Retractable Magnus Sail System for Ship Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The shipping industry faces high fuel costs and significant CO2 emissions due to its reliance on fossil fuels, with ships emitting a substantial amount of pollutants and greenhouse gases, necessitating a solution to reduce energy consumption and emissions.
Innovation Solution
A vertically-variable ocean sail system is introduced, which includes retractable sail cylinders that harness wind energy using the Magnus effect to generate propulsion, allowing ships to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and lower emissions by augmenting main engine power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If ships use traditional fossil fuel propulsion systems, then they can maintain high speed and power, but fuel costs increase significantly and CO2 emissions rise substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines traditional fossil fuel propulsion with wind propulsion systems (sails or rotors) to create a hybrid propulsion system. This merging allows the ship to utilize both energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while maintaining sufficient propulsion power for high-speed travel.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate using fossil fuels alone, wind alone, or a combination of both. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements and environmental conditions, optimizing both fuel efficiency and power output.
2Speed
If ships rely on bunker fuel for propulsion, then they can achieve required voyage speed, but CO2 emissions and harmful gas emissions increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of wind (which can create resistance to ship movement) into a beneficial propulsive force. By using sails or Magnus effect rotors, the wind's kinetic energy is harnessed to generate thrust, transforming what is often a detrimental environmental factor into a useful energy source that reduces emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy source parameter from exclusively fossil fuels to a mixed energy source including wind. This parameter change fundamentally alters the emission profile while maintaining the ability to achieve required voyage speeds through coordinated use of both propulsion methods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If ships install fixed large-scale sail systems, then wind energy can be harnessed for propulsion, but the system cannot be retracted when not in use or during cargo operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static fixed sail systems to dynamic retractable systems. The sails or rotors can be extended when wind conditions are favorable and retraction is needed, and retracted when not in use or during cargo operations. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sail system is divided into multiple sections or segments that can be independently controlled for extension and retraction. This segmentation allows partial deployment or full retraction as needed, providing greater flexibility and adaptability compared to a single monolithic sail structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If telescopic masts with individual crossbeams are used, then sail area can be adjusted, but the structure becomes complex with multiple telescoping pipes and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested telescopic structure where multiple cylindrical sections are placed one inside another, similar to nested dolls. This allows the mast to extend to various heights and retract to compact sizes without requiring complex lateral adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adjusting sail area through complex lateral movements or multiple crossbeams, the system utilizes vertical dimension by extending or retracting the mast height. This dimensional change provides a simpler mechanism for adjusting sail area while reducing structural complexity.
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
The sail system effectively reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by utilizing wind energy, potentially saving millions of tons of CO2 emissions annually and lowering average annual fuel costs for ships.
Implementation Method 1
The rotating mechanical sails harness the wind using the Magnus effect to create forward thrust
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide mechanical sail systems, methods, apparatus, and code which allow use of the Magnus effect to provide thrust to a ship. In some embodiments, a mechanical sail system is provided which includes a silo, positioned below a deck level of a ship, a lift carriage, mounted within the silo, and supporting a first sail cylinder and a second sail cylinder, and at least a first drive motor coupled to a control system for selectively positioning the lift carriage within the silo, the control system operable to control the at least first drive motor to position the lift carriage at a top position within the silo to deploy the first and second sail cylinders.