Foldable Fretner-type Rotating Rope Tool

Abstract

The present invention relates to a Flettner-type rotating rig (100) extending vertically around a rotation axis (vertical axis) (110), and comprises the following configuration: a lower section (101) having a lower aerodynamic surface (121) connected to a rotational drive means; an upper section (102) having an upper aerodynamic surface (122) connected to the lower aerodynamic surface (121) by detachable connecting means (125, 321, 322); and a tilting means having a pivoting connector (150) that can pivot along an axis that is secant in the direction of the vertical, at a height h(15) measured from the base (30) between the lower section (101) and the upper section (102). The tilting means is configured such that when the detachable connecting means (125, 321, 322) are detached, the upper section (102) can pivot around the pivoting connector (150) relative to the lower section (101).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of sailing propulsion, and more specifically relates to a Flettner-type rotary rigging suitable for ship propulsion, as a main propulsion mode or an auxiliary to other propulsion modes.

Background Art

[0002] Sailing propulsion is one of the methods to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in maritime transport, in the main propulsion mode or the auxiliary propulsion mode.

[0003] Among the sailing propulsion means being considered for such applications, the Flettner-type rotary rigging utilizing the Magnus effect is of interest, as compared with flexible sails and rigid static sails, it does not require adjustment of the sail orientation, has a smaller volume, and can generate sailing propulsion force over a wider range of wind conditions.

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the addition of such rigging, which can reach heights of over 50 meters from the ship's deck, reveals difficulties, particularly when passing under bridges when navigating estuaries, or when facing port facilities (berthing). The wind resistance of the rotary rigging, and thus its impact on the fuel consumption of the ship when sailing upwind and on the stability of the ship when sailing in strong winds, are also factors that limit the allowable size of Flettner-type rigging.

[0005] Flexible sails can be stowed, and the masts supporting such sails can be tilted to limit the height of the sails. In the case of Flettner-type rotary rigging, such operations are significantly complicated by the weight of the rigging and the presence of the rigging's rotary drive and guide devices.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 4,401,284 discloses an inflatable rotary rig. This type of device is difficult to adapt to Fletner rigs that are dimensionally suited to the propulsion needs of the vessels targeted by the present invention.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 4,602,584 discloses a vessel equipped with a Flettner type swivel rigging, which includes a joint mechanism at its base, substantially near the deck level of the vessel, that allows the swivel rigging to be stored by tilting it on the deck. Such a mechanism is difficult to apply to large swivel rigging weighing tens of tons, and furthermore, stays are required to hold the swivel rigging in place, and these stays cause deck cluttering. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention aims to solve the shortcomings of the prior art, and for this purpose relates to a Flettner type rotating rigging that extends vertically from a base to a height H around a rotation axis and is configured to rotate around that rotation axis, and has the following configuration:

[0009] A lower section comprising a lower aerodynamic surface connected to a spinning drive means;

[0010] An upper section comprising an upper aerodynamic surface connected to a lower aerodynamic surface by disconnectable connecting means; and

[0011] A tilting means is provided between the lower section and the upper section at a height h measured from the base, with a pivot connection along an axis in the direction secant relative to the vertical, and is configured so that when a detachable connecting means is detached, the upper section can pivot around the pivot connection relative to the lower section.

[0012] In other words, the height of the rotary rigging can be reduced by tilting the upper section of the rotary rigging around the pivot connection at a height h.

[0013] The Flettner rotary rigging can be implemented according to the embodiments and modifications shown below, which are considered individually or in any combination that can be technically implemented.

[0014] The height h is preferably equal to or greater than H / 2, which allows the upper section to be switched at an angle of approximately 180° relative to the lower section.

[0015] Advantageously, the lower section includes an inner tower that extends from the base to a height of h or less. This configuration concentrates the weight of the Fletner rotating rig primarily in the lower section, reducing the weight of the upper section and facilitating tilting operations.

[0016] In another embodiment, the tower is fixed and the lower aerodynamic surface is guided to rotate around the tower, or a rotational drive means is configured to rotate the tower and the lower aerodynamic surface is firmly coupled to the tower to rotate.

[0017] The tower may be a tower structure made primarily of wood fiber.

[0018] The aerodynamic surface may consist of an assembly of panels made from materials selected from wood, composite materials, and canvas fabrics.

[0019] The embodiment makes it possible to reduce the weight of the Fletner rotating rig while maintaining high rigidity, particularly against bending perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0020] To enhance the advantages, the tilting means may include a tilting device configured to move the upper section vertically before rotating the upper section around the axis of the pivot connection. This embodiment allows the tilting motion provided (imposed) by the tilting device to disconnect the centering and connecting means between the lower and upper sections.

[0021] In another embodiment, the tilting device may be configured to move the swivel connector from inside the envelope diameter of the lower section to outside the envelope diameter of the lower section as the upper section tilts relative to the lower section.

[0022] To be advantageous, the tilting device may be configured to tilt the upper section at an angle of at least 90° relative to the lower section, and preferably, the maximum tilt angle of the upper section relative to the lower section may exceed 160°.

[0023] To enhance performance, the Flettner rotating rig may be equipped with a balancing device that rotates in the upper section.

[0024] In other embodiments, the balancing device may include a plurality of flyweights (centrifugal weights) and means for controlling the radial position of each of the plurality of flyweights (centrifugal weights).

[0025] According to another embodiment that can also be combined with the aforementioned (latter) embodiment, the rotating balance device comprises a plurality of flyweights (centrifugal weights) and means for moving each flyweight (centrifugal weight) along the inner periphery of the upper section.

[0026] The Flettner rotor rig comprises a plurality of accelerometers distributed over the heights of the lower aerodynamic surface and the upper aerodynamic surface, and a calculation center configured to acquire vibration information from the plurality of accelerometers, and has the following configurations:

[0027] Calculation means for determining the configuration of the balance device based on the information received from the accelerometers;

[0028] Control means for changing the configuration of the balance device.

[0029] According to the aforementioned (latter) embodiment, the method for tilting the Flettner rotor rig with the upper section and the lower section connected in alignment comprises the following steps:

[0030] Separating the separable means;

[0031] Pivoting the upper section relative to the lower section;

[0032] Pivoting the upper section in the opposite direction to realign with the lower section;

[0033] Connecting the separable means;

[0034] Rotating the rotor rig according to the measurement cycle, and measuring vibrations using the plurality of accelerometers;

[0035] Calculating the configuration of the balance device using the calculation center;

[0036] The calculated configuration is applied to the balancing device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] The present invention may be implemented according to the following non-limiting preferred embodiments and modifications, and with reference to Figures 1 to 9:

[0038] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a Fletner rotating rig with a tilting mechanism, in a partial front cross-sectional view;

[0039] [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of a Flettner rotary rigging with two sections aligned.

[0040] [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a partial view of the Flettner rotating rigging in Figure 2, where the upper section is tilted at an angle of approximately 90° relative to the lower section;

[0041] [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a partial view of the Flettner rotating rigging in Figure 2, where the upper section is tilted at an angle of approximately 170° relative to the lower section;

[0042] [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an elevation view (perspective view) of a first example of a rotational balancing device on the upper section of a Fretner rotating rig;

[0043] [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an elevation view (perspective view) of a second example relating to a rotational balancing device on the upper section of a Fretner rotating rig;

[0044] [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a schematic front view of an example of a Fretner rotary rig equipped with a balance control device;

[0045] [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a front section cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a Flettner type rotating rig consisting of a tower structure with an assembly of truss beams, along with a top view of the tower structure; the top view and the front view are not to the same scale; and

[0046] [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a front section cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a Fretner-type rotating rig consisting of a tower structure made of cross-laminated wood panels, along with a top view of the tower structure. Note that the top view and the front view are not to the same scale. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0047] [Figure 1] In one embodiment, a Flettner-type rigging (100) adapted for ship propulsion extends to a height H (10) exceeding 50 meters relative to the ship's deck (base) (30), and on the outside, there is a substantially cylindrical aerodynamic surface (121, 122) that fits within an outer diameter (20) D exceeding 3 meters, and generally between 5 meters and 7 meters. Therefore, the coefficient of slenderness, defined by the H / D ratio, is between 5 and 10, generally between 5 and 8.

[0048] The term "cylindrical" is not limited to a straight cylinder with a constant diameter throughout its entire height.

[0049] Such Fletner rotating rigs weigh approximately several tens of tons, typically between 30 and 50 tons. Therefore, a significant means is required to tilt the entire Fletner rotating rig vertically and then return it to its original position. Furthermore, because of the weight of the rig itself during the tilting motion, auxiliary support means such as supports or control winches are necessary.

[0050] During operation, when providing thrust suitable for moving the vessel, the Fletner rig rotates at a rotational speed on the vertical axis (110) such that the tangential speed of the outer aerodynamic surfaces (121, 122) is approximately equal to or more than twice the apparent wind speed acting on the Fletner rig, resulting in a rotational speed of 100 to 300 rpm, generally 100 to 200 rpm, and at its fastest, 100 to 150 rpm.

[0051] The Flettner rotating rigging features towers (131, 132) on the inside of the aerodynamic surface, which provide vertical rigidity and facilitate the transmission of sail thrust to the ship.

[0052] The aerodynamic surface (121) may be attached to the tower (131, 132) by a ferrule (140) in at least the portion referred to as the lower section (101). According to one embodiment, the tower (131, 132) may have a tower structure made of a material containing wood fibers.

[0053] In the second section of the Fletner rotating rig, called the upper section (102), the aerodynamic surface (122) may be rotatably coupled to the lower section via a suitable interface (125) that implements complementary profiles, for example, without being connected to the tower (131, 132).

[0054] In one embodiment, the tower (131, 132) is fixed, and the aerodynamic surfaces (121, 122) rotate around a vertical axis (110) and are guided to rotate around the tower by appropriate means. In this case, the ferrule (140) is a bearing that provides rotational guidance around the tower, and for example, a ball bearing (not shown) is used.

[0055] In another embodiment, the tower is rotationally driven around a vertical axis (110), and the ferrule (140) then provides a complete connection between the tower (131, 132) and the aerodynamic surface (121) of the lower section (101).

[0056] In one embodiment, the aerodynamic surfaces (121, 122) may consist of a collection of lightweight panels with a wooden base, fiber-reinforced composite materials, or stretched canvas fabric. This collection may include, for example, hoop-shaped reinforcing means (not shown) made of metal or composite material at the connection point to the tower and the connection interface (connecting means) (125) between the two sections (101, 102).

[0057] The Flettner rotating rig may be equipped with a swivel link (swivel connection) (150) at a height h(15), the swivel axis extending along an axis other than the vertical axis, preferably the horizontal axis, and connecting the upper section (102) to the lower section (101). As a result, the upper section (102) can be tilted relative to the lower section (101) by rotation around this swivel axis.

[0058] Those skilled in the art will understand that tilting around a pivot link can be achieved by more complex kinematics than simple rotation, for example, that before rotating around the pivot link (pivot connection) (150), the second section (102) can be moved vertically to house the connecting member (connecting means) (125) that rotates around the vertical axis (110) between the sections.

[0059] Since the upper section (102) does not have a rotatable connection to the tower, and this section is clearly lighter than the lower section, the means required for this inclination are clearly simplified with respect to the inclination of the entire Flettner rotating rig.

[0060] In other words, the weight of the second section (102) is on the order of several tons, and is typically 5 to 10 tons depending on the height h, compared to the tens of tons of weight of the entire Flettner rotating rigging.

[0061] [Figure 2] In one embodiment, the tilting mechanism is located inside the Fletner rotating rig.

[0062] For this purpose, the lower section (101) may be provided with a lower platform (211) at its upper end, and the upper section (102) may be provided with an upper platform (212) at the end closest to the lower section. The lower platform (211) may be fully connected to the lower aerodynamic surface (121), and the upper platform (212) may be fully connected to the upper aerodynamic surface (122).

[0063] According to this embodiment, when the lower and upper sections are continuously coupled to each other at their aerodynamic surfaces (121, 122), the tilting device (250) and pivot axis are located inside the envelopes of the upper and lower sections and are not visible from the outside of the Flettner rotating rigging, thus not obstructing the aerodynamic flow over the sail surface.

[0064] According to this embodiment, the tilting device (250) may be equipped with multiple rods and may be controlled by one or more hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic jacks (251) to pivot around a pivot axis located outside the outer diameter of the lower section after the upper section has moved vertically by tilting kinematics.

[0065] Such kinematics allow for the separation and coupling of the centering means and the rotational driving means between the lower aerodynamic surface (121) and the upper aerodynamic surface (122).

[0066] According to one embodiment shown in [Figure 3], the ends of the upper and lower sections may be provided with complementary surfaces (321, 322), such as conical surfaces, thereby ensuring that the two sections are centered relative to each other, and the lower section transmits rotational driving motion about the vertical axis (110) of the upper section.

[0067] As described above, the kinematics applied by the tilting device (250) allows the upper section to be lifted before it pivots around a pivot axis located outside the outer sheath of the lower section in order to separate the respective centering surfaces (321, 322) of the lower and upper sections via connecting rods during the extension of one or more jacks (251).

[0068] The rotation angle of the Flettner rotating rig around the vertical axis (110) allows for defining the angular position of the upper section (102) around the vertical axis (110) of its pivot axis relative to the lower section, while the two sections (101, 102) are still joined before tilting. This makes it possible to clearly define, for example, the angular position of the upper section (102) around the vertical axis (110) relative to the ship's deck (base).

[0069] Figure 3 shows the upper section (102) with respect to the vertical axis (110) of the lower section (101) at approximately 90°. In certain situations, such as when passing over a bridge, such an inclination angle (300°) or even lower inclination angles may be sufficient.

[0070] [Figure 4] Advantageously, the final inclination angle (400) of the upper section, set with respect to the vertical axis (110) of the lower section, is greater than 160°, preferably greater than 170°, and close to 180°.

[0071] In this embodiment, the tilt angle is determined by an offset inherent in the jack (251) of the tilting device (250) and is controlled by the extension distance of the jack.

[0072] Advantageously, this tilt angle can also be measured remotely by optical means such as a laser tracker. For this purpose, according to one embodiment, the lower and upper sections may be provided with optical targets (not shown) for measuring the relative position and orientation of the upper section relative to the lower section. This information is effectively used to control the jacks (251) of the tilting device.

[0073] In other embodiments, the upper section may include one or more rotating balance devices (422).

[0074] [Figure 5] In another embodiment, the balancing device (4221) may include a plurality of flyweights (centrifugal weights) (510) and means such as a worm screw (520) driven by a stepper motor (530) to move the plurality of flyweights individually in the radial direction.

[0075] [Figure 6] In another embodiment, the balancing device (4222) may include a number of individually movable flyweights (610) on a ring gear (620) located on the inner circumference of the upper section, via a stepper motor (630).

[0076] In another embodiment (not shown), the balancing device may include a hollow core with a diameter equal to the inner diameter of the upper section, which is filled with a powdery material such as sand.

[0077] These embodiments of the rotating balance device may be combined at different heights within the same section.

[0078] [Figure 7] For this purpose, the Flettner rotating rig may include, for example, a plurality of accelerometers (751, 752, 753, 754) mounted on a sheath that forms the aerodynamic surfaces (121, 122) of the lower and upper sections, preferably mounted on the inner surface of these sheaths so that the accelerometers are relatively protected from the environment.

[0079] The accelerometer generates (provides) a signal proportional to the vibration intensity, and this signal is transmitted to the computing center (790) along with a unique identifier for each accelerometer, for example via WiFi®.

[0080] The aforementioned computing center (790) is equipped with a file that sets the position of the accelerometer on the Fretner rotating rig for each identifier, and a computer program that can determine imbalance in the Fretner rotating rig according to one or more planes from the acquired signals.

[0081] Thus, after tilting and readjusting the upper part of the Flettner rotating rig, the measurement and balancing cycle is initiated, consisting of rotating the Flettner rotating rig at least once, acquiring accelerometer signals, estimating imbalances and corrections (correction values) from a computer program in the computing center (190), and applying these correction values ​​by acting on the rotational balancing device.

[0082] In place of, or in addition to, an accelerometer may be used to measure rotational imbalance in the Flettner rotating rigging, for example, by performing non-contact measurements using a laser interferometer during the balancing procedure.

[0083] To limit the vibration of the Flettner rotating rig, the Flettner rotating rig is constructed with a lightweight and rigid structure so that the initial bending natural frequency of the rig cancels out (offset) from the rotational frequency of the Flettner rotating rig.

[0084] The rotational speed N (rpm) of the Flettner rotating rig may be a speed at which the tangential velocity on the aerodynamic surface exceeds twice the apparent wind speed.

[0085] Therefore, when the rotational speed N of the Fletner rotating rig is 100 rpm, the main load frequency is 1.67 Hz, and when the rotational speed is 150 rpm, the main load frequency is 2.5 Hz.

[0086] For this purpose, the lower section of the tower (131) consists of a tower structure made of wood or a technical wood derivative such as laminated timber, cross-laminated timber, plywood, or wood fiber reinforced composites such as bamboo fiber.

[0087] The tower structure may be a rigid tubular structure consisting of beams or joined prefabricated panels, or an openwork frame structure consisting of crossed rafters with braces or trusses assembled according to a lattice structure.

[0088] [Figure 8] In another embodiment, the tower structure is, for example, an openwork framework consisting of a grid structure (800) with at least one ferrule (870) at the top, to which a chord beam (830) extending perpendicularly may be connected. The chord beam (830) may be made of wood or a technical derivative of wood such as glued plywood (glulam) or LVL, but is not limited to these.

[0089] The truss beams (850) are made of wood or a technical derivative of wood and extend in a lattice structure between the chord beams (830).

[0090] The openwork framework thus constructed may include a lower ferrule (871) for connection to a fix pedestal or a rotary drive mechanism.

[0091] The ferrules may be made of wood or wood-based technological derivatives, metallic materials such as steel, lightweight aluminum alloys or titanium alloys, or composite materials having a thermosetting or thermoplastic organic matrix reinforced with continuous fibers of glass, carbon, or bio-based organic fibers such as flax, hemp, or bamboo.

[0092] The connection between the chord beam (830) and the truss beam (850) may be made by a steel joint fixed with nails or screws.

[0093] [Figure 9] In another embodiment, the tower structure is a solid tubular structure (900) made of cross-laminated timber panels, also known as CLT panels, which is an abbreviation for "cross-laminated timber".

[0094] Such panels are made by cross-laminated multiple thick, dried solid planks selected from fir, French maritime pine, spruce, Scottish pine, Douglas fir, or a combination thereof, but are not limited to these examples. The mechanical properties of these panels are sufficient for use as flooring, walls, or reinforcement without the need for additional framing.

[0095] The panels (930) are flat, with thicknesses ranging from 50 mm to 600 mm, being thickest at the bottom of the tower structure and decreasing along the vertical axis (110).

[0096] The panels are assembled directly to form a hollow polygonal cross-section, which in this case is hexagonal, following the non-limiting example in [Figure 9].

[0097] The panels may also be assembled by joining together metal tongue-shaped members, which are inserted into grooves carved into the panels, using bolts.

[0098] Such flat plates are hard and easy to manufacture, cut, machine, and assemble.

[0099] This structure may include an opening (990) to improve internal ventilation.

[0100] Regardless of the specific implementation of the tower structure, structural elements made of wood or wood-based technical derivatives can be protected from the environment by fungicide treatment and marine protection varnish.

[0101] The above description and examples demonstrate that the present invention achieves its intended purpose, in particular by tilting the lightweight upper part of the Fletner rotating rig, thereby enabling a reduction in the height of a large Fletner rotating rig and making such operations easier and faster compared to conventional solutions.

Claims

1. A Flettner-type rotating rig (100), which extends vertically from the base (30) to a height H (10) around the rotation axis (vertical axis) (110) and is configured to rotate around this rotation axis (vertical axis), has the following configuration: A lower section (101) having a lower aerodynamic surface (121) connected to a rotary drive means; An upper section (102) having an upper aerodynamic surface (122) connected to a lower aerodynamic surface (121) by detachable connecting means (125, 321, 322); and An inclined means comprising a pivoting connection part (150) along an axis that is in the direction of a secant line with respect to the vertical, located at a height h (15) measured from the base (30) between the lower section (101) and the upper section (102), wherein when the disconnectable connecting means (125, 321, 322) are disconnected, the upper section (102) is configured to pivot around the pivoting connection part (150) relative to the lower section (101). A Flettner-type rotating rigging device characterized by the following features.

2. The Fretner-type rotating rigging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the height h is equal to or greater than H / 2.

3. The Flettner type rotating rigging according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower section (101) comprises internal towers (131, 132) extending from the base to a height h (15) or less.

4. The Fletner type rotating rigging according to claim 3, characterized in that the towers (131, 132) are fixed and the lower aerodynamic surface (121) is guided to rotate around the towers.

5. The Fletner type rotating rigging according to claim 3, characterized in that the rotational drive means is configured to drive the tower and the lower aerodynamic surface (121) is connected to the tower so as to rotate.

6. The Fletner-type rotating rigging device according to claim 3, characterized in that the tower consists of a tower structure (800, 900) made mainly of wood fiber material.

7. The Flettner type rotating rig according to claim 3, characterized in that the aerodynamic surfaces (121, 122) consist of an assembly of panels made of a material selected from wood, composite materials and canvas fabric.

8. The Flettner type rotating rig according to claim 1, characterized in that the tilting means includes a tilting device (250) configured to move the upper section (102) vertically before rotating the upper section (102) around the axis of the pivoting connection.

9. The Flettner type rotating rigging according to claim 8, characterized in that the tilting device (250) is configured to move the axis of the swivel connection from the inside of the outer diameter (20) of the lower section (101) to the outside of the outer diameter of the lower section when the upper section (102) is tilted relative to the lower section (101).

10. The Fletner-type rotating rigging device according to claim 8, characterized in that the tilting device (250) is configured to tilt the upper section (102) with respect to the lower section (101) at an inclination angle (300, 400) of at least 90°.

11. The Fletner type rotating rigging according to claim 10, characterized in that the maximum inclination angle (400) of the upper section (102) relative to the lower section (101) exceeds 160°.

12. The Fletner type rotating rigging according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a balancing device (422) for a rotating upper section (102).

13. The Fletner type rotating rig according to claim 12, characterized in that the balancing device comprises a plurality of fly weights (centrifugal weights) (510) and means (520, 530) for controlling the radial position of each of the plurality of fly weights (centrifugal weights).

14. The Flettner type rotating rig according to claim 12, characterized in that the balancing device comprises a plurality of fly weights (centrifugal weights) (610) and means (623, 630) for moving each fly weight (centrifugal weight) along the inner circumference of the upper section.

15. It comprises multiple accelerometers (751, 752, 753, 754) distributed across the heights of the lower and upper aerodynamic surfaces, and a computing center (190) configured to acquire vibration information from the multiple accelerometers, and has the following configuration: A calculation means for determining the configuration of a balance device (422) based on information received from an accelerometer; A control means for changing the configuration of a balancing device. The Fletner-type rotating rigging device according to feature 12.

16. A method for tilting the Fletner rotating rig according to claim 15, with the upper section and lower section aligned and connected, comprising the following steps: Separate separable means; The upper section is tilted relative to the lower section; To realign the lower section with the upper section, tilt the upper section in the opposite direction; Connecting separable means; The rotating rig is rotated according to the measurement cycle, and vibrations are measured using multiple accelerometers; Use the computing center to calculate the configuration of the balancing device; The calculated configuration is applied to the balancing device. A method for tilting a Fretner rotating rig, characterized by the following features.

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