Bulk cargo ship boosting equipment utilizing wave energy

Abstract

The utility model provides boosting equipment utilizing wave energy for a bulk cargo ship, which is applied to the field of ships and comprises a ship body, guide rails fixedly connected to two parallel sides of the ship body, sliders slidably connected to the outer sides of the guide rails, a connecting frame fixedly connected to the sliders, first connecting rods fixedly connected to two sides of the lower end of the connecting frame, and second connecting rods fixedly connected to two sides of the lower end of the connecting frame. The outer side of the first connecting rod is rotationally sleeved with a main hydrofoil, one end, away from the first connecting rod, of the main hydrofoil is fixedly connected with a second connecting rod, the outer side of the second connecting rod is rotationally sleeved with a pivot block, and the second connecting rod is rotationally connected with an auxiliary hydrofoil through the pivot block. The auxiliary hydrofoil is fixed by the second connecting rod, so that the auxiliary hydrofoil and the main hydrofoil form hydrofoil linkage, and the problems that the requirement of the propelling effect on the sea condition is high, an energy conversion device is difficult to adjust according to different sea conditions, and the energy utilization efficiency of the wave energy is limited are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of shipbuilding, and in particular to a wave energy-assisted propulsion device for bulk carriers. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional propulsion methods for bulk carriers typically involve burning fossil fuels to power the engines. This method increases emissions of greenhouse gases and sulfur oxides, causing irreversible damage to the atmospheric environment. Furthermore, it is costly to use and operate. Therefore, finding alternative energy sources to reduce the harm caused by fossil fuels is of paramount importance.

[0003] In recent years, with the deepening of research on wave energy utilization, forms of wave energy-assisted propulsion devices have emerged, which are divided into active and passive types. The passive type refers to the hydrofoil moving with the waves under the action of the waves. This device has a simple structure and does not require complex and expensive control devices.

[0004] For example, the specification of Chinese patent CN111301652A discloses a wave energy-assisted propulsion system for bulk carriers. The system mainly includes a collection port, a flow channel, a flow channel outlet, and a safety net. The collection port is located on the deck of the ship to collect seawater with great energy on the deck. The flow channel outlet is located above the design waterline of the ship and as close to the design waterline as possible. The direction of the flow channel outlet is kept horizontal and the angle between it and the mid-longitudinal section of the ship should be as small as possible. Through the above settings, the potential energy of the seawater on the deck is fully converted into the ship's propulsion power, achieving the optimal propulsion effect. This not only realizes the effective utilization of wave energy during the ship's navigation but also reduces the ship's fuel consumption, achieving the goal of energy conservation and emission reduction.

[0005] The above design solves the problem of the difficulty in effectively utilizing wave energy during ship navigation, but there are still some problems. The propulsion effect of the device is highly dependent on sea conditions, the energy conversion device is difficult to adjust according to different sea conditions, and the energy utilization efficiency of wave energy is limited. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this application is to solve the problems that the propulsion effect is highly dependent on sea conditions, the energy conversion device is difficult to adjust according to different sea conditions, and the energy utilization efficiency of wave energy is limited.

[0007] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a wave energy-assisted propulsion device for bulk carriers, comprising a hull, guide rails fixedly connected to the parallel sides of the hull, a slider slidably connected to the outer side of the guide rails, a connecting frame fixedly connected to the slider, a first connecting rod fixedly connected to both sides of the lower end of the connecting frame, a main hydrofoil rotatably sleeved on the outer side of the first connecting rod, a second connecting rod fixedly connected to the end of the main hydrofoil away from the first connecting rod, a pivot block rotatably sleeved on the outer side of the second connecting rod, and an auxiliary hydrofoil rotatably connected to the second connecting rod through the pivot block.

[0008] As a further improvement of this application, a fixing block is fixedly sleeved on the outer side of the first connecting rod, a crossbar is threadedly connected to the outer side of the fixing block, a universal joint is fixedly connected to the crossbar, a vertical rod is fixedly connected to the other side of the universal joint, a float is fixedly connected to the upper end of the vertical rod, and the inner side of the fixing block is fixedly connected to the main hydrofoil.

[0009] As a further improvement to this application, sliding rods are slidably connected to both sides of the connecting frame, and a protective cover is slidably engaged at the lower end of the sliding rods.

[0010] As a further improvement of this application, a robotic arm is slidably attached to the lower end of the sliding rod, and a scraper is rotatably connected to the end of the robotic arm away from the sliding rod.

[0011] As a further improvement to this application, three holes are provided on the guide rail, and a locking valve is threaded onto the slider.

[0012] As a further improvement to this application, the secondary hydrofoil has two states: default and deployed.

[0013] In summary, during use, the main hydrofoil, placed in the waves, can undulate accordingly with the rise and fall of the waves, improving the efficiency of wave energy conversion into kinetic energy. The second link fixes the auxiliary hydrofoil, enabling it to link with the main hydrofoil and making it more adaptable to different wave conditions. When the propulsion structure is not in use, the hydrofoil can be folded up to reduce drag and prevent damage. The operator manually moves the slider towards the bow, bringing the propulsion structure closer to the stern. The operator then rotates the main and auxiliary hydrofoils around the first link at a certain angle, and then selects a fixing device to bind the hydrofoil structure to the connecting frame, changing the hydrofoil surface from vertical to inclined. The folded water flow mainly impacts the edge of the surface, reducing the drag on the hydrofoil. This makes it more suitable for navigation in shallow water and the need for rapid folding under extreme wave conditions. It solves the problems of high requirements for propulsion effect based on sea conditions, difficulty in adjusting the energy conversion device according to different sea conditions, and limited energy utilization efficiency of wave energy. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this application;

[0015] Figure 2 For the purposes of this application Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a top view of this application;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a rear view of this application;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a left side view of this application;

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding rod structure in this application;

[0020] Figure 7 For the purposes of this application Figure 6 Enlarged view of point B;

[0021] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the default state of the auxiliary hydrofoil in this application;

[0022] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the auxiliary hydrofoil in the deployed state of this application;

[0023] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of the hydrofoil structure in the folded state of this application.

[0024] Explanation of the labels in the diagram:

[0025] 1. Hull, 2. Sliding block, 3. Connecting frame, 4. Locking valve, 5. Vertical rod, 6. Horizontal rod, 7. Main hydrofoil, 8. Auxiliary hydrofoil, 9. Float, 10. Universal joint, 11. Sliding rod, 12. Protective cover, 13. Fixing block, 14. First connecting rod, 15. Second connecting rod, 16. Mechanical arm, 17. Scraper, 18. Pivot block, 19. Guide rail. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments will be described clearly and completely with reference to the accompanying drawings. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0027] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "top / bottom," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0028] The two embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Implementation method 1:

[0030] This utility model provides a wave energy-assisted propulsion device for bulk carriers. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 , Figure 8 and Figure 10The hull includes a hull 1. Guide rails 19 are fixedly connected to the two parallel sides of the hull 1. A slider 2 is slidably connected to the outside of the guide rails 19. A connecting frame 3 is fixedly connected to the slider 2. A first connecting rod 14 is fixedly connected to both sides of the lower end of the connecting frame 3. A main hydrofoil 7 is rotatably sleeved on the outside of the first connecting rod 14. A second connecting rod 15 is fixedly connected to the end of the main hydrofoil 7 away from the first connecting rod 14. A pivot block 18 is rotatably sleeved on the outside of the second connecting rod 15. An auxiliary hydrofoil 8 is rotatably connected to the second connecting rod 15 through the pivot block 18.

[0031] The guide rail 19 provides a rigid horizontal track for the slider 2, which constrains the movement of the slider 2. The sliding of the slider 2 causes the connecting frame 3 to generate horizontal displacement, thereby adjusting the extension and retraction state of the wave energy booster device.

[0032] The connecting frame 3 securely fixes the booster structure to the stern, reducing the risk of the booster structure loosening or even falling off due to the rise and fall of waves when the bulk carrier is sailing in waters with large waves. When the booster structure is working, the stress it bears can be transmitted to the hull 1 under the action of the connecting frame 3. With the synergistic effect of the connecting frame 3 and various components, the damage or service life reduction caused by stress concentration in the transmission structure can be reduced.

[0033] The first link 14 serves to rotatably connect the hydrofoil structure to the connecting frame 3, converting the stern swing into changes in the hydrofoil's angle of attack. This allows the main hydrofoil 7 to rhythmically rise, fall, and swing in the vertical plane, reducing the lateral impact of waves on the connecting frame 3 and improving its stability. The main hydrofoil 7, placed in the waves, can undulate accordingly with the rise and fall of the waves, improving the efficiency of wave energy conversion into kinetic energy. The second link 15 rotatably connects to the auxiliary hydrofoil 8, enabling the main hydrofoil 7 and the auxiliary hydrofoil 8 to form a hydrofoil linkage. This allows the booster device to be adapted to wave energy conversion in different sea conditions, optimizing the rhythm of energy conversion. The pivot block 18 is fixedly connected to the rotation adjustment hub on the auxiliary hydrofoil 8, allowing the auxiliary hydrofoil 8 to rotate around the second link 15 to adapt to changes in different wave undulations. At the same time, the auxiliary hydrofoil 8, through the linkage with the main hydrofoil 7 via the pivot block 18, produces a synergistic effect, converting the underutilized lateral wave energy of the main hydrofoil 7 into additional thrust, optimizing the stability of the booster device.

[0034] In use, the waves propel the main hydrofoil 7 up and down within the range of the first link 14. When the booster is subjected to an upward lifting force in the water, the connecting frame 3 moves upward relative to the sea level. The upward movement of the first link 14 causes the leading edge of the main hydrofoil 7 to press down, increasing the angle of attack of the main hydrofoil 7. The waves generate a forward thrust, propelling the hull 1 forward. When the booster is subjected to a downward pressing force in the water, the connecting frame 3 descends relative to the sea level. The downward movement of the first link 14 causes the leading edge of the main hydrofoil 7 to lift up, decreasing the angle of attack of the main hydrofoil 7. The drag on the booster is reduced, and the booster uses inertia to maintain part of the thrust on the hull 1.

[0035] The auxiliary hydrofoil 8 achieves its rotational movement via pivot block 18 and second link 15, capturing the lateral energy of waves and converting the underutilized lateral wave energy of the main hydrofoil 7 into additional thrust. The synergistic effect of both assists in ship steering and resists lateral drift. When the connecting frame 3 moves upward relative to the sea level, the upward movement of the first link 14 causes the trailing edge of the main hydrofoil 7 to rise, pulling the leading edge of the auxiliary hydrofoil 8 downward via the second link 15. When the connecting frame 3 moves downward relative to the sea level, the downward movement of the first link 14... The movement causes the trailing edge of the main hydrofoil 7 to press down, which in turn pulls the leading edge of the auxiliary hydrofoil 8 upward through the second link 15. The reverse rotation of the auxiliary hydrofoil 8 can reduce the impact of the turbulence behind the main hydrofoil 7 on the booster device, extending the effective thrust cycle. At the same time, through the synergistic effect of the main hydrofoil 7 and the auxiliary hydrofoil 8, the force on the booster device can be balanced, reducing the peak load on components such as the first link 14, the second link 15, and the pivot block 18, extending the service life of the booster device, reducing operating costs, and improving the stability of the booster structure during operation.

[0036] When the propulsion structure is not in use, the hydrofoil can be folded up to reduce drag and prevent damage. The operator manually moves the slider 2 towards the bow so that the propulsion structure is close to the stern. The operator disassembles the float 9 structure and rotates the main hydrofoil 7 and the auxiliary hydrofoil 8 around the first connecting rod 14 at a certain angle. Then, according to the actual situation, the fixing equipment is selected to bind the hydrofoil structure to the connecting frame 3. The hydrofoil surface changes from vertical to inclined. After folding, the water flow mainly impacts the edge of the surface, reducing the drag on the hydrofoil and making it more suitable for navigation in shallow water and the need for rapid folding under extreme wave conditions.

[0037] Please see Figures 1-3 A fixing block 13 is fixedly sleeved on the outer side of the first connecting rod 14. A crossbar 6 is threadedly connected to the outer side of the fixing block. A universal joint 10 is fixedly connected to the crossbar 6. A vertical rod 5 is fixedly connected to the other side of the universal joint 10. A float 9 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the vertical rod 5. The inner side of the fixing block 13 is fixedly connected to the main hydrofoil 7. The universal joint 10 allows the vertical rod 5 and the crossbar 6 connected on both sides to move freely in the heave and roll directions to adapt to complex wave directions. The crossbar 6 can expand the support surface, balance the lateral torque generated by the movement of the float 9, and transmit the movement of the float 9 to the hydrofoil structure. The vertical rod 5 ensures that the float 9 moves in the vertical direction and transmits its vertical movement to the universal joint 10, thereby improving the energy capture efficiency.

[0038] Please see Figure 1 and Figures 4-5The connecting frame 3 has sliding rods 11 slidably connected to both sides. The lower end of the sliding rods 11 is slidably engaged with a protective cover 12. The sliding rods 11 support the protective cover 12 and the scraper 17 structure. The protective cover 12 protects the internal scraper 17 and reduces the impact or entanglement of floating objects, fishing nets, etc. When it is not necessary to clean the attachments on the hydrofoil structure, the protective cover 12 can be installed. When the scraper 17 needs to be used, the sliding rods 11 can be installed and the protective cover 12 can be removed. When it is necessary to fold the hydrofoil structure, the sliding rods 11 can be disassembled to reduce the obstruction of the hydrofoil structure.

[0039] The second implementation method:

[0040] Please see Figures 6-7 A robotic arm 16 is slidably attached to the lower end of the sliding rod 11. A scraper 17 is rotatably connected to the end of the robotic arm 16 away from the sliding rod 11. The robotic arm 16 is connected to an external control system via wires. The robotic arm 16 can achieve telescopic and rotational movements, thereby controlling the scraper 17 to clean the deposits on the main hydrofoil 7 and the auxiliary hydrofoil 8. When the booster structure completes its booster operation and emerges from the water, the operator can install the sliding rod 11 and push the scraper 17, aiming it at the deposits that need to be cleaned. The control system operates the robotic arm 16 to clean the deposits on the main hydrofoil 7 and the auxiliary hydrofoil 8 along a certain trajectory, which improves the service life of the hydrofoil structure and reduces the operation and maintenance cost of the structure.

[0041] Please see Figure 1 The guide rail 19 has three holes, and the slider 2 is threaded with a locking valve 4. When encountering extreme wave conditions, the hydrofoil structure needs to be folded. When the slider 2 moves towards the bow, there are three distances to choose from. After determining the distance, the locking valve 4 is used to fix the slider 2 and the guide rail 19 to reduce the impact of the displacement of the slider 2 on the operation of the booster equipment.

[0042] Please see Figures 8-9 The secondary hydrofoil 8 has two states: default and deployed. In the default state, the main hydrofoil 8 and the secondary hydrofoil 9 are aligned to avoid the drag caused by the extra submerged area and reduce energy loss. In extreme sea conditions, the secondary hydrofoil 9 needs to be locked to prevent wave impact from causing structural overload. In the deployed state, the main hydrofoil 8 and the secondary hydrofoil 9 work together to improve the overall wave energy conversion efficiency.

[0043] Compared to Example 1, Example 2 is applicable to more application scenarios, increases the maintenance of the hydrofoil structure, and improves the service life of the booster equipment and the efficiency of energy conversion.

[0044] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model; however, the scope of protection of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this utility model, based on the technical solution and its improved concept, should be covered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A bulker booster device utilizing wave energy, comprising a hull (1), characterized in that, The ship body (1) is fixedly connected with guide rails (19) on two sides parallel to each other, the guide rails (19) are slidably connected with sliding blocks (2) on the outer sides, the sliding blocks (2) are fixedly connected with connecting frames (3), the connecting frames (3) are fixedly connected with first connecting rods (14) on the lower ends of the two sides, the first connecting rods (14) are rotatably sleeved with main hydrofoils (7) on the outer sides, the main hydrofoils (7) are fixedly connected with second connecting rods (15) on the ends away from the first connecting rods (14), the second connecting rods (15) are rotatably sleeved with pivot blocks (18) on the outer sides, and the second connecting rods (15) are rotatably connected with auxiliary hydrofoils (8) through the pivot blocks (18).

2. A bulker utilizing wave energy boosting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting rods (14) are fixedly sleeved with fixed blocks (13) on the outer sides, the fixed blocks (13) are threadedly connected with cross bars (6) on the outer sides, the cross bars (6) are fixedly connected with universal joints (10), the universal joints (10) are fixedly connected with vertical bars (5) on the other sides, the vertical bars (5) are fixedly connected with floats (9) on the upper ends, and the fixed blocks (13) are fixedly connected with the main hydrofoils (7) on the inner sides.

3. A bulker utilizing wave energy boosting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting frames (3) are slidably sleeved with sliding rods (11) on the two sides, and the sliding rods (11) are slidably clamped with protective covers (12) on the lower ends.

4. A bulker utilizing wave energy boost device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sliding rods (11) are slidably clamped with mechanical arms (16) on the lower ends, and the mechanical arms (16) are rotatably connected with scrapers (17) on the ends away from the sliding rods (11).

5. A bulker utilizing wave energy boosting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Three holes are formed in the guide rails (19), and the sliding blocks (2) are threadedly connected with locking valves (4).

6. A bulker utilizing wave energy boosting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary hydrofoil (8) has two states of default and expansion.

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