PROPULSION SYSTEM

Stator fins in propulsion systems address drag issues by straightening the flow, enhancing efficiency and reducing complexity, particularly during high-thrust operations.

FR3163051A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-12-12SAFRAN SA
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2024005976
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-06-06
Publication Date
2025-12-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing propulsion systems experience significant drag due to a decrease in local pressure in the recompression zone downstream of the propeller, which degrades overall propulsive efficiency, particularly during high-thrust phases like takeoff, and current solutions like rectifiers or additional helices add complexity and noise.

Method used

Incorporating stator fins downstream of the propeller with specific dimensions and arrangements to straighten the flow, reducing drag by limiting the tangential velocity component and maintaining efficient propulsion.

Benefits of technology

The stator fins effectively reduce drag by minimizing pressure loss and maintaining propulsion efficiency without adding complexity or noise, especially during high-thrust phases.

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Abstract

Propulsion system (10) comprising: - a streamlined body (12) elongated along an axis (A) and comprising at least one upstream end section (18) having an external annular surface (18a) centered on the axis (A) and converging upstream, and a downstream end section (22) having an external annular surface (22a) centered on the axis (A) and converging downstream, - a propulsion propeller (14) mounted on the body (12) and rotatable about the axis (A), and - blades (30, 30') mounted on the body (12) downstream of the propeller (14) and extending radially outwards from at least one of said sections (22). Figure 2
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Description

Title of the invention: PROPULSION SYSTEM Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a propulsion system, for example aeronautical or naval. Technical Downstream Plan

[0002] In this application, the term propulsion system means a system 10 as illustrated in [Fig. 1] and comprising:

[0003] - a tapered body 12 of elongated shape along an axis A, and

[0004] - a propulsion propeller 14 which is mounted on the body 12 and which is movable in rotation around axis A.

[0005] A propulsion system of this type is for example a turbomachine or aircraft electric machine, an aircraft, a naval propulsion system or a submarine.

[0006] The propeller 14 includes blades or vanes 16 which extend radially outwards from the body 12 and which generate in operation a flow of fluid F which can be air or water depending on the aeronautical or naval application of the system 10.

[0007] The tapered body 12 is for example the nacelle of an aircraft turbomachine or the fuselage of an aircraft. The tapered body 12 comprises several successive sections 18, 20, 22 along the axis A. The tapered body 12 comprises at least one upstream end section 18 having an external peripheral surface 18a, for example annular, which is centered on the axis A and converges upstream, a downstream end section 22 having an external peripheral surface 22a, for example annular, which is centered on the axis A and converges downstream, and an intermediate section 20 which is axially intercalated between the end sections 18, 20 and which comprises an external peripheral surface 20a, for example annular, centered on the axis A and defining a maximum diameter Dmax of the body 12. The external surfaces 18a, 20a, 22a of the sections 18, 20, 22 can extend continuously one after the other.Body 12 may, however, include, for example at section 18, an air intake for engine operation. Similarly, there may be an exhaust of burnt gases on body 12 downstream of propeller 14.

[0008] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the flow of fluid F around and along the propulsion system 10.

[0009] The propeller 14 produces traction and induces on the flow F an increment of axial velocity as well as an increment of tangential velocity.

[0010] Downstream of the tapered body 12 there is a zone Z (delimited by dotted lines in [Fig.1]) in which the frontal section is reduced and which results in a slowing of the flow and a recompression.

[0011] However, due to the rotation of the flow F by the propeller 14 (tangential speed), whether it is installed on a nacelle or a fuselage, this zone Z in which the flow should undergo recompression sees, on the contrary, in some cases a significant decrease in local pressure, all the more so as the tangential component of the flow speed in the wake of the propeller 14 is greater than its axial component.

[0012] Given the shape of the body 12 in this zone Z, a pressure lower than the ambient pressure results in a force that opposes the advancement of the system (drag).

[0013] It follows that the drag of the streamlined body 12, that is to say the integration over its surface of the forces exerted on it, equipped with the propeller 14 can increase significantly with the increase in the traction of the propeller 14, thus degrading the overall propulsive efficiency.

[0014] One solution to this problem, using current technology, is to design the propeller 14 so that it generates very little tangential velocity at the outlet. However, this is an extremely significant constraint that risks severely penalizing the performance of the propulsion system 10, particularly during flight phases such as takeoff for an aeronautical system.

[0015] Another solution to solve this problem in current technology is to place rectifiers (stators) or a second helix in the opposite direction of rotation to the first, directly downstream of the first helix 14. These are architectures of the type USF (Unducted Single Fan) or CROR (acronym for Contra Rotative Open Rotor) for example.

[0016] In the case of rectifiers as in the case of a second helix, their external diameter is equivalent to or slightly less (up to about -15%) than that of the first helix 14.

[0017] In the case of a second helix, it produces traction and straightens the flow F. This is also the case with straighteners which transform all or part of the tangential velocity into axial velocity, even if the traction generated is weaker.

[0018] However, in order to adapt to the different operating regimes of the first propeller 14 and to the aircraft's forward speed, for example, these stators or this second propeller must be steerable, that is, have variable angular pitch. Such a mechanism adds complexity, mass, and a source of noise.

[0019] Moreover, in the event of failure of the propulsion system 10, these straighteners or this second propeller are no longer of use and instead represent a significant additional drag.

[0020] The present invention proposes a solution to at least some of the problems of the prior art, which is simple, effective and economical. Summary of the invention

[0021] The invention relates to a propulsion system comprising:

[0022] - a tapered body with an elongated shape along an axis and comprising at least one an upstream end segment comprising an external annular surface centered on the axis and converging upstream, a downstream end segment comprising an external annular surface centered on the axis and converging downstream, and an intermediate segment axially intercalated between the end segments comprising an external annular surface centered on the axis and defining a maximum body diameter, the external surfaces of the segments extending continuously one after the other, and

[0023] - a propulsion propeller which is mounted on the body and which is rotatable around the axis, this propulsion propeller includes blades or vanes that extend radially outwards from the body.

[0024] The propulsion system further comprises blades which are mounted on the body downstream of the propeller and which extend radially outwards from at least one of said sections, such as the downstream end section. These blades are preferably at least four in number and distributed, preferably regularly, around the axis.

[0025] The maximum external diameter of the fins preferably represents at most 50% of the maximum external diameter of the propulsion propeller.

[0026] The fins can be rotor fins or stator fins.

[0027] The proposed technical solution thus consists of locally introducing fins to limit the additional drag due to the combination of a rotating flow and a decreasing frontal area. The fins are arranged around the periphery of the streamlined body, downstream of the propeller, so as to straighten the flow set in rotation by the propeller. These fins differ from the straighteners of the prior art, for example, in their size and / or their position on the body.

[0028] The propulsion system according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in combination with each other: • the number of fins is greater than or equal to 5, preferably greater than or equal to 8 and more preferably greater than or equal to 12; • The blades have a maximum radial dimension that represents at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, and more preferably at least 30% of a maximum radial dimension of the blades or vanes, each dimension maximum radial being measured with respect to the axis and from the corresponding external surface; • the fins have a maximum external diameter which represents at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, and more preferably at least 40% of a maximum external diameter of the propulsion propeller; • the maximum external diameter of the fins represents at most 30% of the maximum external diameter of the propulsion propeller; • the fins have a maximum axial dimension measured along the axis which represents at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, and more preferably at least 50% of a maximum axial dimension of the propulsion propeller, each maximum axial dimension being measured from the upstreammost point of a leading edge of a fin or of a blade or propeller blade to the downstreammost point of a trailing edge of that fin or of that blade or propeller blade; • the maximum axial dimension of the fins represents at least 100%, preferably at least 200%, and more preferably at least 300% of the maximum axial dimension of the propulsion propeller; • the stator fins extend radially outwards from the upstream or downstream end section; • the stator fins extend radially outwards also from the intermediate section; • the propulsion propeller extends radially outwards from the upstream end section, or from the downstream end section; • the propulsion propeller extends radially outwards from the intermediate section;

[0029] — the propulsion propeller extends radially outwards from the sections upstream and intermediate; • the propulsion propeller is not shrouded; • The propulsion propeller is enclosed by an annular casing that extends around of the axis and the body and which is connected to the body by radial arms; • the annular casing extends only around the upstream end section and / or the intermediate section;

[0030] — the annular casing extends only around the downstream end section; • the system is chosen from an aircraft turbomachine, an aircraft, or a boat or ship propulsion system; • the fins are not faired;

[0031] — the fins are all identical; alternatively, the fins could be different;

[0032] — the fins have variable pitch;

[0033] — the fins are movable from a stowed position, for example in the or along of the body, up to a deployed position and are therefore of the retractable type;

[0034] — the fins are distributed in a single annular row or in two or more annular rows around the axis;

[0035] — the blades can be one piece with the propeller except when they are of the type with variable calibration. Brief description of the figures

[0036] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of a non-limiting embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0037] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a very schematic view of a propulsion system of the technique previous;

[0038] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a very schematic view of a propulsion system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0039] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is another very schematic view of the propulsion system of the [Fig.2];

[0040] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a very schematic view of a propulsion system according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0041] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a very schematic view of a propulsion system according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0042] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a very schematic view of a propulsion system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0043] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a very schematic view of a propulsion system according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

[0044] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a very schematic view of a propulsion system according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

[0045] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a very schematic view of a propulsion system according to a seventh embodiment of the invention.

[0046] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a very schematic view of a propulsion system according to an eighth embodiment of the invention;

[0047] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a very schematic view of a propulsion system according to a ninth embodiment of the invention;

[0048] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a very schematic view of a propulsion system according to one tenth embodiment of the invention;

[0049] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a very schematic view of a propulsion system according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention; and

[0050] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a very schematic view of a propulsion system according to a twelfth embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0051] The [Fig. 1] has been described above and illustrates the prior art of the invention.

[0052] Figures 2 to 9 illustrate several embodiments of the invention relating to a propulsion system 10 which can, for example, be selected from an aircraft turbomachine, an aircraft, or a boat or ship propulsion system. The propulsion system 10 can thus have an aeronautical or naval application.

[0053] The propulsion system 10 according to the invention comprises a streamlined body 12 and a propulsion propeller 4.

[0054] The tapered body 12 has an elongated shape along an axis A and comprises, from upstream to downstream with reference to the flow of the fluid flow F along the axis A, an upstream end section 18, an intermediate section 20 and a downstream end section 22.

[0055] The section 18 comprises an external peripheral surface 18a, preferably annular, which is centered on the axis A and which converges upstream.

[0056] The downstream end section 22 has an external peripheral surface 22a, preferably annular, which is centered on the axis A and which converges downstream.

[0057] The intermediate section 20 is axially intercalated between the end sections 18, 22 and includes an external peripheral surface 20a, preferably annular, centered on the axis A and defining a maximum external diameter Dmax of the body 12.

[0058] The external surfaces 18a, 20a, 22a of the sections 18, 20, 22 extend continuously one after the other.

[0059] The propulsion propeller 14 is mounted on the body 12 and is movable in rotation around the axis A.

[0060] The propeller 14 comprises blades or vanes 16 which extend radially outwards from the body 12.

[0061] The distinctive feature of the propulsion system 10 is that it includes stator fins 30 which are mounted on the body 12 downstream of the propeller 14.

[0062] These fins 30 extend radially outwards from at least one of the sections 18, 20, 22. There are at least four of these fins 30, and they are distributed, preferably regularly, around the axis A. Furthermore, the maximum external diameter Da of the fins 30 represents at most 50% of the maximum external diameter Dh of the propulsion propeller 14.

[0063] The number of fins 30 can be greater than or equal to 5, preferably greater than or equal to 8 and more preferably greater than or equal to 12.

[0064] Even when straighteners are already present downstream of the propeller 14, the presence of the fins on the downstream end section 22 is advantageous. Indeed, the design of the straighteners results from a compromise between different flight points. They cannot therefore completely straighten the flow over the entire flight envelope. It is thus advantageous to supplement them with the fins 30, which can also allow for a relaxation of constraints during the design of the straighteners.

[0065] In the first embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, the fins 30 extend radially outwards only from the downstream end section 22. The fins 30 are unfaired. The propulsion propeller 14 is located on the upstream end section 18 and is unfaired.

[0066] The fins 30 can have a maximum radial dimension Ra which represents at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, and more preferably at least 30% of a maximum radial dimension Rh of the blades or vanes 16. Each maximum radial dimension is measured with respect to the axis A and from the corresponding external surface (i.e. from the surface 22a for the fins 30 and the surface 18a for the blades or vanes 16).

[0067] The fins 30 can have a maximum external diameter Da which represents at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, and more preferably at least 40% of a maximum external diameter Dh of the propulsion propeller 14.

[0068] This maximum external diameter Da of the fins 30 can represent at most 30 or 40% of the maximum external diameter Dh of the propulsion propeller 14.

[0069] The fins 30 may have a maximum axial dimension La measured along the axis A which represents at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, and more preferably at least 50% of a maximum axial dimension Lh of the propulsion propeller 14, each maximum axial dimension La, Lh being measured from the upstreammost point of a leading edge of a fin 30 or of a blade or vane 16 of the propeller 14 to the downstreammost point of a trailing edge of this fin 30 or of this blade or vane 16 of the propeller 14.

[0070] This maximum axial dimension La of the fins 30 can be less than or equal to 100% of the maximum axial dimension Lh of the propulsion propeller 14.

[0071] In the embodiment of [Fig. 4], the fins 30 extend radially outwards from the downstream end section 22 as well as from the intermediate section 20. The fins 30 are unfaired. The propulsion propeller 14 is located on the upstream end section 18 and is unfaired.

[0072] The fins 30 can have a maximum radial dimension Ra and a maximum external diameter Da as described above in relation to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0073] The fins 30 can have a maximum axial dimension La measured along axis A which represents at least 100%, preferably at least 200%, and more preferably at least 300% of the maximum axial dimension Lh of a blade or vane 16 of the propeller 14.

[0074] In the embodiment of [Fig. 5], the fins 30 extend radially outwards from the downstream end section 22 only. The fins 30 are unfaired. The propulsion propeller 14 is located on the upstream end section 18 and is here faired.

[0075] The propulsion propeller 14 is surrounded by an annular housing 40 which extends around the axis A and the body 12 and which is connected to the body 12 by radial arms 42. The annular housing 40 can extend only around the upstream end section 18, or both around the upstream end section 18 and the intermediate section 20.

[0076] The fins 30 can have a maximum radial dimension Ra, a maximum external diameter Da, and a maximum axial dimension La as described above in relation to the first embodiment.

[0077] In the embodiment of [Fig. 6], the fins 30 extend radially outwards from the downstream end section 22 only. The fins 30 are unfaired. The propulsion propeller 14 is located on the downstream end section 22 and is also unfaired in this instance.

[0078] The fins 30 can have a maximum radial dimension Ra, a maximum external diameter Da, and a maximum axial dimension La as described above in relation to the first embodiment.

[0079] The propulsion systems 10 in Figures 2 to 6 can be considered as aeronautical turbomachinery, naval propulsion systems or submarines, for example.

[0080] In the embodiment of [Fig. 7], the fins 30 extend radially outwards from the downstream end section 22 only. The fins 30 are unfaired. The propulsion propeller 14 is located on the upstream end section 18 and is also unfaired in this instance.

[0081] The fins 30 can have a maximum radial dimension Ra, a maximum external diameter Da, and a maximum axial dimension La as described above in relation to the first embodiment.

[0082] The propulsion system 10 of [Fig. 7] can be considered as an aircraft, i.e., the streamlined body 12 is formed by the fuselage of the aircraft. This aircraft can be, for example, an airplane or a drone.

[0083] The propulsion system 30 may include at least one wing 50 which extends, for example, radially outwards from the axis A, from the intermediate section 20.

[0084] In the embodiment of [Fig. 8], the fins 30 extend radially outwards from the downstream end section 22 only. The fins 30 are unfaired. The propulsion propeller 14 is located on the downstream end section 22 and is also unfaired in this instance.

[0085] The fins 30 can have a maximum radial dimension Ra, a maximum external diameter Da, and a maximum axial dimension La as described above in relation to the first embodiment.

[0086] The propulsion system 10 of [Fig. 8] can be considered as an aircraft, that is to say, the streamlined body 12 is formed by the fuselage of the aircraft. This aircraft can be, for example, an airplane or a drone.

[0087] The propulsion system 30 may include at least one wing 50 which extends, for example, radially outwards from the axis A, from the intermediate section 20.

[0088] In the embodiment of [Fig. 9], the fins 30 extend radially outwards from the upstream end section 18. The fins 30 are unfaired. The propulsion propeller 14 is located on the upstream end section 18 and is unfaired.

[0089] The fins 30 can have a maximum radial dimension Ra, a maximum external diameter Da, and a maximum axial dimension La as described above in relation to the first embodiment.

[0090] Figures 10 and following illustrate other embodiments of the invention, the particularity of which is that the stator fins are replaced by rotor fins 30'. The rotor fins 30' are mounted on the body 12 downstream of the propeller 14.

[0091] These 30' fins extend radially outwards from at least one of the sections 18, 20, 22. There are at least four of these 30' fins, and they are distributed, preferably regularly, around the axis A. Furthermore, the maximum external diameter Da of the 30' fins represents at most 50% of the maximum external diameter Dh of the propulsion propeller 14. The number of 30' fins can be greater than or equal to 5, preferably greater than or equal to 8, and more preferably greater than or equal to 12.

[0092] In the embodiment of [Fig. 10], the fins 30' extend radially outwards from the upstream end section 18. The fins 30' are unfaired. The propulsion propeller 14 is located on the upstream end section 18 and is unfaired.

[0093] The fins 30' can have a maximum radial dimension Ra, a maximum external diameter Da, and a maximum axial dimension La as described above in relation to the first embodiment.

[0094] The propeller 14 and the fins 30' are preferably co-rotating.

[0095] The propeller 14 and the fins 30' can form a single unit and be, for example, carried by the same inlet cone 51 of the propulsion unit.

[0096] The embodiment of [Fig. 11] differs from that of [Fig. 10] in that the propulsion assembly includes an air inlet 52 offset from the longitudinal axis A of the propulsion assembly.

[0097] In the embodiment of [Fig. 12], the fins 30' extend radially outwards from the downstream end section 22 only. The fins 30' are unfaired. The propulsion propeller 14 is located on the downstream end section 22 and is also unfaired in this instance.

[0098] The fins 30' can have a maximum radial dimension Ra, a maximum external diameter Da, and a maximum axial dimension La as described above in relation to the first embodiment.

[0099] The propeller 14 and the fins 30' are preferably co-rotating.

[0100] The propeller 14 and the fins 30' can form a single unit.

[0101] The propulsion systems 10 in Figures 10 to 12 can be considered as aeronautical turbomachinery, naval propulsion systems or submarines, for example.

[0102] In the embodiment of [Fig. 13], the fins 30' extend radially outwards from the downstream end section 22 only. The fins 30' are unfaired. The propulsion propeller 14 is located on the downstream end section 22 and is also unfaired in this instance.

[0103] The fins 30' can have a maximum radial dimension Ra, a maximum external diameter Da, and a maximum axial dimension La as described above in relation to the first embodiment.

[0104] The propulsion system 10 of [Fig. 13] can be considered as an aircraft, i.e., the streamlined body 12 is formed by the fuselage of the aircraft. This aircraft can be, for example, an airplane or a drone.

[0105] The propulsion system 10 may include at least one wing 50 which extends, for example, radially outwards from the axis A, from the intermediate section 20.

[0106] The propeller 14 and the fins 30' are preferably co-rotating.

[0107] The propeller 14 and the fins 30' can form a single unit and be by example carried by the same outlet or exhaust cone 54 of the propulsion assembly.

[0108] In the embodiment of [Fig. 14], the fins 30' extend radially outwards from the intermediate section 20. The fins 30' are unfaired. The propulsion propeller 14 is located on the upstream end section 18 and is unfaired.

[0109] The 30' fins can have a maximum radial dimension Ra and a maximum external diameter Da as described above in relation to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0110] The 30' fins may have a maximum axial dimension La measured along axis A which represents at least 100%, preferably at least 200%, and more preferably at least 300% of the maximum axial dimension Lh of a blade or vane 16 of the propeller 14.

[0111] The propeller 14 and the fins 30' are preferably co-rotating.

[0112] The propeller 14 can be axially separated from the fins 30'.

[0113] The propulsion system 10 of [Fig. 14] can be considered as an aeronautical turbomachine, a naval propulsion system or a submarine for example.

[0114] In unrepresented variants, the fins 30, 30' may have variable pitch to maximize drag reduction at different flight phases. The fins 30, 30' may be foldable so as to be deployed only in flight phases where their presence is beneficial to performance. Furthermore, the propulsion system 10 may comprise several successive rows of fins 30, 30'.

[0115] The axial and azimuthal position, the number and shape of the fins 30, 30' giving the best drag reduction are potentially different for each application case and can therefore give rise to dedicated optimization.

[0116] The invention offers several advantages, including:

[0117] - the small diameter and therefore the small wetted surface of the fins 30, 30' allows to limit the drag penalty in flight phases where propeller 14 produces little thrust or where the engine driving the propeller is out of service, and

[0118] The fact that it is not necessary to generate thrust with the 30, 30' fins to obtain a drag reduction greatly simplifies their design compared to straighteners,

[0119] -etc.

Claims

Demands

1. Propulsion system (10) comprising: - a streamlined body (12) of elongated shape along an axis (A) and comprising at least one upstream end section (18) having an external peripheral surface (18a) which is centered on the axis (A) and which converges upstream, a downstream end section (22) having an external peripheral surface (22a) which is centered on the axis (A) and which converges downstream, and an intermediate section (20) which is axially intercalated between the end sections (18, 22) and which comprises an external peripheral surface (20a) centered on the axis (A) and defining a maximum diameter (Dmax) of the body (12), the external surfaces (18a, 20a, 22a) of the sections (18, 20, 22) extending continuously one after the other, and - a propulsion propeller (14) which is mounted on the body (12) and which is mobile in rotation around the axis (A),this propulsion propeller (14) comprising blades (16) extending radially outwards from the body (12), characterized in that it comprises vanes (30, 30') mounted on the body (12) downstream of the propeller (14) and extending radially outwards from at least one of said sections (18, 20, 22), these vanes (30) being at least four in number and distributed around the axis (A), and the maximum external diameter (Da) of the vanes (30) representing at most 50% of the maximum external diameter (Dh) of the propulsion propeller (14).

2. Propulsion system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fins (30) are stator fins.

3. Propulsion system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fins (30') are rotor fins.

4. Propulsion system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the number of fins (30, 30') is greater than or equal to 5, preferably greater than or equal to 8 and more preferably greater than or equal to 12.

5. Propulsion system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blades (30, 30') have a maximum radial dimension (Ra) which represents at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, and more preferably at least 30% of a maximum radial dimension (Rh) of the blades or vanes (16), each radial dimension maximum (Ra, Rh) being measured with respect to the axis (A) and from the corresponding external surface (18a, 20a, 22a).

6. Propulsion system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fins (30, 30') have a maximum external diameter (Da) which represents at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, and more preferably at least 40% of a maximum external diameter (Dh) of the propulsion propeller (14).

7. Propulsion system (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the maximum external diameter (Da) of the fins (30, 30') represents at most 30% of the maximum external diameter (Dh) of the propulsion propeller (14).

8. Propulsion system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fins (30, 30') have a maximum axial dimension (La) measured along the axis (A) which represents at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, and more preferably at least 50% of a maximum axial dimension (Lh) of the propulsion propeller (14), each maximum axial dimension (La, Lh) being measured from a leading edge of a fin (30, 30') or of a blade (16) of the propeller (14) to a trailing edge of such fin (30, 30') or of such blade (16) of the propeller (14).

9. Propulsion system (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the maximum axial dimension (La) of the fins (30, 30') represents at least 100%, preferably at least 200%, and more preferably at least 300% of the maximum axial dimension (Lh) of the propulsion propeller (16).

10. Propulsion system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stator fins (30, 30') extend radially outwards from the upstream end section (18) or downstream end section (22).

11. Propulsion system (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the stator fins (30, 30') extend radially outwards also from the intermediate section (20).

12. Propulsion system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the propulsion propeller (14) extends radially outwards from the upstream end section (18), or from the downstream end section (22).

13. Propulsion system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the propulsion propeller (14) extends radially outwards from the intermediate section (20).

14. Propulsion system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the propulsion propeller (14) is unfaired.

15. Propulsion system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the propulsion propeller (14) is enclosed by an annular housing (40) which extends around the axis (A) and the body (12) and which is connected to the body (12) by radial arms (42).

16. Propulsion system (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the annular housing (40) extends only around the upstream end section (18) and / or the intermediate section (20).

17. Propulsion system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the system being selected from an aircraft turbomachine, an aircraft, or a boat or ship propulsion system.

18. Propulsion system (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the fins (30, 30') are unfaired.

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