Vessel Roll Stabilizer Hydraulics With On-Demand Fluid Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active roll stabilisation systems for vessels face energy inefficiencies due to continuous hydraulic pump operation, energy wasting valves, and overdimensioned power trains, leading to high energy demand and noise, particularly in leisure yachts.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a direct fluid connection between auxiliary and main hydraulic cylinders, with hydraulic fluid supplied only upon demand, eliminating the need for a continuously operating hydraulic pump and energy-wasting valves, and uses a limited amount of fluid through interconnected cylinder chambers to achieve efficient stabilisation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a continuously operating hydraulic pump and valves are used to control the stabilisation system, then the system can respond quickly to vessel roll movements, but energy is wasted continuously and the system generates noise and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic pump operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when stabilisation is needed. The system uses a control unit that triggers the pump based on vessel roll detection, creating intermittent operation cycles that reduce energy consumption while maintaining rapid response capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vessel's own motion (roll movements) as the trigger for activation. The control unit detects roll through sensors and automatically activates the hydraulic system only when needed, eliminating the need for continuous operation and allowing the system to serve itself based on actual stabilisation requirements.
2Force
If overdimensioned power trains are used to ensure sufficient stabilisation force, then the system can provide large correction forces, but the system becomes more complex and consumes more energy
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilisation elements are designed to move dynamically rather than remain static. By implementing reciprocating motion of the stabilisation elements relative to the vessel hull, the system generates Magnus effect forces that are highly effective at low speeds without requiring oversized power trains. The dynamic movement allows smaller, less complex actuators to produce sufficient correction forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses hydraulic actuators to drive the reciprocating motion of stabilisation elements. The hydraulic fluid transmission provides efficient force multiplication, allowing compact power trains to generate large correction forces through fluid pressure rather than mechanical gear systems.
3Force
If reciprocating translational movement is imparted to rotating stabilisation elements, then the system can generate Magnus effect forces for stabilisation, but the mass inertia creates adverse effects and increases energy requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the stabilisation elements by implementing reciprocating translational movement in addition to rotation. This dual motion mode optimizes the Magnus effect force generation while allowing the system to operate efficiently at low vessel speeds where traditional rotational stabilisers would require excessive power.
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 configuration reduces energy waste, noise, and vibration, providing efficient roll stabilisation with minimal fluid displacement, suitable for leisure yachts, and allows for additional applications like trimming and manoeuvring without main propulsion.
Implementation Method 1
Under the influence of the rotational movement of the stabilisation element and the water flowing past as a result of the stabilisation element moving relative to the stationary vessel, a correction force perpendicular to the direction of rotation and the direction of movement is generated. This physical phenomenon is also referred to as the Magnus effect, on the basis of which the correction force is used for opposing the vessel's roll.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5A
Figure 5B
AI summary
An active roll stabilisation system for vessels, the system comprising at least one stabilisation element that extends from the vessel's hull, below the water line, on a side of the vessel, sensor means for sensing the vessel's motion and delivering control signals on the basis thereof, as well as moving means for moving the at least one stabilisation element relative to the hull in dependence on at least the control signals delivered by the sensor means, wherein the moving means are arranged for imparting at least a pivoting movement in the direction of the stem or the stern of the vessel to the at least one stabilisation element and wherein the moving means comprise a first hydraulic drive assembly for moving one stabilisation element, said first hydraulic drive assembly being composed of at least one auxiliary hydraulic cylinder for moving the stabilisation element relative to the hull and a main hydraulic cylinder for driving the at least one auxiliary hydraulic cylinder.