Marine wind propulsion devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wind propulsion device for a ship, comprising a main body (1) and one or more plasma jet actuators (2) located on the main body (1). The device may also include one or more cameras (3), such as a thermal imaging camera, directed toward the one or more plasma jet actuators (2). The device enables improved flow control, adaptation to the aerodynamic characteristics of the device, and de-icing in harsh environmental conditions.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a marine sail comprising a plasma jet actuator to actively control airflow over a marine wind propulsion device to improve lift, reduce drag, prevent flow separation, and provide de-icing ability under freezing conditions. Background Technology

[0002] Wind propulsion systems are attracting new interest in marine vessels due to their potential to reduce fuel consumption.

[0003] However, such systems face aerodynamic limitations, such as flow separation at high angles of attack, which reduces efficiency. Flow separation alters lift, increases drag, and reduces propulsion effectiveness.

[0004] Plasma jet actuators, known for their active flow control capabilities, are widely studied in the aviation field, but they have not been applied to offshore wind propulsion to improve performance under variable wind conditions. The problem to be solved

[0005] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a marine wind propulsion device that enables improved flow control, adaptation of the device's aerodynamic characteristics, and de-icing under harsh environmental conditions. means of solving the problem

[0006] The aforementioned disadvantages are resolved through the marine wind propulsion device of the present invention, and other advantages to be described below are presented.

[0007] A marine wind propulsion device according to the present invention is described in claim 1, and dependent claims include optional additional features.

[0008] A marine wind propulsion device comprises a main body and one or more plasma jet actuators located on the main body.

[0009] Furthermore, the marine wind propulsion device according to the present invention preferably also includes one or more cameras oriented toward one or more plasma jet actuators.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, one or more cameras are thermal imaging cameras.

[0011] The marine wind propulsion device according to the present invention may also include a sensor located on the main body, for example, a wind sensor.

[0012] The marine wind propulsion device according to the present invention also preferably includes a control unit connected to one or more plasma jet actuators, which is also preferably connected to a sensor and / or one or more cameras.

[0013] According to a possible embodiment, the marine wind propulsion device according to the present invention also includes a secondary body, and the secondary body also includes one or more plasma jet actuators, such as, for example, a flap.

[0014] This auxiliary body is preferably rotatable relative to the main body.

[0015] The plasma jet actuator may be located on two opposing sides of the main body or displaced toward the leading edge and curved region defined in the main body. Effects of the invention

[0016] The device according to the present invention increases lift, improves aerodynamic efficiency, and reduces flow separation by providing active flow control using a plasma jet actuator.

[0017] The device according to the present invention also allows for a configuration for the placement and control of actuators, is located at key points for basic control of flow, and is distributed for precise aerodynamic control.

[0018] Furthermore, plasma jet actuators can be concentrated in specific areas prone to ice formation to serve as de-icing elements.

[0019] The device according to the present invention also enables monitoring of the operating status of a plasma jet. When a malfunction occurs, the absence of a thermal signature in the actuator indicates a failure, thereby enabling real-time detection and the adoption of corrective measures. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0020] For a better understanding of the described content, some drawings are attached, and the drawings schematically depict actual examples of embodiments merely as non-limiting examples. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wind propulsion device for a ship according to the present invention. FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are cross-sectional views of a wind propulsion device for a ship according to two alternative embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the components of a wind propulsion device for a ship according to the present invention. FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 6 are drawings of the aerodynamic profiles of a marine wind propulsion device according to the present invention, with the plasma actuator turned off and turned on, respectively. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0021] As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1, a marine wind propulsion device according to the present invention comprises a main body (1) having one or more plasma jet actuators (2) and one or more cameras (3).

[0022] Preferably, the plasma jet actuator (2) is installed on both the port and the wind propulsion device, which allows the plasma jet actuator to function independently of the wind direction. This configuration provides a high degree of assurance that the system remains equally effective even under windy conditions at the bow or stern, thereby making it highly versatile for marine operations.

[0023] Furthermore, the plasma jet actuator (2) can be arranged in two different configurations depending on the desired aerodynamic control and application.

[0024] The actuator (2) can be placed at strategic aerodynamic points, such as near the leading edge or in high-curvature regions where flow separation is likely to occur, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Another key point is a location where the flow changes from laminar to turbulent, which provides an increase in aerodynamic drag.

[0025] Additionally, the marine wind propulsion device may include an auxiliary body (6), such as a flap, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and at least one plasma jet actuator (2) may also be disposed on the auxiliary body (6), which may be rotatable relative to the main body (1).

[0026] This configuration provides a direct control system in which an actuator (2) on the side of the extrados is activated in the direction of the wind. By activating this actuator (2), flow attachment is improved to prevent separation and maintain lift even at high angles of attack.

[0027] Alternatively, for adaptive aerodynamic control, a distributed arrangement of plasma jet actuators (2) may be performed, wherein the plasma jet actuators (2) are installed along the cross-section or the entire length of the wind propulsion device.

[0028] These devices enable more precise aerodynamic control and allow for the selective activation of all or part of the actuator depending on the needs of the situation.

[0029] The number and position of actuators (2) enable different aerodynamic characteristics:

[0030] - Maximum elevation angle: When high lift is required, all actuators (2) along the outer surface can be activated.

[0031] - Optimal Efficiency Mode: In this mode, only the actuators that provide the greatest aerodynamic efficiency, i.e., the lift / drag ratio, are activated. This selective control improves performance by minimizing energy consumption and reducing drag while maximizing lift when necessary.

[0032] Additionally, based on information received from an internal sensor (5), such as wind speed, wind direction angle, or ship speed, the control unit (4) can dynamically adjust which actuator (2) to activate to optimize aerodynamic performance in real time.

[0033] The plasma jet actuator (2) can also have an additional function as a de-icing element in a cold environment.

[0034] Ice accumulation can have a significant impact on the aerodynamic efficiency of a vessel, particularly when operating in cold waters. In the propulsion device according to the present invention, a plasma jet actuator (2) is positioned in a critical area to prevent or remove ice accumulation.

[0035] For example, these key areas for ice making may be as follows:

[0036] - Stagnation point: A leading edge region where the air flow first comes into contact with the main body (1), where initial ice formation is likely to occur.

[0037] - Suction peak: The point on the side of the outer surface where suction is greatest; ice can alter the aerodynamic profile and cause flow instability.

[0038] - Laminar-turbulent transition zone: Accumulation in this zone can induce early turbulence, thereby reducing overall efficiency.

[0039] - Intake grid for intake wing: In an intake-based lift enhancement configuration, the plasma jet can de-ice the intake grid to maintain optimal airflow through the intake port.

[0040] - Control: The de-icing mode activates the plasma jet in low-power or pulse mode depending on the severity of ice formation. This mode can be controlled manually or automatically based on temperature sensor information to ensure continuous operation in freezing environments.

[0041] The camera (3) may be a thermal imaging camera for monitoring the operating status of the plasma jet actuator (2).

[0042] The thermal imaging camera (3) captures the real-time thermal signature of each plasma jet. Active actuators emit a detectable thermal signature, whereas non-functional actuators do not.

[0043] This thermal feedback mechanism provides real-time monitoring, enabling operators to quickly identify and resolve actuator failures.

[0044] The control unit (4) integrates feedback from the sensor (5), thermal images captured from the camera (3), and an adaptive algorithm to ensure optimal performance and control of the actuator according to wind and operating conditions.

[0045] The sensor (5) measures wind speed and direction, for example, to guide the activation and distribution of the plasma jet according to real-time environmental conditions.

[0046] Meanwhile, the thermal imaging camera (3) detects the function and possible malfunction of the plasma jet actuator (2), while the adaptive control algorithm dynamically adjusts the actuator activation to optimize lift, efficiency, or de-icing according to the operating requirements of the vessel.

[0047] FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 6 respectively show a marine wind propulsion device according to the present invention in a state where the plasma jet actuator (2) is turned off and in a state where it is activated, allowing the effect achieved by the plasma jet to be observed.

[0048] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been mentioned, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the described marine wind propulsion device is subject to numerous variations and modifications, and that all details mentioned may be replaced with other technically equivalents without exceeding the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A device for a marine wind propulsion device comprising a main body (1), characterized by also including one or more plasma jet actuators (2) located in the main body (1). Claim 2 A marine wind propulsion device according to claim 1, further comprising one or more cameras (3) oriented toward one or more plasma jet actuators (2). Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the above one or more cameras (3) are thermal imaging cameras, a wind propulsion device for a ship. Claim 4 A wind propulsion device for a ship, further comprising a sensor (5) located on the main body (1) in any one of claims 1 to 3. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the sensor (5) is a wind sensor, a wind propulsion device for ships. Claim 6 A marine wind propulsion device comprising, in any one of claims 1 to 5, a control unit (4) connected to one or more plasma jet actuators (2). Claim 7 In paragraph 6, the control unit (4) is also connected to the sensor (5) and / or the one or more cameras (3), a marine wind propulsion device. Claim 8 A marine wind propulsion device comprising, in any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an auxiliary body (6) that also includes one or more plasma jet actuators (2). Claim 9 In paragraph 8, the above auxiliary body (6) is a flap, a wind propulsion device for a ship. Claim 10 In claim 8 or 9, the auxiliary body (6) is a marine wind propulsion device rotatable relative to the main body (1). Claim 11 In claim 1, the plasma jet actuator (2) is a marine wind propulsion device located on two opposing sides of the main body (1). Claim 12 A marine wind propulsion device according to claim 1, wherein the main body (1) has a shape defining a leading edge and a curved region, and the plasma jet actuator (2) is positioned displaced toward the leading edge and the curved region.

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