Marine equipment and vessels

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a marine installation and a marine vessel. [Background technology]

[0002] Sails have long been known as a means of propulsion for ships. Traditionally, flexible sails were attached to a mast to harness the power of the wind to propel the ship.

[0003] Current ships generally use fossil fuels and combustion engines to propel themselves. To reduce overall fossil fuel consumption, it has been suggested to use wind propulsion. To achieve this, one or more wind-engagement units may be used. Such wind-engagement units may be flexible sheet sails, various types of rigid sails, rotor sails, wind turbines, or similar means.

[0004] The amount of thrust generated is related to several interlinked factors, but surface area and other geometric aerodynamic properties are the primary performance indicators.

[0005] To control the generated propulsive force, one or more aspects of the wind engagement units may be controllable. Some wind engagement units may be controllable to assume an active position or an inactive position. In the active position, the wind engagement unit generates propulsive force. In the inactive position of the wind engagement unit, no propulsive force is generated, or at least the generated propulsive force is significantly reduced.

[0006] For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0216582 discloses a wing sail in which the relative positions of bow and stern airfoils can be controlled and nested for lowering and / or reefing the wing sail. European Patent Application Publication No. 474363 discloses a rotor sail with a bladed turbine. Aspects of the blades, such as their relative positions, are controllable. Such turbines can also be stored within the rotor of the rotor sail. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 7766601 discloses a vertical-axis wind turbine having a central rotating tower to which nearly vertical blades are fixed. The blades are capable of rotating and moving radially relative to the central tower. The movement of each blade is controlled based on the conditions to which it is exposed to, to optimize the overall performance of the wind turbine. Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 109050856 discloses a cargo ship with a wind propulsion device having a rotatable drum that utilizes the Magnus effect. A mechanism swings the drum between an upright position relative to the base when the wind energy propulsion device is in an operational state and a horizontal position relative to the base when the wind energy propulsion device is in a maintenance state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0216582 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 474363 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 7,766,601 [Patent Document 4] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 109050856 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Thus, the installation of a wind propulsion system on a marine vessel requires the installation of both the system's wind-engaging units and associated control equipment for the wind-engaging units. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] It would be advantageous to improve existing wind propulsion systems for ships. In particular, it would be desirable to facilitate the installation and / or maintenance of wind propulsion systems for ships. In order to better address one or more of these problems, one or more marine installations and ships are provided having the features defined in at least one of the independent claims.

[0010] According to one aspect, a marine vessel installation is provided, comprising a wind propulsion system and an equipment housing. The wind propulsion system comprises a base and a wind engagement unit, the base being configured to be disposed on a deck structure of a marine vessel and support the wind engagement unit, the wind engagement unit comprising at least one movable part displaceable relative to the base. The wind propulsion system further comprises at least one first hydraulic actuator arranged to engage with the at least one movable part for displacement relative to the base. The wind propulsion system further comprises a hydraulic power unit disposed in the equipment housing, the hydraulic power unit being arranged to supply hydraulic power to at least the first hydraulic actuator. The wind propulsion system further comprises a hydraulic conduit extending from the hydraulic power unit to the first hydraulic actuator, the hydraulic conduit extending between the equipment housing and the first hydraulic actuator.

[0011] Because the marine equipment comprises a wind propulsion system and an equipment housing, the wind propulsion system comprises at least a first hydraulic actuator, the wind propulsion system comprises a hydraulic power unit disposed in the equipment housing, and the wind propulsion system further comprises a hydraulic conduit extending between the equipment housing and the first hydraulic actuator, the marine equipment is configured to be easy to install in a marine vessel and to easily perform maintenance on the marine equipment.

[0012] That is, by locating the equipment housing in the vessel, the hydraulic power unit and therefore the power supply to the first hydraulic actuator is installed in the vessel as one module, while the base and, optionally, the wind engagement unit and the first hydraulic actuator are installed as separate modules.

[0013] More specifically, a marine installation comprising a base and an equipment housing with a wind engagement unit on the one hand and a hydraulic power unit arranged therein on the other hand forms a modular installation. In addition, the equipment housing itself may have an uncomplicated geometric shape, and therefore the associated marine vessel can be more easily prepared for the installation of the marine installation. In particular, the installation of an equipment housing with a relatively uncomplicated shape is simple compared to that of a hydraulic power unit, which is often geometrically more complex. Furthermore, access to the equipment housing allows maintenance personnel to easily perform maintenance on the hydraulic power unit.

[0014] When the additional equipment and / or components of the wind propulsion system are arranged in an equipment housing, easier installation is realized. With each additional equipment / component of the wind propulsion system arranged in an equipment housing and therefore installable on the associated vessel together with the equipment housing, the additional equipment / component does not need to be installed separately on the vessel. Similarly, with each additional equipment / component of the wind propulsion system arranged in an equipment housing, maintenance personnel can easily access the additional component, for example, to perform maintenance and / or system checks.

[0015] Whether retrofitting an existing vessel with a wind propulsion system or installing a wind propulsion system on a newly built vessel, the benefits of facilitating installation of current vessel equipment by utilizing a hydraulic power unit and possibly further equipment / components of the wind propulsion system located within an equipment enclosure are readily available.

[0016] It has been realized by the inventors that the installation of hydraulic power units for wind engagement units and / or control equipment for wind engagement units on the decks of a vessel is complicated due to the fact that each vessel's deck is designed differently, and each vessel installation may need to be adapted to the individual layout of the associated deck.

[0017] The arrangement of hydraulic power units and / or control equipment may differ between ships, and therefore the mounting of the hydraulic power units and connections of hydraulic conduits, etc., will need to be adapted to each individual ship. The modular ship installation suggested here avoids these problems of changing wind propulsion systems and therefore expensive installation, or at least makes the installation of wind propulsion systems much easier. Modular and therefore at least somewhat standardized ship installations will make installation easier and therefore less costly. Furthermore, modular ship installations can find easier acceptance in the maritime industry, and in particular in the shipbuilding industry. Thus, the shipbuilding industry can prepare ships for the installation of equipment housings, for example by providing dedicated spaces with bases for the equipment housings in the deck structure.

[0018] It is further appreciated by the present invention that the modular concept provides advantages not only from an installation standpoint, but also for facilitating the maintenance and / or repair of marine equipment once installed in a vessel. When installing new marine equipment in a vessel, the entire equipment enclosure is lifted onto the associated vessel deck structure and the hydraulic conduit between the hydraulic power unit and the first hydraulic actuator is connected. Furthermore, for example, repair of current marine equipment can be performed by disconnecting the hydraulic conduit between the hydraulic power unit and the first hydraulic actuator and removing the currently installed equipment enclosure. A new equipment enclosure is installed, the hydraulic conduits are reconnected, and the vessel is ready for use. The removed equipment enclosure can be overhauled away from the vessel and utilized as a new or replacement equipment enclosure for a different marine equipment installation.

[0019] The marine equipment is configured to at least contribute to the propulsion of the marine vessel to which it is attached. The marine vessel may typically be a ship used in the commercial transport of goods and / or passengers by sea. However, the marine vessel may alternatively be a larger type of leisure yacht.

[0020] A wind propulsion system may alternatively be referred to herein as a propulsion system.

[0021] As mentioned above, the wind propulsion system comprises a wind engagement unit, i.e., a unit adapted for engagement with the wind. In addition, the propulsion system comprises components for controlling the wind engagement unit, i.e., for either controlling its position between an active position and an inactive position and / or for controlling the position of at least a portion of the wind engagement unit relative to the wind. Such components include a first hydraulic actuator and a hydraulic power unit. Such components may further comprise, for example, one or more further hydraulic actuators, hydraulic controls, valves, electronic controls, monitoring equipment, etc.

[0022] A base configured to be disposed on a deck structure of a vessel means that the base is configured to secure the wind engagement unit directly to the vessel deck or indirectly to the deck, e.g., on or adjacent to the deck via a vessel superstructure, a dedicated construction, or the like. The deck or superstructure or dedicated construction may be specifically reinforced to withstand stresses that the base and wind engagement unit may impose on the deck and / or superstructure and / or dedicated construction during the life of the vessel installation. In this way, the propulsive force generated by the wind engagement unit is transmitted to the vessel via the base to contribute to the propulsion of the vessel. Thus, a base configured to support a wind engagement unit mounted for use in a vessel means that the wind engagement unit is directly or indirectly connected to a part of the base, such as an upper part of the base. A lower part of the base is connected to the vessel deck, either directly or indirectly, e.g., via a superstructure. For example, such a structure may be configured to lift the wind engagement unit a distance above the vessel deck.

[0023] At least one movable part of the wind engagement unit that is displaceable relative to the base may, for example, be a movable part configured to control the direction and / or magnitude of the thrust generated by the wind engagement unit, or the wind engagement unit as a whole, which may be displaceable between an active position and an inactive position.

[0024] The base is separate from the equipment housing, i.e., the base is an entity that is separate from the equipment housing. Hydraulic conduits and optionally other conduits may extend between the equipment housing and, for example, a first hydraulic actuator of the base. Nevertheless, the base and the equipment housing are separate entities in the sense that they can be handled separately, for example, during installation of a marine installation in a marine vessel.

[0025] In this specification, the equipment housing may alternatively be referred to as a housing. The equipment housing is a housing invented to house at least the hydraulic power unit and optionally further control equipment of the wind propulsion system. The equipment housing may be a closed housing so that the hydraulic power unit and optional further control equipment are protected from the vessel's ambient environment, such as rain, low and high temperatures, etc. The equipment housing may be equipped with temperature regulators, such as heaters, air conditioners, etc.

[0026] The first hydraulic actuator may be a hydraulic cylinder or a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic power unit comprises a hydraulic pump, which may be driven by, for example, an electric motor. The hydraulic pump pressurizes a hydraulic fluid, such as hydraulic oil, circulating in the hydraulic system of the wind propulsion system. Thus, the hydraulic power generated by the hydraulic power unit is pressurized hydraulic fluid.

[0027] The hydraulic conduit extending from the hydraulic power unit to the first hydraulic actuator may include two or more conduit segments. Several conduit segments may extend between the hydraulic power unit and connectors or coupling elements positioned as transition elements from inside the equipment housing and outside the housing. Additional hydraulic conduit segments may extend from outside the equipment housing between the equipment housing and the first hydraulic actuator.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the wind engagement unit may comprise a wing sail, which may comprise a main wing sail having an airfoil shape and a flap having an airfoil shape. The first hydraulic actuator may control the position of the main wing sail relative to the base and / or the position of the flap relative to the main wing sail. In this way, a wind engagement unit in the form of a wing sail with controllable flaps may be provided, and the first hydraulic actuator may be configured to control the controllable flaps and is powered by a hydraulic power unit from the equipment housing.

[0029] The wind propulsion system may comprise further hydraulic actuators for controlling one or more further controllable properties of the wing sail, such as the angular position of the wing sail and therefore the direction of the thrust generated by the wing sail.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the first hydraulic actuator can control the wind engagement unit between an upright position and a substantially horizontal position. In this way, the wind engagement unit can be controlled by the first hydraulic actuator to assume an upright position or a substantially horizontal position.

[0031] The upright position may be the active position, in which the wind engagement unit is positioned to propel the vessel, and the substantially horizontal position may be the inactive position, in which the wind engagement unit does not contribute, at least to a large extent, to propel the vessel.

[0032] In embodiments in which the first hydraulic actuator controls the flap of the wing sail, one or more further hydraulic actuators may control the wind engagement unit between an upright position and a substantially horizontal position.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the wind propulsion system may comprise a further hydraulic conduit extending from the hydraulic power unit to one or more hydraulic actuators of the further wind engagement unit, the further hydraulic conduit extending between the equipment housing and one or more hydraulic actuators of the further wind engagement unit.

[0034] In this way, the hydraulic power unit may supply hydraulic power to one or more hydraulic actuators of at least one further wind engagement unit of the associated vessel.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the marine installation may include at least one additional wind propulsion system and one additional equipment housing for each additional wind propulsion system. Each additional wind propulsion system may include a base and a wind engagement unit, and the base of each additional wind propulsion system may be arranged on the deck structure of the marine vessel and configured to support the wind engagement unit of each additional wind propulsion system. The wind engagement unit of each additional wind propulsion system may include at least one movable part displaceable relative to the base. Each additional wind propulsion system may further include at least one hydraulic actuator arranged to engage with the at least one movable part for displacement of the additional wind propulsion system relative to the base of the additional wind propulsion system. Each additional wind propulsion system may include a hydraulic power unit arranged in each additional equipment housing, the hydraulic power unit arranged to supply hydraulic power to at least a first hydraulic actuator of the associated additional wind propulsion system. Each further wind propulsion system may further comprise a further hydraulic conduit extending from a respective hydraulic power unit of each further equipment housing to each of the at least one hydraulic actuator of each further wind propulsion system, the further hydraulic conduit extending between each further equipment housing and each of the at least one hydraulic actuator. In this way, at least two separate modular wind propulsion systems may be provided for one marine vessel, and advantages of ease of installation and maintenance may be enjoyed for each of the wind propulsion systems and for the at least one further wind propulsion system.

[0036] According to a further aspect, there is provided a marine vessel comprising a marine vessel installation according to any one of the aspects and / or embodiments discussed herein.

[0037] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the appended claims and the following detailed description.

[0038] Various aspects and / or embodiments of the present invention, including particular features and advantages thereof, will be readily understood from the exemplary embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a watercraft according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a ship installation according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] 1A and 1B schematically illustrate a wind engagement unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 4a] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic of a wind propulsion system according to an embodiment; [Figure 4b] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic of a wind propulsion system according to an embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] Aspects and / or embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or constructions have not necessarily been described in detail.

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates a vessel 2 according to an embodiment.

[0042] The vessel 2 comprises a vessel installation 4 according to any one of the aspects and / or embodiments discussed herein, with particular reference to Figures 2 to 4b.

[0043] The marine installation 4 comprises a wind propulsion system 6 and an equipment housing 8 .

[0044] The wind propulsion system 6 includes a base 10 and a wind engagement unit 12. The wind engagement unit 12 is configured to generate force when it receives wind, and the force contributes to propelling the vessel 2. The base 10 is configured to be disposed on a deck structure 14 of the vessel 2 to support the wind engagement unit 12. That is, the base 10 connects the wind engagement unit 12 to the vessel 2, such as the deck of the vessel 2, to transmit propulsive force to the vessel 2.

[0045] The equipment housing 8 houses control equipment such as a hydraulic power unit for at least a first hydraulic actuator in the base 10 and / or the wind engagement unit 12. The control equipment and the first hydraulic actuator are included in the wind propulsion system 6. See further below with respect to Figures 2-4b.

[0046] A hydraulic conduit (not shown) extends between the equipment housing 8 and the first hydraulic actuator.

[0047] In the described embodiment, the wind engagement unit 12 comprises a wing sail. The wing sail as a whole may form the moving part and / or portions of the wing sail, such as one or more flaps, may form the moving part of the wing sail. Such moving part is displaceable relative to the base 10. For example, a first hydraulic actuator may be arranged to engage the moving part for displacement of the moving part relative to the base 10. See further below with respect to Figures 3-4b.

[0048] In the embodiment described, the marine installation 4 comprises at least one further wind propulsion system 6', 6'' and one further equipment housing 8', 8'' for each further wind propulsion system 6', 6''.

[0049] In the embodiment described, the marine installation 4 comprises three wind propulsion systems 6, 6', 6'' and three equipment housings 8, 8', 8''.

[0050] In alternative embodiments, the marine installation may include fewer than three, i.e., one or two wind propulsion systems plus associated equipment enclosures, or may include more than three, i.e., in the range of 4 to 12 wind propulsion systems plus associated equipment enclosures.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the wind engagement unit 12 may be a wing sail, a rotor sail, a turbo sail, or a similar device.

[0052] In the embodiment shown, the wind engagement unit 12 is a wing sail.

[0053] Rotor sails may utilize the so-called Magnus effect and may, for example, comprise a Flettner rotor. Turbo sails are sometimes called suction sails. Other similar devices may, for example, comprise a kite or a wind turbine.

[0054] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a ship installation 4 according to an embodiment.

[0055] The vessel installation 4 may be the vessel installation 4 as discussed above with reference to Figure 1. Accordingly, in the following, reference is also made to Figure 1.

[0056] Again, the marine installation 4 comprises a wind propulsion system 6 and an equipment housing 8. The wind propulsion system 6 comprises a base 10 and a wind engagement unit 12. The base 10 is configured to be disposed on a deck structure 14 of the marine vessel and to support the wind engagement unit 12.

[0057] The wind engagement unit 12 comprises at least one movable part 16 that is displaceable relative to the base 10 .

[0058] The wind propulsion system 6 further comprises at least a first hydraulic actuator 18 arranged to engage the at least one movable part 16 for displacement thereof relative to the base 10 .

[0059] The wind propulsion system 6 further comprises a hydraulic power unit 20 arranged in the equipment housing 8. The hydraulic power unit 20 is arranged to supply hydraulic power to at least the first hydraulic actuator 18.

[0060] The wind propulsion system further comprises a hydraulic conduit 22 extending from the hydraulic power unit 20 to the first hydraulic actuator 18. The hydraulic conduit 22 extends between the housing 8 and the first hydraulic actuator 18.

[0061] The modular marine installation 4 comprises a base 10, a wind engagement unit 12 and a first hydraulic actuator 18 forming part of a first module 21, and an equipment housing 8 and a hydraulic power unit 20 arranged therein forming part of a second module 23. In Figure 2, the first module 21 and the second module 23 are indicated by dash-dot lines.

[0062] Each of the first module 21 and second module 23 can be addressed separately, for example, during installation of the vessel installation 4 on the vessel. Once installed, the hydraulic conduits 22 between the equipment housing 8 and the first hydraulic actuator 18 are connected and the vessel installation 4 is mechanically and hydraulically ready to operate in the vessel 2.

[0063] It may be noted that parts of the wind propulsion system 6 are distributed between two modules 21, 23 to facilitate installation and / or maintenance of the wind propulsion system 6. Specifically, the hydraulic components of the wind propulsion system 6 are assigned to either the first module 21, which includes the base 10 and the wind engagement unit 12, or the second module 23, which includes the housing 8. Typically, the actuators of the wind engagement system 6, such as the first actuator 18, are assigned to the first module 21, and the hydraulic power supply and control equipment is assigned to the second module 23.

[0064] According to embodiments such as the one shown, the equipment housing 8 forms a movable module configured to be mounted on the deck structure 14 of the vessel 2 for connection of a hydraulic conduit 22 extending between the equipment housing 8 and the first hydraulic actuator 18 of the wind propulsion system 6. In this way, the equipment housing 8 can form a module that can be installed and removed as a unit of the wind propulsion system 6, such as the first module 21 discussed above. This allows for easy installation and / or maintenance and / or replacement of the equipment housing 8.

[0065] The housing 8 forming the moveable module thus forms a separate entity that can be moved, for example by crane. For example, during installation of the equipment housing 8, the housing 8 can be lifted onto the deck structure 14 of the vessel 2. Similarly, for maintenance and / or replacement, the equipment housing 8 forming the moveable module can be lifted off the deck structure 14 of the vessel 2.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the equipment enclosure 8 can have the outer dimensions of a standardized shipping container, such as an ISO container. In this manner, a standardized container size can be utilized for the equipment enclosure 8, which can facilitate handling of the enclosure 8. That is, lifting and transport equipment for the standardized shipping container is readily available.

[0067] ISO containers are standard size containers. ISO containers come in a variety of standard sizes, such as 10-, 20-, 30-, or 40-foot containers. Depending on the space required for the hydraulic power unit 20 and any additional equipment to be placed within the equipment enclosure 8, an appropriately sized ISO container equipment enclosure can be selected that has the exterior dimensions of a standardized shipping container.

[0068] Within the exterior dimensions of a standardized shipping container, such as an ISO container, a shipping container, or an intermodal shipping container, the equipment enclosure may be structurally stronger than such a standardized container. For example, the frame of the equipment enclosure may be stronger, and the wall elements may be stronger and / or better insulated than those of the ISO container.

[0069] Alternatively, the container may have standardized exterior dimensions that differ from those of an ISO container.

[0070] According to embodiments such as the one shown, the equipment housing 8 comprises a plurality of wall elements 24, 26, 26′ that enclose a space 28. In this way, the hydraulic power unit 20 and other equipment housed within the equipment housing 8 are arranged in a protected manner within the space 28 formed by the wall elements 24, 26, 26′.

[0071] According to embodiments such as the illustrated embodiment, the equipment housing 8 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the plurality of wall elements 24, 26, 26′ includes a first wall element 26 and a second wall element 26′. The first wall element 26 and the second wall element 26′ form opposite side walls of the equipment housing 8. At least one of the first wall element 26 and the second wall element 26′ is openable or removable to provide access to a space 28 enclosed by the plurality of wall elements 24, 26, 26′ inside the equipment housing 8, and / or is provided with an opening 30 that provides access to the space 28. In this way, access to the space 28 within the housing 8 can be provided.

[0072] More specifically, by providing at least one of the first wall element 26 and the second wall element 26′ to be openable or removable, a large opening for moving equipment into or out of the enclosure 8 is realized. In the illustrated embodiment, the second wall element 26′ is removable, as indicated by the dashed-dotted line. For example, the second wall element 26′ can be bolted to the frame of the equipment enclosure 8 or to another wall element 24. For example, an opening 30 providing access to the space 28 can be provided in one of the wall elements 24 forming the long side of the rectangular parallelepiped shape. A door that can be opened or closed can be provided at the opening 30. A maintenance personnel can enter the space 28 through the opening 30 and the door to access the equipment therein.

[0073] According to embodiments such as the illustrated embodiment, the hydraulic power unit 20 includes a hydraulic pump 32, an electric motor 34 arranged to drive the hydraulic pump 32, and a controller 36 configured to control the supply of hydraulic fluid to at least the first hydraulic actuator 18. In this manner, settings for controlling the first hydraulic actuator 18 can be provided.

[0074] The controller 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20 may include valves for routing hydraulic fluid to and from chambers within the first hydraulic actuator 18 for controlling activity of one or more aspects of the wind engagement unit 12 by the first hydraulic actuator 18. The control unit 38 for the hydraulic power unit 20 may form part of the controller 36 and may optionally also be configured to control the electric motor 34.

[0075] The hydraulic power unit 20 may include more than one hydraulic pump and / or electric motor.

[0076] The hydraulic power unit 20 and the first hydraulic actuator 18 form part of a hydraulic system of the wind propulsion system 6. A hydraulic fluid, such as hydraulic oil, is circulated within the hydraulic system by the hydraulic power unit 20.

[0077] The hydraulic system, and thus the wind propulsion system 6, may comprise further hydraulic components such as one or more further hydraulic actuators 19, 19′ arranged to control further properties of the wind engagement unit 12, a hydraulic fluid tank (not shown), and further hydraulic conduits 25 extending from the hydraulic power unit 20, for example, to the one or more further hydraulic actuators 19, 19′.

[0078] Each of the hydraulic conduits 22 extending from the hydraulic power unit 20 to the first hydraulic actuator 18 may include two or more conduit segments. At least one of such conduit segments extends within the housing 8, and at least one such conduit segment extends outside the housing 8. A standard connector or coupling element 27 is disposed as a transition element between the inside and outside of the equipment housing 8, and thus between the conduit segment extending within the housing 8 and the conduit segment extending outside the housing 8. The connector or coupling element 27 is shown schematically in FIG. 2 .

[0079] Thus, the conduit portion of the hydraulic conduit 22 may already be installed between the hydraulic power unit 20 and the connector or coupling element 27 when the equipment housing 8 is installed in the vessel 2. Once the housing 8 is installed in the vessel, the conduit portion of the hydraulic conduit 22 can be coupled between the connector or coupling element 27 and the first hydraulic actuator 18.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the marine installation 4 may include a controller 40 for the wind propulsion system 6. The controller 40 for the wind propulsion system 6 may be connected to a vessel controller 42 and to a controller 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20, and may be configured to apply control signals to the controller 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20 based on signals from the vessel controller 42. In this way, the controller 40 for the wind propulsion system 6 may form an interface for higher system level commands and / or information from the vessel controller 42 to the controller 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20.

[0081] The controller 40 for the wind propulsion system 6 is connected to the controller 42 of the vessel, so that the controller 40 for the wind propulsion system 6 can communicate with the controller 42 of the vessel 2 .

[0082] The vessel's controller 42 can send commands such as "activate wind propulsion system," "deactivate wind propulsion system," "provide maximum propulsion power," and "provide 50% of maximum propulsion power" to the controller 40 for the wind propulsion system 6.

[0083] The vessel's control device 42 can send information such as "wind direction 180 degrees", "wind speed 15 km / h", "direction of vessel movement" to the control device 40 of the wind propulsion system 6. Alternatively or additionally, the control device 40 for the wind propulsion system 6 can be connected to a sensor that provides information to the control device 40 for the wind propulsion system 6, such as an anemometer.

[0084] Based on the command and optionally information provided by the vessel's control device 42 or by sensors of the control device 40 for the wind propulsion system 6, the control device 40 for the wind propulsion system 6 is configured to apply control signals to the control device 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20 to implement the command from the vessel's control device 42.

[0085] for example, In response to the command "activate wind propulsion system", the controller 40 for the wind propulsion system 6 applies a control signal to the controller 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20, which control signal causes the controller 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20 to operate the first hydraulic actuator 18 and / or one or more other hydraulic actuators to position the wind engagement unit 12 into an active position for propelling the vessel 2. In response to the command "deactivate wind propulsion system", the controller 40 for the wind propulsion system 6 applies a control signal to the controller 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20, which control signal causes the controller 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20 to operate the first hydraulic actuator 18 and / or one or more other hydraulic actuators to position the wind engagement unit 12 in an inactive position in which the wind engagement unit 12 does not contribute significantly to propelling the vessel 2. In response to the command to "provide maximum propulsion" and information about wind direction, optionally wind speed, and direction of movement of vessel 2, the controller 40 for wind propulsion system 6 applies control signals to the controller 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20, which control signals cause the controller 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20 to operate the first hydraulic actuator 18 and / or one or more other hydraulic actuators to position the wind engagement unit 12 and / or part thereof in a position that provides maximum propulsion under the current wind and movement conditions. In response to the command "provide 50% of maximum propulsion" and information about wind direction, optionally wind speed, and direction of movement of vessel 2, the controller 40 for wind propulsion system 6 applies control signals to the controller 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20, which control signals cause the controller 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20 to operate the first hydraulic actuator 18 and / or one or more other hydraulic actuators to position the wind engagement unit 12 and / or part thereof in a position that provides approximately half of the maximum propulsion that can be generated by the wind engagement unit 12 under the current wind and movement conditions.

[0086] The controller 40 for the wind propulsion system 6 includes a computing unit, which may take the form of substantially any suitable type of processor circuit or microcomputer, such as, for example, a digital signal processor (Digital Signal Processor, DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), a processing unit, a processing circuit, a processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microprocessor, or other circuitry for processing logic capable of interpreting and executing instructions. The term computing unit, as used herein, may refer to a processing circuit comprising multiple processing circuits, such as any, some, or all of those mentioned above. The controller 40 may include a memory unit. The computing unit is connected to the memory unit, which provides the computing unit with, for example, stored program code and / or stored data necessary to enable the computing unit to perform calculations. The computing unit may also be configured to store partial or final results of calculations in the memory unit. The memory unit may include a physical device utilized to temporarily or permanently store data or programs, i.e., sequences of instructions. The stored program code may be configured to execute commands from the controller 42 of the vessel 2 and apply them to the controller 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20. The stored program code may be configured to interpret information from sensors in the controller 42 of the vessel 2 and / or the controller 40 for the wind propulsion system 6. The controller 40 of the wind propulsion system 6 comprises a communication interface circuit configured to communicate with the controller 42 of the vessel 2 and the controller 36 of the hydraulic power unit 20.

[0087] According to embodiments such as the illustrated embodiment, the marine installation 4 includes one or more of a battery power bank 44, a generator 45, a cooling unit 46, a heating unit 48, and a dehumidifier 50 located within the equipment housing 8. In this manner, backup power can be provided for the wind propulsion system 6 and / or air conditioning can be provided to obtain suitable operating conditions for the hydraulic power unit 20 and other equipment within the equipment housing 8.

[0088] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, an embodiment comprising more than one wind propulsion system 6, 6', 6'' will be discussed.

[0089] As shown in Figure 1 and shown by dashed lines in Figure 2, the marine installation 4 may comprise at least one further wind propulsion system 6', 6" and one further equipment housing 8', 8" for each further wind propulsion system 6', 6".

[0090] Each further wind propulsion system 6', 6'' comprises a base 10', 10'' and a wind engagement unit 12', 12'', and the base 10', 10'' of each further wind propulsion system 6', 6'' is arranged on a deck structure 14 of the vessel 2 and configured to support the wind engagement unit 12', 12'' of each further wind propulsion system 6', 6''.

[0091] The wind engagement unit 12', 12'' of each further wind propulsion system 6', 6'' comprises at least one movable part 16' displaceable relative to the base 10', 10'' of each further wind propulsion system 6', 6''. Each further wind propulsion system 6', 6'' further comprises at least one hydraulic actuator 18' arranged to engage with the respective at least one movable part 16' of each further wind propulsion system 6', 6'' for displacement of the at least one movable part 16' relative to the base 10', 10'' of each further wind propulsion system 6', 6''.

[0092] Each further wind propulsion system 6', 6'' comprises a hydraulic power unit 20' arranged in the respective further equipment housing 8', 8'', the hydraulic power unit 20' of each further wind propulsion system 6', 6'' being arranged to supply hydraulic power to at least one hydraulic actuator 18' of the associated further wind propulsion system 6', 6''.

[0093] Each further wind propulsion system 6', 6'' further comprises a further hydraulic conduit 22' extending from a respective hydraulic power unit 20' of each further equipment housing 8', 8'' to each of the at least one hydraulic actuator 18' of each further wind propulsion system 6', 6'', and a further hydraulic conduit 22' extending between each further equipment housing 8', 8'' and each of the at least one hydraulic actuator 18' of each further wind propulsion system 6', 6''.

[0094] Only one further wind propulsion system 6' and one further equipment housing 8' are shown in Figure 2. Further wind propulsion systems and associated further equipment housings not shown can correspond to the shown wind propulsion system 6 and further wind propulsion system 6', and equipment housing 8 and further equipment housing 8'.

[0095] Each of the further wind propulsion systems 6 ′, 6 ″ and further equipment housings 8 ′, 8 ″ may include corresponding components, equipment, parts, and components as shown with respect to the wind propulsion system 6 and the equipment housing 8 .

[0096] In an alternative embodiment, the hydraulic power unit 20 of the wind propulsion system 6 may supply hydraulic power to at least one further wind engagement unit 12′ of the associated vessel. Thus, in such an embodiment, one equipment housing 8 may be provided for the wind engagement unit 12 and the at least one further wind engagement unit 12′. A dedicated hydraulic conduit may extend from the hydraulic power unit to a first hydraulic actuator of the at least one further wind engagement unit, with a dedicated hydraulic conduit extending between the equipment housing and the first hydraulic actuator of the at least one further wind engagement unit.

[0097] FIG. 3 illustrates schematically a wind engagement unit 12 according to an embodiment.

[0098] The wind engagement unit 12 may be the wind engagement unit 12 of the wind propulsion system 6 as discussed above with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Therefore, in the following, reference is also made to Figures 1 and 2.

[0099] Again, the wind propulsion system 6 and the equipment housing 8 are included in the marine installation 4. Again, the wind engagement unit 12 is supported by the base 10, and the wind propulsion system 6 comprises a first hydraulic actuator 18.

[0100] The wind engagement unit 12 comprises a wing sail 52. The wing sail 52 comprises a main wing sail 54 having an airfoil shape and a flap 56 also having an airfoil shape.

[0101] The first hydraulic actuator 18 is arranged to control the position of the main wing sail 54 relative to the base 10 and / or the position of the flaps 56 relative to the main wing sail 54 and / or the base 10. The first hydraulic actuator 18 is configured to control the position of the main wing sail 54 and / or the flaps 56 by hydraulic power supplied via hydraulic conduits 22 from a hydraulic power unit arranged in the equipment housing 8.

[0102] According to some embodiments, the wing sail may include one or more additional flaps or other wing sail airfoil modifications, and additional hydraulic actuators may be arranged to control the position of such additional flaps or other wing sail airfoil modifications.

[0103] Figures 4a and 4b schematically illustrate a wind propulsion system 6 according to an embodiment. In Figure 4a, the wind engagement units 12 of the wind propulsion system 6 are shown in a substantially horizontal position in the vessel 2. In Figure 4b, part of the wind engagement units 12 are shown in an upright position.

[0104] The wind propulsion system 6 may be a wind propulsion system 6 as discussed above with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Accordingly, in the following, reference is also made to Figures 1 and 2.

[0105] Again, the wind propulsion system 6 and the equipment housing 8 are included in the marine installation. Again, the wind engagement unit 12 is supported by the base 10, and the wind propulsion system 6 comprises a first hydraulic actuator 18.

[0106] An upright position of the wind engagement unit 12 is the active position, in which the wind engagement unit 12 is positioned to contribute to propelling the vessel 2. A substantially horizontal position of the wind engagement unit 12 is the inactive position, in which the wind engagement unit 12 does not contribute, at least to a large extent, to propelling the vessel 2. The substantially horizontal position may be a position in which the longitudinal axis L of the wind engagement unit 12 is disposed at an angle within the range of + / - 15 degrees relative to the waterline W of the vessel 2.

[0107] According to these embodiments, the first hydraulic actuator 18 is arranged to control the wind engagement unit 12 between an upright position and a substantially horizontal position. The upright position of the wind engagement unit 12 is also shown in Figure 1.

[0108] The first hydraulic actuator 18 is configured to control the position of the wind engagement unit 12 by receiving hydraulic power from a hydraulic power unit located within the equipment housing 8 via a hydraulic conduit 22 .

[0109] Figure 4b shows diagrammatically a tilting device 300 configured to control the wind engagement unit 12 between its upright position and a substantially horizontal position.

[0110] The tilting device 300 is associated with the base 10 and with a shaft 58 which is connected to the wind engagement unit 12. The shaft 58 is connected at its lower end 60 to a tilting means 310 having a rotation axis RT, with which the wind engagement unit 12 can be tilted in the direction indicated by the arrow RT. The tilting means 310 is in turn connected to the base 10 via the rotation axis RT.

[0111] The tilting means 310 further comprises a locking means 312 which prevents tilting of the wind engagement unit 12 and fixes the shaft 58, and therefore the wind engagement unit 12, in an upright position. The locking means 312 is released when the wind engagement unit 12 is to be tilted.

[0112] The tilting device 300 further comprises a tilting drive 350 comprising a first hydraulic actuator 18 in the form of a hydraulic cylinder connected to the base 10. At its opposite end, the first hydraulic actuator 18 is rotatably connected to a torque transmission shaft 330, which is further connected to the shaft 58.

[0113] When the wind engagement unit 12 is to be tilted, the locking means 312 is released. By extending the first hydraulic actuator 18, the torque transmission shaft 330 pushes the shaft 58 to rotate about the rotation axis RT. In this way, the wind engagement unit 12 connected to the shaft 58 is tilted about the rotation axis RT to the approximately horizontal position shown in Figure 4a.

[0114] As an alternative to the first hydraulic actuator 18, one or more further hydraulic actuators (not shown) may control the wind engagement unit 12 between the upright and substantially horizontal positions. In such an embodiment, the first hydraulic actuator may instead control the position of the main wing sail relative to the base 10 and / or the position of the wing sail flaps 56 relative to the main wing sail, as discussed above with reference to FIG. 3.

[0115] The foregoing is a description of various exemplary embodiments, and it should be understood that the present invention is defined solely by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary embodiments can be modified and that different features of the exemplary embodiments can be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 2 ships 4 Ship equipment 6. Wind Propulsion Systems 6' Wind Propulsion System 6'' Wind Propulsion System 8 Equipment housing 8' Equipment Enclosure 8'' Equipment Enclosure 10 base 10' base 10'' base 12 Wind engagement unit 12' Wind Engagement Unit 12'' Wind Engagement Unit 14 Deck Structure 16 Moving parts 16' Moving part 18 First hydraulic actuator 18' Hydraulic Actuator 19 Hydraulic Actuator 19' Hydraulic Actuator 20 Hydraulic Power Unit 20' Hydraulic Power Unit 21 First Module 22 Hydraulic conduit 22' hydraulic conduit 23 Second Module 24 wall elements 26 First Wall Element 26' Second wall element 27 Bonding Elements 28 Space 30 Opening 32 Hydraulic pump 34 Electric motor 36 Control device 40 Control device 42 Control device 44 Battery Power Bank 45 Generator 46 Cooling Unit 48 Heating Unit 50 Dehumidifier 52 Wingsail 54 Main Wing Sail 56 Flap 58 Shaft 60 bottom end 300 Tilt device 310 Tilting means 312 Locking means 330 Torque transmission shaft 350 tilt drive unit

Claims

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

2. 2. The marine installation (4) according to claim 1, wherein the equipment enclosure (8) comprises a plurality of wall elements (24, 26, 26') enclosing a space (28).

3. The device housing (8) has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, the plurality of wall elements (24, 26, 26') includes a first wall element (26) and a second wall element (26'); the first wall element (26) and the second wall element (26') form opposing side walls of the equipment housing (8); 3. The marine installation (4) according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the first and second wall elements (24, 26, 26') is openable or removable to provide access to the space (28) enclosed by the plurality of wall elements (24, 26, 26') inside the equipment housing (8) and / or comprises an opening (30) to provide access to the space (28).

4. 4. The marine installation (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the equipment housing (8) forms a movable module configured to be mounted on the deck structure (14) of the marine vessel (2) for connection of the hydraulic conduit (22) extending between the equipment housing (8) and the first hydraulic actuator (18) of the wind propulsion system (6).

5. 5. The marine installation (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the equipment enclosure (8) has the outer dimensions of a standardized shipping container, such as an ISO container.

6. 6. The marine installation (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising one or more of a battery power bank (44), a generator (45), a cooling unit (46), a heating unit (48), and a dehumidifier (50) disposed within the equipment housing (8).

7. 7. A marine installation (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the wind engagement unit (12) is a wing sail, rotor sail, turbo sail or similar device.

8. The wind engagement unit (12) comprises a wing sail (52); the wing sail (52) comprises a main wing sail (54) having an airfoil shape and a flap (56) having an airfoil shape; 8. The marine installation (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first hydraulic actuator (18) controls the position of the main wing sail (54) relative to the base (10) and / or the position of the flap (56) relative to the main wing sail (54) and / or the base (10).

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

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

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

12. at least one further wind propulsion system (6', 6'') and one further equipment housing (8', 8'') for each further wind propulsion system (6', 6'); each further wind propulsion system (6', 6') comprises a base (10', 10'') and a wind engagement unit (12', 12''), the base (10', 10'') of each further wind propulsion system (6', 6') is arranged on the deck structure (14) of the vessel (2) and is configured to support the wind engagement unit (12', 12'') of each further wind propulsion system (6', 6'), the wind engagement unit (12', 12'') of each further wind propulsion system (6', 6') comprises at least one movable part (16') displaceable relative to the base (10', 10''); each further wind propulsion system (6', 6'') further comprising at least one hydraulic actuator (18') arranged to engage said at least one movable part (16') for displacement thereof relative to said base (10', 10'') of each further wind propulsion system (6', 6''); each further wind propulsion system (6', 6'') comprises a hydraulic power unit (20') arranged in each further equipment housing (8', 8''), said hydraulic power unit (20') being arranged to supply hydraulic power to at least said at least one hydraulic actuator (18') of the associated further wind propulsion system (6', 6''); 12. The marine installation (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein each further wind propulsion system (6', 6'') further comprises a further hydraulic conduit (22') extending from the respective hydraulic power unit (20') of each further equipment housing (8', 8'') to each of the at least one hydraulic actuator (18') of each further wind propulsion system (6', 6''), the further hydraulic conduit (22') extending between each further equipment housing (8', 8'') and each of the at least one hydraulic actuator (18').

13. A ship (2) comprising a ship installation (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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