Lifting device for lifting and lowering wind propulsion device

Abstract

A lifting device (100) for lifting and lowering a wind propulsion device is disclosed. The wind propulsion apparatus comprises an inner portion (120) and an outer portion (130). The lifting device comprises: a guide (102) arranged at an end of the wind propulsion device to distribute the force when the wind propulsion device is lifted or lowered, the guide having a first side (104) in contact with the end of the wind propulsion device, a second side (106) and an opening (108) in the guide; and a lifting device (110) adapted to pass through the opening (108) and removably attachable to an interior portion of the wind propulsion apparatus for lifting or lowering the wind propulsion apparatus, characterized in that the lifting device comprises at least one branch (112), the lifting device being attached to the wind propulsion apparatus by using the at least one branch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the manipulation of wind propulsion devices (such as rotor sails and suction sails). The present disclosure also relates to a lifting device for raising and lowering a wind propulsion device. Background Art

[0002] Wind propulsion devices utilize wind energy to propel a ship. There are various types of wind propulsion devices, such as square sails, soft sails, triangular sails, wing sails, trapezoidal sails, rotor sails, kite sails, turbine sails, suction sails, etc. Each type of sail has its own structure and use. Wind propulsion devices help reduce fuel consumption and related costs. Reducing fuel consumption (especially fossil fuel consumption) can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. In addition, wind propulsion devices improve the overall efficiency of maritime transportation.

[0003] However, installing a wind propulsion device in a ship requires a high initial investment. If retrofitting is needed, the investment cost will increase. Wind propulsion devices require regular maintenance, which may impose an economic burden. The installation of a wind propulsion device requires manipulation and lifting operations, which are expensive and also introduce structural loads into the sail that are not encountered during the operation of the sail.

[0004] Therefore, in view of the foregoing discussion, it is necessary to overcome the foregoing drawbacks. An effective means that can be used to overcome the above drawbacks is to simplify the transportation and manipulation of wind propulsion devices. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a lifting device for raising and lowering a wind propulsion device. The lifting device raises the wind propulsion device when the wind propulsion device is in a horizontal position. The lifting device lowers the wind propulsion device when the wind propulsion device is in a vertical position.

[0006] The object of the present disclosure is achieved by using the provided lifting device for raising and lowering a wind propulsion device. The wind propulsion device includes an inner part and an outer part, and the lifting device includes:

[0007] A guide member, which is arranged at an end of the wind propulsion device to distribute forces when the wind propulsion device is raised or lowered. The guide member has a first side, a second side, and an opening. The first side contacts the end of the wind propulsion device. The opening is located in the guide member and extends through the guide member from the first side to the second side; and

[0008] Lifting device, the lifting device being adapted to pass through the opening and being detachably attachable to an internal part of the wind propulsion device to lift or lower the wind propulsion device, characterized in that the lifting device comprises at least one branch portion, and the lifting device is attached to the wind propulsion device by using the at least one branch portion.

[0009] In one embodiment, the guide is conical.

[0010] In one embodiment, the guide is annular on the first side in contact with the end of the wind propulsion device and on the second side.

[0011] In one embodiment, the guide is made of metal, plastic, composite material or a combination of metal, plastic and composite material.

[0012] In one embodiment, the guide includes one or more rollers.

[0013] In one embodiment, the lifting device further comprises a locking mechanism to firmly attach the at least one branch portion to the internal part of the wind propulsion device.

[0014] In one embodiment, the guide includes one or more reinforcing rib structures.

[0015] In one embodiment, the opening in the guide is at least partially coated with a low-friction material.

[0016] In one embodiment, the guide is detachably attached to the external part.

[0017] In one embodiment, the opening has a circular edge.

[0018] In one embodiment, the lifting device enables the direction of the forces generated by lifting, lowering and manipulating the internal part and the external part to be directed onto the lifting device.

[0019] In one embodiment, the opening is located in the middle of the guide.

[0020] In the description herein, the words "comprising", "including", "having" and "with" and variations of these words (such as "containing" and "including") mean "including but not limited to", and do not exclude the existence of other components, items, wholes or steps that are not explicitly disclosed. Further, unless the context requires otherwise, the singular encompasses the plural. In particular, unless the context requires otherwise, when using the indefinite article, this text should be understood to contemplate both the plural and the singular. Description of the Drawings

[0021] Figure 1 is a diagram depicting an exemplary arrangement for raising or lowering a wind propulsion device using a lifting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2 is a diagram depicting the raising of an exemplary rotor sail by using a lifting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0023] The following detailed description shows embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which the embodiments can be implemented. Although some modes of implementing the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments for implementing or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.

[0024] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a lifting device for raising and lowering a wind propulsion device, the wind propulsion device including an inner part and an outer part, the lifting device including:

[0025] A guide member positioned at an end of the wind propulsion device to distribute forces when the wind propulsion device is raised or lowered, the guide member having a first side, a second side, and an opening, the first side being in contact with the end of the wind propulsion device, the opening being located in the guide member and extending through the guide member from the first side to the second side; and

[0026] A lifting device adapted to pass through the opening and being detachably attachable to the inner part of the wind propulsion device to raise or lower the wind propulsion device, characterized in that the lifting device includes at least one branch portion, and the lifting device is attached to the wind propulsion device by using at least one branch portion.

[0027] The present disclosure provides the foregoing first aspect and the foregoing second aspect to facilitate the manipulation and transportation of a wind propulsion device without the need for assembling, installing, and modifying the wind propulsion device. In an example, the wind propulsion device may be a rotor sail. The lifting device lifts the rotor sail when the rotor sail is in a horizontal position. The lifting causes the rotor sail to move from the horizontal position to the vertical position. On the other hand, the lifting device lowers the rotor sail when the rotor sail is in the vertical position. The lowering causes the rotor sail to move from the vertical position to the horizontal position. Lifting and hoisting using the lifting device enables the transportation of an assembled and fully tested rotor sail (or any other type of wind propulsion device). Thus, the lifting device helps to manipulate the entire structure of the wind propulsion device and transport the assembled wind propulsion device to another location (destination). When the entire structure (i.e., the assembled wind propulsion device) is received at the destination, the cycle associated with the on-board installation of the wind propulsion device (i.e., the installation of the wind propulsion facility in a ship) is significantly reduced. There is no need for on-site assembly of the components of the wind propulsion device. In addition, using the lifting device to lift and lower the rotor sail helps to minimize or reduce the costs associated with the transportation of the rotor sail. This is because there is no longer a need for separate transportation of the components of the rotor sail (the entire rotor sail or the fully assembled rotor sail is transported to the destination location in one go).

[0028] The ability to lift or lower a wind propulsion device (such as a rotor sail) using a lifting device enables the storage of an assembled and fully tested rotor sail in a horizontal position (i.e., a lowered rotor sail). Thus, the manufacturing unit that manufactures the rotor sail can store an inventory of rotor sails in a horizontal position. When in the horizontal position, the wind propulsion device (i.e., the rotor sail) can be transported. Thus, there is no need to transport the rotor sail in a vertical position or assemble the rotor sail at the final on-board installation location (such as a ship at the destination location). Installing the wind propulsion device in a horizontal position by tilting the foundation significantly reduces the required height of the crane hook.

[0029] The lifting device includes a guide and a lifting means. The wind propulsion device includes an internal part and an external part. The guide is positioned at a specific end of the wind propulsion device. In an example, the wind propulsion device may be a rotor sail. The rotor sail may have two ends, and the guide may be positioned at the first end of the rotor sail. When the wind propulsion device is lifted or lowered, the guide distributes the force over the end of the wind propulsion device. The first side of the guide contacts the end of the wind propulsion device. For example, the first side may contact the first end of the rotor sail. The second side is opposite the first side and faces away from the end of the wind propulsion device (i.e., the first end of the rotor sail). An opening (such as a hole) in the guide is located in the guide, for example, in the middle of the guide, but optionally, the opening may be positioned offset from the center line (middle) of the guide. The opening extends through the guide from the first side to the second side.

[0030] Optionally, the guide is conical. The guide can also have other geometries. Optionally, the guide is made of (i.e., constituted by) metal, plastic, composite material, or a combination of metal, plastic, and composite material. According to an embodiment, the guide can include a plurality of spokes, and each of the plurality of spokes can originate from a center. The opening (i.e., hole) of the guide is the center from which the plurality of spokes originate. Optionally, the opening (i.e., hole) has a circular edge. Thus, the opening can be in an annular shape, and each of the plurality of spokes can originate from the circumference of the opening (or hole) and extend outward from the opening.

[0031] Optionally, the guide is annular on a first side in contact with the end of the wind propulsion device and on a second side. Thus, the guide can be an annular object in contact with the end of the wind propulsion device. For example, the annular object (i.e., the guide) can be in contact with the first end of the rotor sail. The opening (i.e., hole) is located at the center of the guide, and the plurality of spokes extend outward from the opening and approach inward (i.e., toward the end of the wind propulsion device) to connect to the circumference of the annular object (the guide). Optionally, the guide is detachably attached to an external part. The external part refers to the end of the wind propulsion device in contact with the guide. According to an embodiment, the attachment of the guide to the wind propulsion device is achieved by screws, bolts, glue, or any mechanical attachment.

[0032] The lifting device is adapted to pass through the opening (i.e., hole) of the guide. A section of the external part of the wind propulsion device includes the opening. This section is the end of the wind propulsion device where the guide is arranged. Thus, the lifting device passes through two openings, i.e., through the opening of the guide (the opening in contact with the end of the wind propulsion device) and the opening located at this section of the external part of the wind propulsion device (i.e., the end of the wind propulsion device). The lifting device can pass through the hollow area inside the wind propulsion device after passing through the two openings. The lifting device is detachably attached to the internal part of the wind propulsion device at the end of the hollow area. The lifting device includes at least one branch, and the lifting device is attached to the wind propulsion device through at least one branch. For example, the lifting device can expand into two branches, and the two branches can be attached to the ends of the internal part of the wind propulsion device. Optionally, the lifting device further includes a locking mechanism to firmly attach at least one branch to the internal part of the wind propulsion device.

[0033] When it is necessary to raise or lower a wind propulsion device, a force is applied by using a lifting device. The applied force is distributed by a guide member by using a plurality of spokes. The plurality of spokes of the guide member ensure that an equal amount of force is applied at different sections at the end (i.e., the outer part) of the wind propulsion device, and at least one branch of the lifting device ensures that an equal amount of force is applied at different sections in the inner part of the wind propulsion device. Thus, the force is applied over a larger area of the outer part. The distribution of the force reduces the stress on the outer part and the inner part. The direction of the applied force causes the wind propulsion device to be raised or lowered. Optionally, the lifting device enables the direction of the force generated by lifting, lowering, and manipulating the inner part and the outer part to be directed onto the lifting device. For example, the wind propulsion device can be a rotor sail. When the rotor sail is lifted from a horizontal position, pressure (instead of tension) is applied to the composite part (i.e., the outer part of the rotor sail). In the vertical position, the mass (weight) of the rotor sail is supported by a grommet connected to the steel tower (inner part) of the rotor sail. The guide member contacts or is arranged at the first end of the rotor sail.

[0034] Optionally, the opening in the guide member is at least partially coated with a low-friction material. The low-friction material prevents loss of force at the opening of the guide member (i.e., the location from which the plurality of spokes originate). Thus, the applied force is fully applied to the outer part and the inner part to raise or lower the wind propulsion device. Optionally, the guide member includes one or more rollers. The one or more rollers facilitate the raising / lowering of the wind propulsion device. For example, the one or more rollers enable the lifting device (such as a lifting rope, cord, chain, or sling) to move to facilitate the raising or lowering of the wind propulsion device. Optionally, the guide member includes one or more reinforcing rib structures.

[0035] The lifting device eliminates the requirement of lifting a wind propulsion device by applying a force only on the outer part. For example, the wind propulsion device can be a rotor sail. The outer part of the rotor sail can be referred to as the composite part, and the inner part of the rotor sail can be referred to as the steel structure. The lifting device eliminates the requirement of applying a force only on the composite part to lift the rotor sail. If it is necessary to apply a force only on the top end of the composite part to lift the rotor sail, the composite part would have to be significantly strengthened (compared to the composite part of the rotor sail where the force is applied on the composite part and the steel structure). The requirement to increase the strength of the composite part increases the manufacturing cost and mass of the composite part (which increases the transportation cost).

[0036] Furthermore, the lifting device eliminates the need to couple the outer part (such as the composite part) and the inner part (such as the steel structure) to apply a force to lift the wind propulsion device (such as a rotor sail). Thus, the support device does not have to be designed for such a force.

[0037] Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0038] Referring to Figure 1 , a diagram is shown depicting an exemplary arrangement for lifting or lowering a wind propulsion device 114 using a lifting device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wind propulsion device 114 includes an inner portion 120 and an outer portion 130. The lifting device 100 includes a guide 102 and a lifting means 110. The guide 102 is positioned at the end of the wind propulsion device 114 to distribute forces when the wind propulsion device 114 is lifted or lowered. The guide 102 includes a first side 104, a second side 106, and an opening 108. The first side 104 contacts the end of the wind propulsion device 114. The second side 106 is opposite the first side 104 and faces away from the end of the wind propulsion device 114. The opening 108 is located in the guide 102 and extends through the guide 102 from the first side 104 to the second side 106. The lifting means 110 is adapted to pass through the opening 108.

[0039] A section of the end of the wind propulsion device 114 includes another opening 116. Thus, the lifting means 110 passes through the opening 108 and the opening 116 at this section of the end of the wind propulsion device 114. After passing through the two openings, the lifting means 110 passes through a hollow region 118 inside the wind propulsion device 114. The lifting means 110 is detachably attached to the inner portion 120 of the wind propulsion device 114 at the end of the hollow region 118. When the wind propulsion device (such as a rotor sail) 114 is lifted, a force is applied by using the lifting means 110. The applied force is distributed by the guide 102. The guide 102 ensures that equal amounts of force are applied at different sections of the end of the wind propulsion device 114.

[0040] The lifting means 110 can be detachably attached to the inner portion 120 of the wind propulsion device 114 to lift or lower the wind propulsion device 114. The lifting means 110 includes at least one branch portion 112, and the lifting means 110 is attached to the wind propulsion device 114 by using at least one branch portion.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the guide 102 is conical. The guide 102 is annular on the first side 104 and the second side 106. The guide 102 is made of metal, plastic, composite material, or a combination of metal, plastic, and composite material. The lifting means 110 further includes a locking mechanism to firmly attach at least one branch portion 112 to the inner portion 120 of the wind propulsion device 114. The guide 102 is detachably attached to the outer portion 130.

[0042] At T-1, the wind propulsion device 114 is in a horizontal position. At T-2, the wind propulsion device 114 is in a vertical position. The lifting of the wind propulsion device 114 starts at T-1 and is completed at T-2.

[0043] Figure 1 For example only, this example should not unduly limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, initially the wind propulsion device 114 may be in a vertical position and may be in a horizontal position after lowering the wind propulsion device 114.

[0044] Referring to Figure 2 , a view depicting the lifting of an exemplary rotor sail 214 by using a lifting device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The rotor sail 214 is Figure 1 an exemplary representation of the wind propulsion device 114 depicted in Figure 1 . The lifting device 200 is

[0045] an exemplary representation of the lifting device 100 depicted in Figure 2 . The rotor sail 214 includes an internal portion (not shown) and an external portion 230. The lifting device 200 includes a guide 202 and a lifting device (not shown). The guide 202 is disposed at the top end of the rotor sail 214 to distribute forces when the rotor sail 214 is lifted. The lifting of the rotor sail 214 starts at T-1. The rotor sail 214 is partially lifted until T-2. The guide 202 includes a first side 204, a second side 206, and an opening 208. The first side 204 is an annular object that contacts the top end of the rotor sail 214. The second side 206 is opposite the first side 204 and faces away from the top end of the rotor sail 214. The opening 208 is located in the middle of the guide 202 and extends through the guide 202 from the first side 204 to the second side 206.

[0046] The lifting device is adapted to pass through the opening 208 of the guide member 202. A section of the top end of the rotor sail 214 includes another opening (not shown). Thus, the lifting device passes through the opening 208 and the opening at this section of the top end of the rotor sail 214. The lifting device can pass through the hollow area within the rotor sail 214 after passing through the two openings. The lifting device is detachably attached to an internal part (not shown) of the rotor sail 214 at the end of the hollow area. When the rotor sail 214 is lifted, a force is applied by using the lifting device. The applied force is distributed by the guide member 202 by using a plurality of spokes 216A to 216H. The plurality of spokes 216A to 216H of the guide member 202 ensure that an equal amount of force is applied at different sections of the top end of the rotor sail 214.

[0047] Figure 2 Merely by way of example, this example should not unduly limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A lifting device (100) for lifting and lowering a wind propulsion device, the wind propulsion device comprising an inner part (120) and an outer part (130), the lifting device comprising: A guide (102) arranged at an end of the wind propulsion device to distribute forces when the wind propulsion device is lifted or lowered, the guide having a first side (104), a second side (106) and an opening (108), the first side being in contact with the end of the wind propulsion device, the opening being located in the guide and extending through the guide from the first side (104) to the second side (106); And A lifting device (110) adapted to pass through the opening (108) and being detachably attachable to the inner part of the wind propulsion device to lift or lower the wind propulsion device, characterized in that the lifting device comprises at least one branch portion (112), and the lifting device is attached to the wind propulsion device by using the at least one branch portion.

2. The lifting device (100) according to claim 1, wherein The guide (102) is conical.

3. The lifting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The guide (102) is annular on the first side (104) in contact with the end of the wind propulsion device and on the second side (106).

4. The lifting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The guide (102) is made of metal, plastic, composite material or a combination of metal, plastic and composite material.

5. The lifting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The guide (102) includes one or more rollers.

6. The lifting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The lifting device (110) further includes a locking mechanism to firmly attach the at least one branch portion (112) to the inner part (120) of the wind propulsion device.

7. The lifting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The guide (102) includes one or more reinforcing rib structures.

8. The lifting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The opening (108) in the guide (102) is at least partially coated with a low-friction material.

9. The lifting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The guide (102) is detachably attached to the outer part (130).

10. The lifting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The opening (108) has a circular edge.

11. The lifting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The lifting device enables the direction of forces generated by lifting, lowering and manipulating the inner part (120) and the outer part (130) to be directed onto the lifting device (110).

12. The lifting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The opening (108) is located in the middle of the guide.

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