Wingsail Wind Sensing for Spanwise Angle-of-Attack Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind propulsion systems for marine vessels, particularly those using wingsails, face challenges in accurately sensing local variations in the angle of attack (AoA) along the wingspan, which can compromise performance due to the integration of pressure sensors that affect aerodynamic properties.
Innovation Solution
A wind propulsion system with a wingsail equipped with a detector arrangement to determine wind directions at multiple positions along the spanwise extension, using flow sensing tabs or anemometers/lidar, and a control arrangement to adjust the actuator system based on these measurements, ensuring optimal trimming without disturbing airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are integrated into the wingsail to measure local angle of attack variations, then measurement precision is improved, but the aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to disturbance of airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the wingsail surface by using remote anemometers positioned away from the wingsail, and flow sensing tabs that can be removed or positioned to minimize interference. This separates the sensing function from the aerodynamic surface, eliminating the trade-off between measurement capability and aerodynamic performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements such as flow sensing tabs that can detect flow direction without significantly disturbing the main airflow, and remote anemometers that measure wind conditions at a distance from the wingsail. These intermediaries serve as mediators between the measurement system and the airflow, providing accurate data while minimizing aerodynamic interference
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are distributed along the leading edge to capture spanwise variations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal flow sensing tabs that can be positioned at multiple locations along the span and perform the same flow detection function. Each tab is a simple, identical component that can sense flow direction, eliminating the need for complex distributed sensor arrays while maintaining measurement capability across the span
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct pressure measurement (requiring multiple complex sensors) to flow direction measurement using simple anemometers and flow tabs. This parameter change allows for simpler, more uniform sensor distribution while achieving the same measurement objective of capturing spanwise variations
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 system accurately senses local wind variations, enabling precise control of the wingsail's angle of attack and camber, enhancing propulsion efficiency and safety under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The detector arrangement is configured for determining at least a first flow or wind direction at a first position in front of the leading edge and/or around the leading edge
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The disclosure concerns a wind propulsion system (4) for a marine vessel (2). The system (4) comprises a wingsail (6) having a leading edge (14) extending along a spanwise extension (S) of the wingsail (6), a base (8), an actuator arrangement (18), a detector arrangement (24), and a control arrangement (26). The actuator arrangement (18) is configured to move at least a portion of the wingsail (6) in relation to the base (8). The detector arrangement (24) is configured for determining at least a first wind direction at a first position (I) around or in front of the leading edge (14) and a second wind direction at a second position (II) around or in front of the leading edge (14). The control arrangement (26) is configured to control the actuator arrangement (18) based on at least the first and second wind directions.