion system (6', 6") and one additional equipment housing (8', 8") for each additional wind propulsion system (6', 6"), wherein each additional wind propulsion system (6', 6") includes a base (10', 10') and a wind engagement unit (12', 12"), the base (10', 10") of each additional wind propulsion system (6', 6") being configured to be arranged at the deck structure (14) of the marine vessel (2) and to support the wind engagement unit (12', 12") of each additional wind propulsion system (6', 6"), and the wind engagement unit (12', 12") of each additional wind propulsion system (6', 6") including at least one movable part (16') displaceable relative to the base (10', 10"), wherein each additional wind propulsion system (6', 6") further includes at least one hydraulic actuator (18'), the at least one hydraulic actuator (18') being arranged to engage with the at least one movable part (16') for its displacement relative to the base (10', 10") of the additional wind propulsion system (6', 6"), wherein each additional wind propulsion system (6', 6") includes a hydraulic power unit (20') arranged in each additional equipment housing (8', 8"), the hydraulic power unit (20') being arranged to supply hydraulic power at least to the at least one hydraulic actuator (18') of the associated additional wind propulsion system (6', 6"), and wherein Each additional wind propulsion system (6', 6") further includes an additional hydraulic conduit (22'), which extends from the hydraulic power unit (20') of the respective one of each additional equipment housing (8', 8") to the respective one of at least one hydraulic actuator (18') of each additional wind propulsion system (6', 6"), and the additional hydraulic conduit (22') extends between the respective one of each additional equipment housing (8', 8") and the respective one of the at least one hydraulic actuator (18').

13. An ocean vessel (2), the ocean vessel (2) including the ocean vessel facility (4) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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