Wind propulsion device for watercraft

Abstract

The invention relates to a wind propulsion device for watercraft, which comprises a main body (1) and one or more plasma jet actuators (2) located in the main body (1). The device may also comprise one or more cameras (3), such as thermal cameras, aimed at the one or more plasma jet actuators (2). The device improves flow control, allows the aerodynamic characteristics thereof to be adapted and can be de-iced in adverse environmental conditions.

Description

[0001] WIND PROPULSION DEVICE FOR SHIPS

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Object of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a wind propulsion device for ships, in particular to a ship's sail comprising plasma jet actuators for actively controlling the airflow over the wind propulsion device, improving lift, reducing drag, preventing flow separation, and providing de-icing capability in freezing conditions.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] Wind propulsion systems are sparking renewed interest in marine vessels due to their potential to reduce fuel consumption.

[0007] However, these 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.

[0008] Plasma jet actuators, known for their active flow control capabilities, are widely studied in aeronautics, but have not been adapted to offshore wind propulsion to improve performance in variable wind conditions.

[0009] Description of the invention

[0010] Therefore, an objective of the present invention is to provide a wind propulsion device for ships that allows for improved flow control, adaptation of the aerodynamic characteristics of the device, and defrosting in adverse environmental conditions.

[0011] The wind propulsion device for ships of the invention solves the aforementioned drawbacks, presenting other advantages that will be described below.

[0012] The wind propulsion device for ships according to the present invention is described in claim 1, and the dependent claims include additional features that are optional.

[0013] The wind propulsion device for ships comprises a main body and one or more plasma jet actuators located in said main body.

[0014] Furthermore, the wind propulsion device for ships according to the present invention also preferably comprises one or more chambers oriented towards one or more plasma jet actuators.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the one or more cameras are thermal cameras.

[0016] The wind propulsion device for ships according to the present invention may also comprise sensors located in said main body, such as, for example, wind sensors.

[0017] The wind propulsion device for ships according to the present invention also preferably comprises a control unit connected to one or more plasma jet actuators, which is also preferably connected to the sensors and / or one or more cameras.

[0018] According to one possible embodiment, the wind propulsion device for ships according to the present invention also comprises a secondary body, which also comprises one or more plasma jet actuators, such as, for example, a fin.

[0019] This secondary body is preferably rotatable with respect to the main body.

[0020] Plasma jet actuators can be located on two opposite sides of the main body, or offset towards a leading edge and a defined curved area on the main body.

[0021] The device according to the present invention utilizes plasma jet actuators to provide active flow control, thereby increasing lift, improving aerodynamic efficiency, and reducing flow separation.

[0022] The device according to the present invention also allows configurations for the placement and control of the actuators, being located at key points for basic flow control and distributed for precise aerodynamic adjustments.

[0023] In addition, plasma jet actuators can serve as de-icing elements, focusing on specific areas prone to ice formation.

[0024] The device according to the present invention also allows monitoring of the operating status of the plasma jets. If a malfunction occurs, the absence of a thermal signature in the actuator indicates a failure, enabling real-time detection and corrective action.

[0025] Brief description of the drawings

[0026] For a better understanding of what has been explained, some drawings are included which, schematically and only as a non-limiting example, represent a practical case of implementation.

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wind propulsion device for ships according to the present invention;

[0028] Figures 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views of wind propulsion devices for ships according to the present invention, according to two alternative embodiments;

[0029] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the components of the wind propulsion device for ships according to the present invention; and Figures 5 and 6 are views of the airfoil of the wind propulsion device for ships according to the present invention with a plasma actuator switched off and switched on, respectively.

[0030] Description of a preferred embodiment

[0031] As shown in the embodiment of Figure 1, the wind propulsion device for ships according to the present invention comprises a main body (1) provided with one or more plasma jet actuators (2) and one or more chambers (3).

[0032] Preferably, the plasma jet actuators (2) are installed on both the port and starboard sides of the wind propulsion device, enabling operation regardless of wind direction. This dual-sided configuration ensures the system remains effective in both port and starboard wind conditions, making it highly versatile for maritime operations.

[0033] In addition, the plasma jet actuators (2) can be placed in two different configurations, depending on the desired aerodynamic control and application.

[0034] The actuators (2) can be placed at strategic aerodynamic points, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, such as near the leading edge or in areas of high camber prone to flow separation. Another key point is the position where the flow transitions from laminar to turbulent, which causes an increase in aerodynamic drag.

[0035] Furthermore, the wind propulsion device for ships may also comprise a secondary body (6), such as a fin, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, and at least one plasma jet actuator (2) is also placed in said secondary body (6), which may be rotatable with respect to the main body (1).

[0036] This configuration provides a direct control scheme in which the actuators (2) on the upper surface are activated based on the wind direction. Activating these actuators (2) improves flow stabilization, preventing separation and maintaining lift even at higher angles of attack.

[0037] Alternatively, a distributed placement of the plasma jet actuators (2) can be carried out for adaptive aerodynamic control, wherein the plasma jet actuators (2) are installed along a substantial section or the entirety of the wind propulsion device.

[0038] This arrangement allows for more precise control of aerodynamic performance by enabling selective or total activation of the actuators depending on the needs of the situation.

[0039] The number and position of the actuators (2) allows for different aerodynamic characteristics to be achieved:

[0040] - Maximum lift mode: When high lift is required, all actuators (2) along the extrados can be activated.

[0041] - Optimal Efficiency Mode: In this mode, only the actuators that provide the highest aerodynamic efficiency, i.e., lift / drag ratio, are activated.

[0042] This selective control minimizes energy consumption and improves performance by reducing drag and maximizing lift when needed.

[0043] Furthermore, it is possible to dynamically adjust, via a control unit (4), which actuators (2) are activated based on information received from onboard sensors (5), such as wind speed, wind angle, or ship speed, thus optimizing aerodynamic performance in real time.

[0044] Plasma jet actuators (2) can also serve an additional function as de-icing elements in cold environments. Ice buildup can have a critical impact on aerodynamic efficiency, especially in vessels operating in cold waters. In the propulsion device according to the present invention, plasma jet actuators (2) are positioned in critical areas to prevent or eliminate ice accumulation. For example, these key de-icing regions may include:

[0045] - Stagnation point: The area of ​​the leading edge where the airflow first comes into contact with the main body (1), prone to initial ice formation.

[0046] - Suction peak: The point of greatest suction on the extrados side, where ice can alter the aerodynamic profile and cause instability in the flow.

[0047] - Laminar-turbulent transition zone: Accumulation in this zone can induce turbulence prematurely, reducing overall efficiency.

[0048] - Suction grille for suction wings: In configurations with suction-based lift enhancement, plasma jets can defrost the suction grille to maintain optimal airflow through the suction ports.

[0049] - Control: The defrost mode activates the plasma jets at low power or in pulsed mode, depending on the severity of the ice formation. This mode can be controlled manually or automatically based on temperature sensor data to ensure continuous operation in icy environments.

[0050] The cameras (3) can be thermal cameras used to monitor the operational status of the plasma jet actuators (2). The thermal cameras (3) capture real-time thermal signatures of each plasma jet. An active actuator emits a detectable thermal signature, while a non-functional actuator does not. This thermal feedback mechanism provides real-time monitoring, enabling operators to quickly identify and troubleshoot actuator failures.

[0051] The control unit (4) integrates feedback from the sensors (5), thermal images captured by the cameras (3) and adaptive algorithms to ensure optimal performance and adjustment of the actuators based on wind and operating conditions.

[0052] The sensors (5), for example, measure wind speed and direction to guide the activation and distribution of plasma jets based on real-time environmental conditions.

[0053] Meanwhile, the thermal cameras (3) detect the functionality of the plasma jet actuators (2) and possible malfunctions, while the adaptive control algorithm dynamically adjusts the actuator activation, optimizing lifting, efficiency or defrosting, depending on the vessel's operational requirements.

[0054] Figures 5 and 6 show the wind propulsion device for ships according to the present invention with a plasma jet actuator (2) switched off and switched on, respectively, allowing observation of the effect achieved by said plasma jet.

[0055] Although reference has been made to a specific embodiment of the invention, it is evident to a person skilled in the art that the described wind propulsion device for ships is susceptible to numerous variations and modifications, and that all the details mentioned can be substituted by technically equivalent ones, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the attached claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Wind propulsion device for ships, comprising a main body (1), characterized in that it also comprises one or more plasma jet actuators (2) located in said main body (1).

2. Wind propulsion device for ships according to claim 1, further comprising one or more chambers (3) oriented towards one or more plasma jet actuators (2).

3. Wind propulsion device for ships according to claim 2, wherein one or more chambers (3) are thermal cameras.

4. Wind propulsion device for ships according to any one of the preceding claims, which also comprises sensors (5) located in said main body (1).

5. Wind propulsion device for ships according to claim 4, wherein the sensors (5) are wind sensors.

6. Wind propulsion device for ships according to any one of the preceding claims, also comprising a control unit (4) connected to one or more plasma jet actuators (2).

7. Wind propulsion device for ships according to claim 6, wherein the control unit (4) is also connected to the sensors (5) and / or to one or more cameras (3).

8. Wind propulsion device for ships according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a secondary body (6), further comprising one or more plasma jet actuators (2).

9. Wind propulsion device for ships according to claim 8, wherein the secondary body (6) is a fin.

10. Wind propulsion device for ships according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the secondary body (6) is rotatable with respect to the main body (1).

11. Wind propulsion device for ships according to claim 1, wherein the plasma jet actuators (2) are located on two opposite sides of the main body (1).

12. Wind propulsion device for ships according to claim 1, wherein the main body (1) has a shape defining a leading edge and a curved area, the plasma jet actuators (2) being located displaced towards the leading edge and the curved area.

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