Electrically powered ship with trailing power source

Abstract

The present invention concerns an electrically driven river vessel comprising a hull provided with a deck covering at least part of top surface of the vessel, a propulsion section comprising at least one electrical motor and at least one backup battery in electrical connection with at least one of said motor. At least one energy input terminal is provided to receive energy and selectively transfer said energy to said at least one backup battery or directly to said at least one motor. A controller is configured for switching between a first drive mode and a second drive mode, in which first drive mode power is provided directly from the energy input terminal, and in the second drive mode the at least one motor of the vessel is driven by the at least one battery.

Description

[0001] ELECTRICALLY POWERED SHIP WITH TRAILING POWER SOURCE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention pertains to the technical field of systems for production, transformation and provision of water vessel propulsion energy.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The transition to carbon neutral production and use of waterborne vessels raises the issue of providing and managing suitable energy sources which ensure that waterway transport remains a viable logistic solution.

[0006] KR20100065542 discloses a charging station for an electric vessel. The charging station according to KR '542 comprises a floater, an electricity generating unit, an electricity storage unit, and an electric supply unit. The floater comprises a mooring unit for mooring the electric ship. Such a system still requires vessels to include large capacity batteries, which tend to be quite voluminous, thus taking valuable space which could be dedicated to goods and / or passengers.

[0007] The aim of the invention is to provide a method which eliminates those disadvantages. The present invention targets at solving at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention and embodiments thereof serve to provide a solution to one or more of above-mentioned disadvantages. To this end, the present invention relates to an electrically driven river vessel according to claim 1. The vessel comprises a propulsion section comprising at least one electrical motor and at least one backup battery in electrical connection with at least one of said motor. At least one energy input terminal is provided to receive energy and selectively transfer said energy to said at least one backup battery or directly to said at least one motor. A controller is configured for switching between a first drive mode and a second drive mode, in which first drive mode power is provided directly from the energy input terminal, and in the second drive mode the at least one motor of the vessel is driven by the at least one battery. The ability to be externally powered relieves electrically driven river vessel from the need to store large volumes of fuel and / or batteries, thus increasing the space available for cargo and / or passengers. Preferred embodiments of the device are shown in any of the claims 2 to 12. A specific preferred embodiment relates to an invention according to claim 2, wherein the controller is programmed to automatically switch between the first drive mode and the second drive mode based on the availability of the external power source or the at least one backup battery.

[0010] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method according to claim 13. More particular, the method as described herein provides a way to more efficiently use a plurality of energy sources made available to power the vessel. Preferred embodiments of the method are shown in any of the claims 14 to 16.

[0011] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0012] The following description of the figures of specific embodiments of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present teachings, their application or uses. Throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0013] Figure 1 schematically represents a river vessel while being powered by a power supply barge.

[0014] Figures 2-6 show an application of the method wherein the river vessel operates on two modes based on the availability of external power supply.

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention concerns an electrically driven river vessel comprising a hull provided with a deck covering at least part of top surface of the vessel, a propulsion section comprising at least one electrical motor and at least one backup battery in electrical connection with at least one of said motor. At least one energy input terminal is provided to receive energy and selectively transfer said energy to said at least one backup battery or directly to said at least one motor. A controller is configured for switching between a first drive mode and a second drive mode, in which first drive mode power is provided directly from the energy input terminal, and in the second drive mode the at least one motor of the vessel is driven by the at least one battery. The ability to be externally powered relieves electrically driven river vessel from the need to store large volumes of fuel and / or batteries, thus increasing the space available for cargo and / or passengers.

[0017] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

[0018] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

[0019] "A", "an", and "the" as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a compartment" refers to one or more than one compartment.

[0020] "About" as used herein referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of + / - 20% or less, preferably + / -10% or less, more preferably + / -5% or less, even more preferably + / -1% or less, and still more preferably + / -0.1% or less of and from the specified value, in so far such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. However, it is to be understood that the value to which the modifier "about" refers is itself also specifically disclosed.

[0021] "Comprise", "comprising", and "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "include", "including", "includes" or "contain", "containing", "contains" and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

[0022] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order, unless specified. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.

[0023] The expression "% by weight", "weight percent", "%wt" or "wt%", here and throughout the description unless otherwise defined, refers to the relative weight of the respective component based on the overall weight of the formulation.

[0024] Whereas the terms "one or more" or "at least one", such as one or more or at least one member(s) of a group of members, is clear per se, by means of further exemplification, the term encompasses inter alia a reference to any one of said members, or to any two or more of said members, such as, e.g., any >3, >4, >5, >6 or >7 etc. of said members, and up to all said members.

[0025] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0026] In a first aspect, the invention relates to an electrically driven river vessel comprising: a hull provided with a deck covering at least part of top surface of the vessel; a propulsion section comprising at least one electrical motor and at least one backup battery in electrical connection with at least one of said motor; at least one energy input terminal configured to receive energy and selectively transfer said energy to said at least one backup battery or directly to said at least one motor; a controller for switching between a first drive mode and a second drive mode. In the first drive mode power is provided directly from the energy input terminal, wherein energy is provided to said energy input terminal by electrical connection with a power source external to the river vessel, in the second drive mode the at least one motor of the vessel is driven by the at least one battery. The two / dual drive modes provide flexibility, allowing the vessel to adapt its power source based on the availability of external power or the state of backup batteries. The energy input terminal's configuration facilitates efficient energy transfer, enhancing the overall usability of the vessel. The ability to be externally powered relieves electrically driven river vessel from the need to store large volumes of fuel and / or batteries, thus increasing the space available for cargo and / or passengers.

[0027] In an embodiment, the controller is programmed to automatically switch between the first drive mode and the second drive mode based on the availability of the external power source or the at least one backup battery. Automated mode switching optimizes power management, ensuring the most efficient use of available energy sources.

[0028] In an embodiment, the at least one battery is configured to power the at least one motor for two hours to five hours moving at 0.5 m / s on a full battery charge. This allows the river vessel plenty of time to traverse water locks, in particular water locks having multiple sections with different water levels. The battery also advantageously prevents the vessel from drifting out of control when not coupled to an energy source, thus making for a safer traffic in a waterway.

[0029] In an embodiment, the energy input terminal comprises two contacts located extending above a deck near a the lateral side of the river vessel. The contact configuration simplifies the connection process, ensuring efficient and reliable energy transfer. By preference, the energy input terminal further includes a set of contacts at the rear of the river vessel and at the front of the river vessel. The additional contacts advantageously allow the river vessel to still connect to waterborne energy sources in narrow waterways.

[0030] In an embodiment, the energy input terminal comprises two contacts configured as rails extending along at least part of a lateral side of the river vessel. The rail configuration enhances versatility, accommodating various vessel configurations for energy transfer. The rail configuration permits also an easier contact with a power source. Said rails run along at least , In an embodiment, the energy input terminal is configured as a pantograph comprising an actuator configured to retractably extend the two contacts outboard. The pantograph configuration provides adaptability in energy transfer, allowing for efficient engagement and disengagement to a power source. The pantograph permits also the use of a wider variety of power sources such as cables or rails placed along the path of the river vessel, by preference along the above, most preferably along the banks of the river.

[0031] In an embodiment, the river vessel further comprises a backup generator electrically connected to the energy input terminal, said backup generator being in fluid connection with a backup fuel tank. The backup generator provides an additional layer of redundancy, ensuring continuous power availability through alternative fuel sources. By preference the generator is electrically connected in parallel with the electrical connections between the energy input terminal and the at least one backup battery and at least one motor of the vessel. By preference, the fuel tank of the generator comprises piping providing fluid connection to a fuel intake, which fuel intake is located on the same side of the vessel as the energy input terminal. More preferably, the fuel intake is located at least 0.50m closed to the stern of the vessel as the energy input terminal, more preferably 0.70m, 0.8m, 0.9m, most preferably at least Im closer to the stern of the vessel. In this way, fuel fumes are advantageously kept sufficiently distanced from the contacts of the energy input terminal, thus reducing the possibility of igniting said fuel. By preference, the fuel intake only accepts fuel when no energy is flowing through the energy input terminal.

[0032] In an embodiment, the generator is a diesel generator. The use of a diesel generator ensures fuel availability in a wide range of locations, contributing to the vessel's operational reliability. By preference, the generator is a diesel generator adapted to work with diesel, ammonia or natural gas. In this way, the choice of fuel is advantageously extended, and includes greener alternatives in comparison to diesel.

[0033] In an embodiment, the generator is a hydrogen fueled generator. The use of a hydrogen-fueled generator contributes to clean and environmentally friendly backup power. By preference the generator can use hydrogen in a fuel cell system or combustion system. Hydrogen is known to quite energy dense when compared to other fuels, which permits a substantially more compact fuel tank. Most preferably, the generator can switch between using hydrogen in a fuel cell system and combustion system based. In this way, the generator can operate at any height where a river can be found, giving the river vessel a much extended range of environments where it can operate.

[0034] In an embodiment, the propulsion section of the river vessel occupies less than 15% of the total volume of the vessel. More preferably, the propulsion section occupies less than 12%, 10%, most preferably less than 8% of the total volume of the vessel. The compact propulsion section allows for the efficient utilization of vessel space, contributing to overall design optimization and leaving more space free for cargo and / or passengers, in this way maximizing the added value of operating the river vessel when compared to diesel powered river vessels.

[0035] In an embodiment, the external power source is a barge comprising at least one battery, the barge being configured to trail the river vessel and electrically connect said at least one battery to the energy input terminal of the river vessel. The barge permits also leveraging existing electrical grids with a substantially reduced initial investment, in particular those powered by renewable energies in order to reduce the environmental footprint of river transportation. Said barge, being preferably replenished with an energy source at a charging dock, provides the river vessel with a nearly continuous supply of energy. Since the charging docks see a substantial throughput of energy, and considering also their location near a substantial body of water, the charging dock are ideally suited to convert any electrical energy surplus into hydrogen. In this way, multiple types of green energy can made available, both which can be used to power the vessel. Said produced hydrogen can advantageously be used as an energy buffer, allowing the river vessel to keep operating even during power prolonged electricity shortages.

[0036] A second aspect of the inventions provides a method for operating an electrically driven river vessel comprising a hull provided with a deck covering at least part of top surface of the vessel; a propulsion section comprising at least one electrical motor and at least one backup battery in electrical connection with at least one of said motor, at least one energy input terminal configured to receive energy and selectively transfer said energy to said at least one backup battery or directly to said at least one motor, and a controller for switching between a first drive mode and a second drive mode; the method comprising the steps of: coupling a power means to at least one energy input terminal; and starting and running said at least one motor to cause the river vessel to move; Before the step of coupling a power means to at least one energy input terminal of the river vessel, the controller is set to the second drive mode, in which second drive mode the at least one motor of the vessel is driven by the at least one backup battery, and in which first drive mode power is provided directly from the at least one energy input terminal to the at least one motor, wherein energy is provided to said energy input terminal by electrical connection with a power source external to the river vessel.

[0037] In an embodiment, the step of coupling a power means to at least one energy input terminal comprises a step of switching to the first drive mode. The method optimizes power management by pre-setting the drive mode based on the available power source, ensuring efficient energy utilization.

[0038] In an embodiment, the method further comprises a step of uncoupling said external power source, which step triggers a further step of switching to the second drive mode. This allows the vessel to continuously operating until reaching or being reached by a power source, in this way increasing travel efficiency of the vessel.

[0039] In an embodiment, when the river vessel operates in the second drive mode and the charge in the at least one backup batteries drops below 40%, an emergency generator is activated in order to power the motor and / or charge the at least one backup battery. This permits maintaining an emergency reserve of readily available energy. In this way, the vessel is still able to maneuver and reach a safe location in case of emergency. By preference, the emergency generator is started when the charge in the at least one backup batteries drops below 50%, 60%, most preferably 70%. In a preferred embodiment the percentage of the charge in the at least one backup batteries that will trigger the generator to start is automatically adjusted depending on the time necessary until contact with a new power source can be made.

[0040] However, it is obvious that the invention is not limited to this application. The method according to the invention can be applied in all sorts of logistic networks where vehicles follow a predictable path.

[0041] The invention is further described by the following non-limiting examples which further illustrate the invention, and are not intended to, nor should they be interpreted to, limit the scope of the invention. The present invention will be now described in more details, referring to examples that are not limitative.

[0042] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0043] With as a goal illustrating better the properties of the invention the following presents, as an example and limiting in no way other potential applications, a description of a number of preferred applications of the river vessel and its method of operation based on the invention, wherein:

[0044] FIG. 1 schematically represents a river vessel (1) in first drive mode while being powered by a power supply barge (7). The propulsion section of the vessel is shown comprising a battery (2), a motor (3) and an energy input terminal (4). The figure shows said barge (7) extending an electrical connection member (7) to the energy input terminal (4) of the vessel (1), in this way directly powering the motor (3) of the river vessel (1).

[0045] FIG. 2 shows a first step of a water lock traversing operation by the river vessel (1). The vessel (1) approaches the water lock (6) in the first drive mode wherein said vessel (1) is still being powered by an external energy source, in this case, a power supply barge (7).

[0046] FIG. 3 shows the river vessel (1) transitioning from the first drive mode to the second mode, wherein the motor (3) is powered by the battery (2). In this second drive mode, the power supply barge (7) has ceased contact with the energy input terminal (4) of the river vessel (1), and is shown returning to a dock. The water lock (6) is now open in order to allow the vessel (1) to go through.

[0047] FIG. 4 shows the displacement of the river vessel (1) while running on the second drive mode as allowed by the battery (2). The vessel is now shown further inside the water locked section of the river. The first power supply barge (7) is now shown at the dock for resupply.

[0048] FIG. 5 shows the river vessel (1) traversing a second water lock (6) still running in second drive mode. The first water lock (6) is now closed, while the second water lock (6) is shown open. At this point, a communication system in the vessel (1) requests a new power supply barge (7) from a dock located upstream from the current location of the vessel (1). FIG. 6 shows the river vessel (1) running again in first drive mode by reconnecting with a power supply barge (7). The figure shows said barge (7) extending an electrical connection member (7) to the energy input terminal (4) of the vessel (1), in this way directly powering the motor (3) of the river vessel (1). The vessel (1) is now able to move further while being supplied with energy from the power supply barge (7).

[0049] It is supposed that the present invention is not restricted to any form of realization described previously and that some modifications can be added to the presented example of fabrication without reappraisal of the appended claims. For example, the present invention has been described referring to the use of power supply barges as a an external source of energy, but it is clear that the invention can be applied using other sources of external energy such as energized cables or rails along the river banks for instance or while using a generator disposed to the propulsion section of the vessel.

[0050] It is clear that the method according to the invention, and its applications, are not limited to the presented examples. Other examples wherein the vessel may switch between drive modes may include section of a river which may be narrower and / or lack the necessary support infrastructure necessary to externally power the vessel for a certain distance.

[0051] The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described in the examples and / or shown in the figures. On the contrary, methods according to the present invention may be realized in many different ways without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An electrically driven river vessel comprising: a hull provided with a deck covering at least part of top surface of the vessel; a propulsion section comprising at least one electrical motor and at least one backup battery in electrical connection with at least one of said motor; at least one energy input terminal configured to receive energy and selectively transfer said energy to said at least one backup battery or directly to said at least one motor; a controller for switching between a first drive mode and a second drive mode; characterized in that, in the first drive mode power is provided directly from the energy input terminal, wherein energy is provided to said energy input terminal by electrical connection with a power source external to the river vessel, in the second drive mode the at least one motor of the vessel is driven by the at least one battery.

2. The river vessel according to claim 1, characterized in that, the controller is programmed to automatically switch between the first drive mode and the second drive mode based on the availability of the external power source or the at least one backup battery.

3. The river vessel according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, the at least one battery is configured to power the at least one motor for two hours to five hours moving at 0.5 m / s on a full battery charge.

4. The river vessel according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, the energy input terminal comprises two contacts located extending above a deck near a the lateral side of the river vessel.

5. The river vessel according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, the energy input terminal comprises two contacts configures as rails extending along at least part of a lateral side of the river vessel.

6. The river vessel according to previous claim 5, characterized in that, the energy input terminal is configured as a pantograph comprising an actuator configured to retractably extend the two contacts outboard.

7. The river vessel according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, the river vessel further comprises a backup generator electrically connected to the energy input terminal, said backup generator being in fluid connection with a backup fuel tank.

8. The river vessel according to previous claim 7, characterized in that, the generator is a diesel generator.

9. The river vessel according to any of the previous claims 7-8, characterized in that, the generator is a diesel generator adapted to work with diesel, ammonia or natural gas.

10. The river vessel according to any of previous claim 9, characterized in that, the generator is a hydrogen fueled generator.

11. The river vessel according to previous claim 5, characterized in that, the propulsion section of the river vessel occupies less than 15% of the total volume of the vessel.

12. The river vessel according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that, the external power source is a barge comprising at least one battery, the barge being configured to trail the river vessel and electrically connect said at least one battery to the energy input terminal of the river vessel.

13. Method for operating an electrically driven river vessel comprising a hull provided with a deck covering at least part of top surface of the vessel; a propulsion section comprising at least one electrical motor and at least one backup battery in electrical connection with at least one of said motor, at least one energy input terminal configured to receive energy and selectively transfer said energy to said at least one backup battery or directly to said at least one motor, and a controller for switching between a first drive mode and a second drive mode; the method comprising the steps of: coupling a power means to at least one energy input terminal; and starting and running said at least one motor to cause the river vessel to move;characterized in that, before the step of coupling an power means to at least one energy input terminal of the river vessel, the controller is set to the second drive mode, in which second drive mode the at least one motor of the vessel is driven by the at least one backup battery, and in which first drive mode power is provided directly from the at least one energy input terminal to the at least one motor, wherein energy is provided to said energy input terminal by electrical connection with a power source external to the river vessel.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, the step of coupling a power means to at least one energy input terminal comprises a step of switching to the first drive mode.

15. The method according to previous claims 14, characterized in that, the method further comprises a step of uncoupling said external power source, which step triggers a further step of switching to the second drive mode.

16. The method according to any of the previous claims 13-15, characterized in that, when the river vessel operates in the second drive mode and the charge in the at least one backup batteries drops below 40%, an emergency generator is activated in order to power the motor and / or charge the at least one backup battery.

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