NO20221209A1 - A system for generating electricity onboard a moving vessel - Google Patents

A system for generating electricity onboard a moving vessel Download PDF

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Publication number
NO20221209A1
NO20221209A1 NO20221209A NO20221209A NO20221209A1 NO 20221209 A1 NO20221209 A1 NO 20221209A1 NO 20221209 A NO20221209 A NO 20221209A NO 20221209 A NO20221209 A NO 20221209A NO 20221209 A1 NO20221209 A1 NO 20221209A1
Authority
NO
Norway
Prior art keywords
propeller
pitch
generator
unit
propeller blades
Prior art date
Application number
NO20221209A
Inventor
Finn Limseth
Markus Limseth
Gina Limseth
Original Assignee
Seadrive As
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Seadrive As filed Critical Seadrive As
Priority to NO20221209A priority Critical patent/NO20221209A1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2023/081489 priority patent/WO2024100275A1/en
Publication of NO20221209A1 publication Critical patent/NO20221209A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H1/00—Propulsive elements directly acting on water
    • B63H1/02—Propulsive elements directly acting on water of rotary type
    • B63H1/12—Propulsive elements directly acting on water of rotary type with rotation axis substantially in propulsive direction
    • B63H1/14—Propellers
    • B63H1/20—Hubs; Blade connections
    • B63H1/22—Hubs; Blade connections the blades being foldable
    • B63H1/24—Hubs; Blade connections the blades being foldable automatically foldable or unfoldable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H1/00—Propulsive elements directly acting on water
    • B63H1/02—Propulsive elements directly acting on water of rotary type
    • B63H1/12—Propulsive elements directly acting on water of rotary type with rotation axis substantially in propulsive direction
    • B63H1/14—Propellers
    • B63H1/20—Hubs; Blade connections
    • B63H1/22—Hubs; Blade connections the blades being foldable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H21/00—Use of propulsion power plant or units on vessels
    • B63H21/12—Use of propulsion power plant or units on vessels the vessels being motor-driven
    • B63H21/17—Use of propulsion power plant or units on vessels the vessels being motor-driven by electric motor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H3/00—Propeller-blade pitch changing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H3/00—Propeller-blade pitch changing
    • B63H2003/004—Propeller-blade pitch changing comprising means for locking blades in position
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H5/00—Arrangements on vessels of propulsion elements directly acting on water
    • B63H5/07—Arrangements on vessels of propulsion elements directly acting on water of propellers
    • B63H5/125—Arrangements on vessels of propulsion elements directly acting on water of propellers movably mounted with respect to hull, e.g. adjustable in direction, e.g. podded azimuthing thrusters
    • B63H2005/1254—Podded azimuthing thrusters, i.e. podded thruster units arranged inboard for rotation about vertical axis
    • B63H2005/1256—Podded azimuthing thrusters, i.e. podded thruster units arranged inboard for rotation about vertical axis with mechanical power transmission to propellers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H5/00—Arrangements on vessels of propulsion elements directly acting on water
    • B63H5/07—Arrangements on vessels of propulsion elements directly acting on water of propellers
    • B63H5/125—Arrangements on vessels of propulsion elements directly acting on water of propellers movably mounted with respect to hull, e.g. adjustable in direction, e.g. podded azimuthing thrusters
    • B63H2005/1254—Podded azimuthing thrusters, i.e. podded thruster units arranged inboard for rotation about vertical axis
    • B63H2005/1258—Podded azimuthing thrusters, i.e. podded thruster units arranged inboard for rotation about vertical axis with electric power transmission to propellers, i.e. with integrated electric propeller motors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63J—AUXILIARIES ON VESSELS
    • B63J3/00—Driving of auxiliaries
    • B63J2003/001—Driving of auxiliaries characterised by type of power supply, or power transmission, e.g. by using electric power or steam
    • B63J2003/002—Driving of auxiliaries characterised by type of power supply, or power transmission, e.g. by using electric power or steam by using electric power
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63J—AUXILIARIES ON VESSELS
    • B63J3/00—Driving of auxiliaries
    • B63J3/04—Driving of auxiliaries from power plant other than propulsion power plant
    • B63J2003/046—Driving of auxiliaries from power plant other than propulsion power plant using wind or water driven turbines or impellers for power generation
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/20—Hydro energy

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)

Description

Title: A system for generating electricity onboard a moving vessel
Technical field
The invention relates to generation of electricity onboard boats. In particular the invention relates to a combined propulsion and generator by a rotatable propeller unit with foldable propeller blades able to produce electricity in a more efficient manner when the propeller unit is turned 180 degrees around from the propulsion direction.
Background
Vessels at sea are in need of electricity. Electricity is generated by means of generators, solar panels, wind generators or hydrogenerators or stored on batteries. Almost all vessels also have a propulsion system using propellers to move the vessel forward. The excellent idea of combining use of the propeller both for propulsion and generation of electricity is available on the market. Different solutions have been sold in large numbers in particular to sailing boat owners. When using a folding propeller for the purpose of generating electricity, the currently available solutions must have software constantly balancing the charging level and keeping the folding propeller at a min. rpm. to prevent collapse. The balancing act refers to balancing the centripetal force generated when rotating the propeller against the force of the generator slowing the propeller down and the water pushing the propeller blade towards a closed position. This link describes this very well, https://oceanvolt.com/solutions/hydro-generator/. Also available is the Oceanvolts’s “servoprop”, which uses a variable pitch folding propeller where the software continuously optimizes the pitch by limiting the charging level relative to the boat sailing speed. The first solution mentioned gives a very limited charging possibility, and the second is both expensive and mechanically complicated and have problems with growth, damage etc.
Gori fixed pitch steps folding propeller is also available and may be used for generating electricity. The product is described on their website: https://goripropeller.com/product/3-blade-folding-overdrive-propeller/
Normal functionality for propulsion, and for hydro charging in 180 degrees the overdrive function combined with higher pitch causes higher charging levels at lower speeds/lower rpm. of the propeller.
Also known in the literature is variable blades, that turn depending on rpm (this link describes both feathering and variopropeller: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYxq0AHRbkY )
When a charging unit is only intended for charging an optimized, larger diameter propeller with higher pitch, either fixed or folding propeller, is preferred.
An object of the invention is to find a solution to the problem of how to use foldable propellers mounted on a vessel for generating electricity in a robust and efficient manner when sailing.
Summary of the invention
The invention describes a system for generating electricity on a moving vessel, wherein the system comprises a rotatable propeller unit. The rotatable propeller unit comprises a propeller with a propeller base with at least two foldable propeller blades hinged attached, wherein the at least two propeller blades can move between a folded position with the at least two propeller blades substantially aligned with a longitudinal direction of the propeller unit and an unfolded position with the at least two propeller blades substantially directed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the propeller unit. The at least two propeller blades are fully open and blocked against further movement past the substantially perpendicular direction when in the unfolded position. The system further comprises a generator for generating electricity from power provided by the propeller unit and power transfer means for transferring rotational power between the propeller unit and the generator. The rotatable propeller unit is at least rotatable in a substantially horizontal plane between a rearward pointing position and a forward pointing position in which the foldable propeller blades are able to transfer motional energy from the passing water to rotational energy in the propeller because of the fully open unfolded position of the propeller blades.
In an embodiment of the system the propeller unit is rotatable 360 degrees.
In an embodiment of the system, the generator also functions as an electrical motor propelling the vessel forward, and as a side-thruster.
In yet an embodiment of the system the foldable propeller blades have a pitch between an optimal pitch for charging and an optimal pitch for propulsion.
In yet an embodiment of the system the pitch of the foldable propeller blades has two steps: one step having a pitch optimized for charging and another step having a pitch optimized for propulsion.
In yet an embodiment of the system the pitch of the foldable propeller blades is continuously variable.
In yet an embodiment of the system, the system further comprising a motor and a gearbox for coupling the power transfer means to the motor and the generator.
In yet an embodiment of the system the system further comprises a battery for storing electric energy produced by the generator.
Brief description of the figures
The invention will now be described in more detail by reference to the accompanying figures. The same numeral on different drawings refer to the same feature.
Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a propeller unit according to the invention in a folded state.
Fig 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a propeller unit according to the invention in an unfolded state.
Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a propeller unit turned in a forward pointing position for generating electricity.
Fig 4 shows an embodiment of a propeller unit turned in a rearward pointing position for propelling the vessel forward.
Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a propeller unit turned in a sideways pointing position for thrusting the vessel sideways.
Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of the system for generating electricity on a moving vessel.
Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of the system including a motor and a gearbox.
Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of the system wherein the generator is positioned in the propeller unit.
Detailed description
The invention describes a system for generating electricity on a vessel moving in water. The system comprises a rotatable propulsions unit 1 able to function as a main propulsion unit, side thruster and hydrogenerator combined. By hydrogenerator we mean a propeller being rotated by water passing the propeller and transferring the rotational energy to a generator for production of electricity. The propeller unit 1 is rotatable in a horizontal plane by means of an electric servo 2, controlled by joystick/steering wheel, or manual lever 3 version integrated into the boat’s existing steering system. An embodiment of such systems is shown in fig.6 and 7. The rotatable propeller unit 1 comprises a propeller 6 and is under water, normally under the hull 4, behind the keel 5, well protected against ropes, plastic bags, wood branches, seaweed etc., which is a huge problem to water surface hydrogenerators. We consider an extension arm 22 for extending the propeller unit 1 away from the hull 4 as part of the propeller unit 1.
The system further comprises a generator 14 and power transfer means 16 for transferring mechanical power between the generator 14 and the propeller 6. As shown in fig.8 the generator 14 may be positioned in the rotatable propeller unit 1. Furthermore, the power transfer means 16 may in its simplest form (seen in fig.8) be a shaft between the propeller and the generator. There may also be a gear box 18 between the propeller 6 and the generator 14 to enable improved adjustment of rpm. In another embodiment a gear box 18 is positioned between the propeller 6 and the generator to enable improved adjustment of rpm. The gear box 18 may also be able to direct power from a motor 13 separate from the generator 14 to the propeller (see fig.7).
In one embodiment of the invention, which is particularly relevant for sailing boats, the propeller is a standard folding propeller 6. Folding propellers 6 are fairly common in order to minimize drag, and increases speed substantially as compared to normal fixed propellers, when sailing. The rotatable propeller unit 1 is able to turn at least 0 - 180 degrees relative to the sailing direction of the vessel. A standard folding propeller will normally collapse if any resistance due to charging is added. When using the propeller unit 1 for propulsion/side-thruster the folding propeller 6 will be fully open and will collapse during sailing for minimum drag. A folding propeller have at least two propeller blades 7 which all are hinged attached to a propeller base 8 with a rotational axis 15 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the propeller unit 1. When the foldable propeller is rotated by a motor 13 the foldable propeller 6 will unfold due to centripetal forces at first and, and as it unfolds, also because of the well-known shape of the propeller blades combined with the rotational force from the motor 13. The propeller blades 7 are configured to stop unfolding past a position substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the propeller unit.
Fig. 1 and 2 shows an embodiment of the foldable propeller 6. The propeller blades 7 rotates around a pin 11 attached to the propeller base 8 and reaches an optimal angle close to 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the propeller unit 1 a locking surface 9 on the base of the propeller blades 7 abuts a stopping surface 10 on the propeller base 8. Fig. 3, 4 and 5 shows different rotational positions of the propeller unit 1. Fig 3 shows the propeller unit 1 rotated 180 in a position for charging and fig.4 shows the propeller unit in an unrotated position suitable for propulsion, while fig.5 shows the propeller unit 1 in an intermediate angle suitable for a sideway thrust. When turned 180 degrees around and as long as the vessel moves in a forward direction, the folding propeller 6 will be kept fully open at all times due to the passing water pushing the propeller blades 7 towards an open unfolded position and rotating the propellers. In such a configuration the charging level will be set depending on water speed and battery charge level, and not by a collapsing balance, which is the issue with known systems without turning feature using a folding propeller for generating electricity. With the described invention the captain can control how much to charge vs. how much the charging drag slows down the sailing speed by direct manual control or by means of software controlling the generator.
It is possible to customize the folding propellers to optimize for charging or for propulsion. A user has to choose between a propeller designed for max. speed during drive, or maximum charging level when generating electricity. When comparing a given power (ie.5kW), the propeller for propulsion needs to torque the motor lower compared to the propeller required to torque the generator to obtain charging power of 5kW. A higher pitch on the propeller blades is optimal when charging compared to the optimal pitch for propulsion. This can also be regulated by the diameter of the propeller. A simple and acceptable solution is to choose a propeller between these two optimal parameters to get a compromise between max. speed, and max. charging. A preferred solution is to have a propeller with variable pitch. The pitch can be continuously variable or, for lower cost and mechanical complexity, comprise two steps. One step having a pitch optimized for charging and another step having a pitch optimized for propulsion.
Preferably the propeller unit can be lifted-up or out of the water or retracted into the hull. This is preferable to lower drag when sailing, especially if using a fixed propeller, but also for folding propellers.
References
1 Rotatable propeller unit
2 Electric servo
3 Manual lever
4 Hull
5 Keel
6 Propeller
7 Propeller blades
8 Propeller base
9 Locking surface
10 Stopping surface
11 Pin
12 Vessel
13 Motor
14 Generator
15 Rotational axis of propeller blade
16 Power transfer means
17 Battery
18 Gearbox
19 Rotational axis of propeller unit
20 Longitudinal direction of propeller unit 21 Longitudinal direction of the vessel

Claims (1)

1. A system for generating electricity on a moving vessel (12) comprising:
a rotatable propeller unit (1) comprising:
a propeller (6) with a propeller base (8) with at least two foldable propeller blades (7) hinged attached, wherein the at least two propeller blades (7) can move between a folded position with the at least two propeller blades substantially aligned with a longitudinal direction of the propeller unit (1) and an unfolded position with the at least two propeller blades (7) substantially directed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (20) of the propeller unit (1) and wherein the at least two propeller blades (7) are fully open and blocked against further movement past the substantially perpendicular direction when in the unfolded position,
a generator (14) for generating electricity of power provided by the propeller unit (1),
power transfer means (16) for transferring rotational power between the propeller unit (1) and the generator (14),
characterized in that the rotatable propeller unit (1) is at least rotatable in a substantially horizontal plane between a rearward pointing position and a forward pointing position in which the foldable propeller blades (7) are able to transfer motional energy from the passing water to rotational energy in the propeller (6) because the at least two propeller blades (7) are fully open and blocked against further movement past the substantially perpendicular direction.
2. System according to claim 1 wherein the propeller unit (1) is rotatable 360 degrees.
3. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the generator (14) also functions as an electrical motor (13) propelling the vessel (12) forward and as a side thruster.
5. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the folding propeller blades (7) has a pitch between an optimal pitch for charging and an optimal pitch for propulsion.
6. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pitch of the foldable propeller blades (7) have two steps: one step having a pitch optimized for charging and another step having a pitch optimized for propulsion.
7. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pitch of the foldable propeller blades (7) is continuously variable.
8. System according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a motor (13) and a gearbox (18) for coupling the power transfer means (16) between the motor (13) and the generator (14).
9. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises a battery (17) for storing electric energy produced by the generator (14).
NO20221209A 2022-11-11 2022-11-11 A system for generating electricity onboard a moving vessel NO20221209A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO20221209A NO20221209A1 (en) 2022-11-11 2022-11-11 A system for generating electricity onboard a moving vessel
PCT/EP2023/081489 WO2024100275A1 (en) 2022-11-11 2023-11-10 A system for generating electricity onboard a moving vessel

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO20221209A NO20221209A1 (en) 2022-11-11 2022-11-11 A system for generating electricity onboard a moving vessel

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
NO20221209A1 true NO20221209A1 (en) 2024-05-13

Family

ID=88793193

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
NO20221209A NO20221209A1 (en) 2022-11-11 2022-11-11 A system for generating electricity onboard a moving vessel

Country Status (2)

Country Link
NO (1) NO20221209A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2024100275A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2464186A1 (en) * 1979-08-31 1981-03-06 Vidal Jean Pierre IMPROVED SYSTEM FOR PROPULSION OF BOATS USING WINDS AND CURRENTS AND POSSIBLE RECOVERY OF ENERGY
DE4105318A1 (en) * 1991-02-20 1992-08-27 Ficht Gmbh Auxiliary propulsion drive for sailing yacht - uses electric motor coupled to battery recharged via IC engine, solar cells and wind or water powered turbine
SE523993C2 (en) * 2001-03-23 2004-06-15 Stefan Larsson Device for charging at least one electric battery on board a boat
ITMI20121753A1 (en) * 2012-10-17 2014-04-18 Agatos Green Power Srl HYDROGEN DEVICE FOR SAILBOATS
DE102016121800A1 (en) * 2016-11-14 2018-05-17 Torqeedo Gmbh Drive for a boat and method for operating a drive for a boat

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2024100275A1 (en) 2024-05-16

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