Capsize recovery device of floating body side unit

Abstract

To provide a capsize recover device capable of recovering a multihull-type floating body side unit when the multihull-type floating body side unit floated on the sea, lakes, rivers, and so on capsizes.SOLUTION: A capsize recovery device (2) is the device to recover a floating body side unit (1) with multi hulls (12a,12b) from a capsize in a liquid. Each hull comprises a valve liquid injection part (21) capable of selectively assigning the role of a ballast due to a liquid injection and a liquid exclusion part (20) capable of selectively assigning the floating role by excluding the injected liquid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a capsize recovery device that recovers a floating body unit that capsizes when the floating body unit is capsized, and that is part of various systems that utilize kites, such as tethered wind power generation systems, observation systems, transportation systems, and communication systems, in which kites are launched from a floating body unit such as a yacht. [Background technology]

[0002] As a floating unit or an offshore unit of this kind, various types of ships with sails that raise kites from the stern have been proposed. By applying traditional ballast or other technology to stabilize the ship's position, or existing multi-hull stabilization technology such as catamarans with two hulls or multi-hulls with three or more hulls (see Patent Document 1), it is expected that these types of ships will not capsize so easily. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US10029773B1 publication Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, given the unique environment in which kites are raised from the floating unit to generate power in a relatively strong wind, and the power for moving the floating unit is reliant on wind force hitting the sail for energy efficiency, the floating unit in a tethered wind power generation system is more susceptible to capsizing than a conventional ship. Also, in the case of floating units that constitute various systems using kites, such as observation systems, transportation systems, and communication systems, the floating unit is also more susceptible to capsizing depending on the magnitude of the tension the floating unit receives via the tether from the kites flying in a moderate wind. Furthermore, depending on the application and situation, the problem of capsizing can also occur in multihull floating units unrelated to kites. The aforementioned background art poses a technical problem in that, in the event of capsizing, various countermeasures, such as raising, sinking, or towing the floating unit, are required.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a capsize recovery device for a floating body unit, such as a yacht, that enables the floating body unit to recover when it capsizes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the capsize recovery device for a floating body side unit according to the present invention is a capsize recovery device for recovering from capsize in a liquid in a floating body side unit having n (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) hulls, the device comprising: a liquid injection section that can selectively make each of the n hulls act as ballast by injecting the liquid; a liquid removal section that can selectively make each of the n hulls act as a float by removing the injected liquid; and a control section that, when the floating body side unit capsizes, controls the liquid injection section to inject the liquid into m (where m is a natural number less than n) of the n hulls that are located relatively lower in the liquid, and, when the floating body side unit recovers from capsize due to the injection of the liquid, controls the liquid removal section to remove the injected liquid from the m hulls. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the floater-side unit capsize recovery device of the present invention, when a multi-hull floater-side unit capsizes, under the control of the control unit, first the liquid injector injects liquid into m hulls (i.e., some of the hulls) of the floater-side unit, so that these m hulls function as ballast, and the floater-side unit is again turned upside down. Furthermore, the liquid removal unit removes liquid from these m hulls, so that n hulls (i.e., all of the hulls) function as floats. As a result, the floater-side unit returns to its normal functioning state before capsizing.

[0008] Such effects of the present invention will become more apparent from the embodiments of the invention described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the overall configuration of the capsize recovery device for the floating body unit according to the embodiment, together with the main parts of the floating body unit. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing an example of a main structure below deck of an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a main structure inside the ship of the embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a capsize recovery process according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] First, the overall configuration of a capsize recovery device for a floating body unit according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. This embodiment is constructed as a capsize recovery device that recovers a capsized multi-hull floating body unit that constitutes a tethered wind power generation system in which kites are launched from a floating body unit such as a yacht or an offshore unit. This capsize recovery device can be applied to multi-hull floating body units such as a catamaran with two hulls or a multi-hull ship with three or more hulls. In either case, capsize recovery can be performed relatively easily or quickly, as will be described in detail below, and can also be performed automatically or semi-automatically without human intervention.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a multi-hull floating body unit 1 includes a mast 10, a sail 11 (see Figure 1) that can rotate around the mast 10 within a movable range 11A (see Figure 2), hulls 12a and 12b, and a deck 15. It is constructed as a floating body unit of a tethered wind power generation system that flies kites (not shown), and is particularly equipped with a capsize recovery device 2 according to this embodiment. The floating body unit 1 floats on the sea, ocean, lake, or river due to the buoyancy of the hulls 12a and 12b, and is movable by the wind force acting on the sail 11. Furthermore, the floating body unit 1 is configured to move or assume a posture suitable for wind power generation due to changes in the tension received from the kites via the tether when the kites (not shown) are flown.

[0012] The capsize recovery device 2 includes a compressor 20 that can selectively inject air, which is an example of a gas, into the hulls 12a and 12b, a valve 21 that can selectively inject seawater, which is an example of a liquid (in the case of offshore power generation), into the hulls 12a and 12b, pipes 22a and 22b that selectively connect the valve 21 to the hulls 12a and 12b, and a control unit (not shown) (see Figure 4) that will be described later.

[0013] Valve 21 is configured as a branch valve connected to compressor 20 on the opposite side of pipes 22a and 22b. Operation of compressor 20 causes each of hulls 12a and 12b to selectively function as a float. Seawater is injected through valve 21 via a flow path (not shown) separate from compressor 20, causing each of hulls 12a and 12b to selectively function as ballast. In this manner, in this embodiment, an example of a "liquid injection unit" is configured as valve 21 functioning as a seawater injection unit, and an example of a "liquid removal unit" is configured as compressor 20 functioning as a gas injection unit or air injection unit.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 3 , a ballast 13 extending deep into the sea is provided below the deck 15 near the center between the hulls 12a and 12b in a plan view. The floating unit 1 may be secured to a fixed position on the sea surface by a separate anchor, depending on the circumstances. The floating unit 1 receives tension in one direction from the kites, which are raised to receive moderate or maximum wind force for power generation, making it prone to tipping or capsizing during power generation. Furthermore, from the perspective of energy efficiency, the wind force acting on the sail 11 intentionally moves or tilts the floating unit 1 in a direction different from the direction of the tension from the kites, making it prone to tipping or capsizing during power generation. However, in this embodiment, the presence of the ballast 13 can reduce the risk of capsizing to some extent.

[0015] However, even with the ballast 13, further improvement in power generation efficiency requires stronger tension from the kite via the tether, increasing the risk of capsizing. Alternatively, reducing the risk of capsizing reduces the all-important power generation efficiency, resulting in a loss of valuable wind power. Consequently, being able to easily and quickly execute a recovery process or restoration process in the event of capsizing is extremely important for improving power generation efficiency and recovering the capsized floating body unit. Therefore, in this embodiment, as will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 4 and 5, a capsizing restoration device 2 is constructed that enables the floating body unit 1 to be relatively easily and quickly restored if it capsizes.

[0016] As shown in Figure 4, the capsize recovery device 2 includes, in addition to the compressor 20 and the valve 21, a control unit 30 on board the floating body unit 1 that controls the on / off of the compressor 20 and the opening and closing of the valve 21, a capsize detection unit 31 that detects the capsize of the floating body unit 1, and a capsize detection unit 31 that detects the recovery of the floating body unit 1 from capsize.

[0017] The configuration and operation of the capsize recovery device 2 will be further described with reference to Fig. 5 in addition to Fig. 4. The operation process shown in the flowchart of Fig. 4 is repeatedly executed by the control unit 30 as a subroutine periodically or irregularly as follows while the floating body unit 1 is sailing or generating power.

[0018] That is, as shown in Fig. 5, first, the capsize detection unit 31 (see Fig. 4) determines whether the floating body unit 1 has capsized while the floating body unit 1 is generating power or while sailing (step S11). Specifically, for example, the capsize detection unit 31 or the capsize detection unit 31 and the control unit 30 work together to determine whether the tilt of the floating body unit 1 has reached 90 degrees or more, using an angle sensor that the capsize detection unit 31 has.

[0019] If it is determined that the vehicle has not overturned (step S11: NO), the control unit 30 ends the series of processes.

[0020] On the other hand, if it is determined that the vessel has capsized (step S12: YES), the control unit 30 identifies the hull into which seawater should be injected via the valve 21 (step S12). Specifically, of the hulls 12a and 12b, the one located relatively lower is identified as the hull into which seawater should be injected.

[0021] Next, under the control of the control unit 30, seawater is injected into the hull identified in step S12 via the valve 21 and the pipe 22a or 22b corresponding to that hull (step S13). When seawater is injected in this manner, the hull 12a or 12b that is located relatively lower selectively serves as ballast, and the capsized floating body unit 1 is rotated in a direction that will allow it to recover from capsizing, and ultimately recover from capsizing.

[0022] Therefore, the return detection unit 32 (see FIG. 4) determines whether the floating body unit 1 has recovered from capsizing (step S14). Specifically, for example, the return detection unit 32, or the return detection unit 32 and the control unit 30 work together to determine whether the inclination of the floating body unit 1 has returned to within a predetermined inclination angle range assumed when the floating body unit 1 is not capsized, using an angle sensor that the return detection unit 32 has.

[0023] Unless it is determined that the system has not recovered (step S14: NO), the seawater injection in step S15 continues.

[0024] On the other hand, if it is determined that the floating body unit 1 has returned to its normal state (step S14: YES), under the control of the control unit 30, the seawater is drained or removed by air injection selectively from the hull 12a or 12b into which seawater was injected in step S13 via the compressor 20 and the pipe 22a or 22b corresponding to the hull (step S15). Once the seawater has been drained, the hull resumes its original role as a float, and the restored floating body unit 1 is restored to its normal state before capsizing.

[0025] The state of seawater removal by air injection into the compressor 20 (step S15) is monitored by the control unit 30, and seawater removal continues (step S15) until it is completed (step S16: NO). Finally, when seawater removal is completed (step S16: YES), the control unit 30 ends this series of processes. Thereafter, the floating body unit 1 is sailed or towed to a dock for maintenance or repair. Alternatively, if there is no abnormality, malfunction, damage, etc. due to capsizing or if the damage is minor, tethered wind power generation can be resumed.

[0026] As described above in detail, with the capsize recovery device 2 according to this embodiment, when the multi-hull floater unit 1 capsizes in the sea, first, under the control of the control unit 30, seawater is injected into one hull of the floater unit 1 (i.e., hull 12a or 12b) by the valve 21. This hull then serves as ballast, and the floater unit 1 is turned upside down again. Next, under the control of the control unit 30, air is injected into this hull by the compressor. This causes all hulls (i.e., hulls 12a and 12b) to function as floats, and the floater unit 1 returns to its normal functioning state before capsizing. By employing control by the control unit 30 provided on board the ship in this way, and by using the detection results from the capsize detection unit 31 and the recovery detection unit 32, the capsize recovery process can be performed automatically or semi-automatically without human intervention, making this embodiment extremely convenient in practice.

[0027] Additional notes The following additional notes are provided regarding the above-described embodiment.

[0028] [Appendix 1] The capsize recovery device for a floater side unit described in Appendix 1 of the present invention is a capsize recovery device for recovering from capsize in a liquid in a floater side unit having n (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) hulls, and comprises a liquid injection section that can selectively make each of the n hulls act as ballast by injecting the liquid, a liquid removal section that can selectively make each of the n hulls act as a float by removing the injected liquid, and a control section that controls the liquid injection section to inject the liquid into m (m is a natural number less than n) of the n hulls that are located relatively lower in the liquid when the floater side unit recovers from capsize due to the injection of liquid, and controls the liquid removal section to remove the injected liquid from the m hulls when the floater side unit recovers from capsize.

[0029] According to the floater unit capsize recovery device described in Appendix 1, if a multi-hull floater unit such as a catamaran or multi-hull vessel capsizes in the sea, lake, river, or the like due to wind, rain, waves, cargo shifting, malfunction, damage, collision, or kite misoperation or error when used in tethered wind power generation, the controller first injects liquid such as seawater, lake water, or river water into m (i.e., some) hulls of the floater unit using a liquid injection unit such as a valve under the control of the controller. These m hulls then function as ballast, and the floater unit is turned upside down again. Furthermore, under the control of the controller, the controller then injects liquid into these m hulls using a liquid removal unit such as a compressor, gas generator, or gas injector, using gas injection such as air injection, gas generation, gas injection, or hydrogen injection. These n (i.e., all) hulls then function as floats, and the floater unit returns to its normal functioning state before capsizing.

[0030] The above-mentioned "liquid injection section" is not limited to "valves" such as mechanically driven valves, electric valves, and solenoid valves, but may also include lids, hatches, screws, actuators, pumps, etc. that can inject liquid into the hull by mechanical, electrical, or electromagnetic drive.

[0031] The above-mentioned "liquid removal section" is not limited to a "compressor," but may also include a gas generator (including a device that generates gas in a manner similar to an in-vehicle airbag, which functions only once) that can inject gas into the hull (in other words, can discharge liquid), a device that allows hydrogen gas generated on the floating unit to flow in when applied to a tethered power generation system, a suction pump, an actuator, etc.

[0032] [Appendix 2] The capsizing and recovery device for a floating body side unit described in Appendix 2 of the present invention is a capsizing and recovery device for a floating body side unit described in Appendix 1, further comprising a capsizing detection unit that detects that the floating body side unit has capsized, and a recovery detection unit that detects that the floating body side unit has recovered from capsizing, wherein the control unit controls the liquid injection unit to inject the liquid when the capsizing detection unit detects capsizing, and controls the gas injection unit to inject the gas when the recovery detection unit detects recovery.

[0033] According to the capsize recovery device for a floater-side unit described in Appendix 2 of the present invention, when the floater-side unit capsizes, the capsize is detected by a capsize detection unit, such as a roll angle sensor, a G sensor, a water pressure sensor on the upper part of the sail, or a capsize determination unit. Typically, capsize is detected when the floater-side unit tilts by 90 degrees or more. Then, under the control of a control unit, liquid such as seawater is injected into m hulls (i.e., a portion) of the hulls located relatively lower in the floater-side unit. This causes the m hulls to function as ballast, and the floater-side unit is turned upside down again. That is, the floater recovers from capsize. This recovery is detected by a recovery detection unit, such as a roll angle sensor, a G sensor, a water pressure sensor on the upper part of the sail, or a recovery determination unit. Typically, this is detected when the tilt of the floater-side unit falls within the range of tilt angles corresponding to a non-capsized state. Then, under the control of the control unit, liquid is removed from these m hulls, for example, by injecting air into the compressor. As a result, the n hulls function as floats, and the floating body unit returns to its normal functioning state before capsizing.

[0034] Appendix 3 The capsize recovery device for a floating body unit described in Appendix 3 of the present invention is characterized in that the floating body unit is configured as a unit floating on the liquid in a tether-type wind power generation system having a kite and a tether attached to the kite at its tip and attached to the floating body unit at its base.

[0035] The capsize recovery device for a floating body unit according to the present invention, as described in Supplementary Note 3, is particularly effective in the case of floating body units that constitute a tethered buoyancy power generation system, because the floating body units are prone to capsizing due to the nature of wind power generation, which utilizes the tension of the kites applied to the floating body units via the tether. However, this is not limited to tethered wind power generation, and the effect of the capsize recovery device is also effective in floating body units that constitute systems that use kites for observation, transportation, communication, or other purposes, depending on the degree of capsizing of the floating body units during navigation or operation, which depends on the magnitude of the tension applied from the kites via the tether and the wind force applied to the sail. Furthermore, even when there are no kites, the effect of the capsize recovery device is effective depending on the degree of capsizing of the floating body units.

[0036] [Appendix 4] The floating body unit according to the present invention as described in Supplementary Note 4 includes the anti-toppling device as described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3.

[0037] According to the floating body side unit described in Appendix 4 of the present invention, the capsizing recovery device described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 3 above allows the multi-hull type floating body side unit to return to its normal functioning state before capsizing even if it capsizes.

[0038] The present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope that does not contradict the gist or concept of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and the float-side unit capsize recovery device or float-side unit that involves such modifications are also included in the technical concept of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] Floating unit...1 Capsize recovery device...2 Must: 10 Sail...11 Hal...12a, 12b Compressor...20 Valve...21 Control unit...30 Rollover detection unit...31 Recovery detection section...32

Claims

1. A capsizing recovery device for recovering from capsizing in liquid in a floating body unit having n hulls (where n is a natural number of 2 or more), a liquid injection unit that can selectively cause each of the n hulls to serve as ballast by injecting the liquid; a liquid removal section for each of the n hulls that can selectively function as a float by removing the injected liquid; a control unit that, when the floating body unit capsizes, controls the liquid injection unit to inject the liquid into m (where m is a natural number smaller than n) hulls out of the n hulls that are located relatively lower in the liquid, and, when the floating body unit recovers from capsizing due to the injection of the liquid, controls the liquid removal unit to remove the injected liquid from the m hulls; A capsizing recovery device for a floating body unit, comprising:

2. an overturning detection unit that detects that the floating body unit has overturned; a recovery detection unit that detects that the floating body unit has recovered from capsizing; Further provided with The control unit controls the liquid injection unit to inject the liquid when the overturn detection unit detects overturning, and controls the gas injection unit to inject the gas when the return detection unit detects return.

2. The capsize recovery device for a floating body unit according to claim 1.

3. The floating body unit is configured as a unit floating on the liquid in a tether-type wind power generation system having a kite and a tether attached to the kite at its tip and to the floating body unit at its base.

4. A floating body unit comprising the capsize recovery device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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