Fluid System Sail Compressor Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current watercraft propulsion systems face challenges such as high drag, high energy consumption, limited control authority, and inefficiency in thrust generation, particularly for large ships where traditional sails and hydrofoils are not effective.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a fluid system within watercraft components, such as sails and hydrofoils, which includes a compressor and a channel with injection and suction openings, allows for the manipulation of fluid flow to reduce drag, increase thrust, and enhance control authority.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional soft sails are used for propulsion, then wind power can be utilized, but the surface area required is excessively large and thrust efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by integrating a compressor and fluid delivery system within the sail structure. The compressor pressurizes air and delivers it through channels to injection openings, creating a jet effect that amplifies thrust generation. This pneumatic system enables a compact sail design to produce the same thrust that would otherwise require a much larger traditional sail surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and flow parameters of air within the sail structure. By compressing air to high pressure and controlling its flow velocity through the channel system, the sail transforms ordinary air into a high-energy fluid that generates significant thrust. This parameter transformation allows compact dimensions while maintaining high propulsion efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If hydrofoils are scaled up for large ships, then drag reduction can be achieved, but the components become excessively large and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hydrofoil structure with an integrated fluid system, combining the drag-reduction function with an active flow control system. The compressor, channels, and injection openings are integrated within the hydrofoil itself, creating a unified component that actively manages fluid flow to optimize lift-to-drag ratio without requiring excessive size or structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic flow control capabilities to the hydrofoil through the integrated fluid system. By actively injecting pressurized fluid at controlled locations and timing, the hydrofoil can dynamically adjust its flow characteristics to maintain optimal performance across varying operating conditions, eliminating the need for oversized static structures.
3Ease of operation
If rudders are enlarged to increase control authority, then steering control improves, but drag increases and energy consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles to the rudder by integrating a compressor and fluid delivery system. Pressurized air is delivered through channels to injection openings on the rudder surface, creating controlled flow patterns that amplify steering effectiveness. This allows a compact rudder to achieve high control authority without the drag penalties associated with traditionally enlarged rudder designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow parameters of air across the rudder surface through controlled injection. By adjusting pressure, flow rate, and injection timing, the system dynamically optimizes the flow field around the rudder to maximize control authority while minimizing drag, avoiding the energy consumption issues of larger passive rudders.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This fluid system enhances the performance of watercraft by reducing drag, increasing thrust efficiency, and improving rudder control authority, thereby reducing energy consumption and enhancing overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
A compressor is disposed within the channel
Implementation Method 2
The channel extends from the suction opening to the injection opening such that fluid can travel into the suction opening and exit the injection opening
Data Source
AI summary
Watercrafts that include a fluid system are described. An example watercraft includes a fluid system, a hull, a sail, and a compressor. The hull has a bow and a stern. The sail has a first end, a second end disposed on the hull, a lengthwise axis, a central axis, a first side, a second side, and defines an injection opening, a suction opening, and a channel. The lengthwise axis extends from the first end to the second end. The central axis is disposed orthogonally to the lengthwise axis and between the first side and the second side. The suction opening is disposed on the second side and between the injection opening and the first side. The channel extends from the suction opening to the injection opening such that fluid can travel into the suction opening and exit the injection opening. The compressor is disposed within the channel.