AU2018271416A1 - Vessel design for the reduction of hydrodynamic drag - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract: A vessel designed for the reduction of hydrodynamic drag comprises a substantially hull having a bow and a stern with a defined projected raised position over water level towards the direction of motion in use. At least one substantially linear propulsion channel aligned along the bow-stern elongate axis of the hull with at least one thrust device for forcing water through the channel. Wherein the propulsion channel defines position below water surface in taking water from under the bow and discharging behind the thrust device and then out of channel. Wherein under water at least one aviation driving system is mounted to drive the entire said invention for keeping said hull staying above water so as to substantially reduce bow front pressure on the hull external of the forward motion so as to reduce hydrodynamic drag. Drawings: 3Fig. 2

Description

Title of Invention:

Vessel design for the reduction of hydrodynamic drag

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to vessel design and in particular, but not necessarily entirely, to a hull, propulsion and fluid dynamic system design for the reduction of hydrodynamic drag and improvement of speed.

Background

Conventional hull arrangements suffer from hydrodynamic drag mainly on account of bow pressure acting on the cross-sectional surface area of the bow in the direction of motion of the hull.

The effect has been mitigated somewhat through the utilizations of hydrofoil vessel designs. However, hydrofoils are ill suited for choppy seas and therefore have limited application.

The present invention seeks to provide a vessel design for the reduction of hydrodynamic drag, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative to improve vessel speed on sea.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Brief Summary of the invention

The present invention vessel designed for the reduction of hydrodynamic drag comprises a substantially hull having a bow and a stern with a defined projected raised position over water level towards the direction of motion in use. At least one substantially linear propulsion channel aligned along the bow-stern elongate axis of the hull with at least one thrust device for forcing water through the channel. Wherein the propulsion channel defines position below water surface in taking water from under the bow and discharging behind the thrust device and then out of channel for propulsion. Wherein under water at least one aviation driving system is mounted to drive the entire said invention for keeping said hull staying above water so as to substantially reduce bow front pressure from water on the hull external of the forward motion so as to reduce hydrodynamic drag.

The hull is elevated above waterline in motion.

The hull is supported securely on the underwater propulsion channel and driving system.

The propulsion channel includes at least one thrust device driving water through

2018271416 02 Dec 2018 aligned along the bow-stem axis of the hull.

The cross section of propulsion channel can be either circular, square or rectangle.

The thrust device may be at least one of steam, petrochemical and electrically driven.

The thrust device may comprise at least one of a propeller or an impeller for the driving onward force to the vessel.

At least one aviation driving system is mounted underwater wherever is appropriate or necessary for maintaining the hull positioned above water with all driving functions of up, down, and turning right or left in moving.

All parts of aviation driving system may group into one unit or detached to where is appropriate or necessary.

All or some parts of aviation driving system are required wherever it may be used in the invention vessel in driving operation.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief description of the drawings

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 and 2-Figure 1 and 2 show a vessel design for the reduction of hydrodynamic drag in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure whereas Figure 1 is the side view and Figure 2 is the front view;

Fig. 3-Figure 3 shows the vessel design comprising an airfoil construction part functioning as wing of airplane in the driving system in accordance with the further embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig.4-Figure 4 illustrates a drawing of a general airplane in reference with its fluid dynamic function on each parts in accordance with the further embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig.5-Figure 5 shows an alternative design to split one long and continue propulsion channel into four separated channels;

Fig.6-Figure 6 shows more alternative designs of two thrusting devices in one propulsion channel of rectangular shape, and more airfoils or wings attached to the vessel design;

Fig.7-Figure 7 shows the propulsion channel, wings and supporter are grouped into one

2018271416 02 Dec 2018 independent driving unit in accordance with the further embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig.8-Figure 8 shows the vessel design comprising two independent driving units;

Fig.9-Figure 9 shows the vessel design with two airplane wing driving units without propulsion channels;

Fig.lO-Figure 10 shows the vessel design folds up its parts of propulsion channels, wings and supporters in the time docking to berth

Detailed Description of Invention

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure.

Before the structures, systems and associated methods relating to the a vessel design for the reduction of hydrodynamic drag are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosed herein as such may vary somewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope of the disclosure will be limited only by the claims and equivalents thereof.

In describing and claiming the subject matter of the disclosure, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms comprising, including, containing, characterised by, and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

In the accompanying figures, there will be described a vessel design for the reduction of hydrodynamic drag. Specifically, as will be described in further detail below, the vessel design constitutes a departure from conventional vessel designs in that the vessel design is configured for reducing bow pressure acting on the hull and vessel.

Now, turning to figures 1 and 2, there is shown the vessel design 1 in accordance with the first embodiment. As can be seen in Figure 1, the front view of vessel design 1

2018271416 02 Dec 2018 comprises a hull 4, the particular type of hull or proposed application of the hull is not important and may be varied in accordance with differing application including where the vessel 1 takes the form of a conventional mono hull or multi hull design, such as catamarans, trimarans and the like. Furthermore, and as will be described in further detail below, the hull design 1 may be applicable for any floating vessel.

The hull 4 is substantially elongate so as to have a bow and a stem

Now, as a conventional hull moves forward through water on bow the hull displaces water from its path creating hydrodynamic drag. Drag increases with density and speed. Drag also increases with area.

For present purpose, the area of bow is raised from water with hull as a whole without touching any water incoming on it leaving no hydrodynamic dragging from water on hull all around.

As such, referring again to figures 1 and 2, the vessel defines a projected height from water level, or waterline moving forward on water in use.

Now, as can be seen, especially in figure 1, the vessel design 1 in its side view further comprises a substantially linear propulsion channel 6 under water aligned along the bowstern elongate axis of the hull 4.

The design 1 further comprises at least one thrust device 5 for forcing water through the propulsion channel 6 from bow to stern as the propelling system of vessel design 1.

Different thrust devices 5 may be utilised within the purposive scope of the embodiments described herein and may include propellers, impellers and the like.

The underwater propulsion channel 6 defines its propelling function to take in water under bow intake 2 and discharge under stern outlet 3 so as to exert momentum to move the said design 1 forward.

Now, importantly, for the purposes of reducing hydrodynamic drag, vessel design 1 with hull 4 is moving forward on a projected height in air above waterline 8 by running the propelling system of propulsion channel 6 underwater with connection to both, hull and propulsion, by a number of supporters 7.

As density of air is 784 times less dense than water, the hydrodynamic drag on vessel design 1 is much less than before as conventional vessel is moving its bow and hull in water. The assigned total cross sectional area of supporters underwater are as much the cross sectional area less than of the bow as possible.

As can be seen from figure 2, in this embodiment, the vessel design 1 in its front view comprises two propulsion channels right and left. As can be seen, the total forward facing area of the hull 4 is elevated from waterline 8 and leaving the two vertical supporters 7 in parts and a horizontal supporter 10 under water for hydrodynamic drag. As can be seen,

2018271416 02 Dec 2018 the vessel design 1 is greatly reduces its hydrodynamic drag comparing the conventional vessel dipping most of its hull into water on moving forward.

In order to elevate hull 4 over waterline 8 at projected height, the vessel design 1 comprises at least one fluid dynamic operating system to maintain a lifting force during moving forward for keeping the required projected height.

Design 1 comprises at least one horizontal supporter 10 underwater in Figure 2 is in airfoil construction as airplane wings for giving out a lifting force to support whole design 1 moving forward up in a projected height in air. Design 1 also comprises at least one rudder 9 in figure 1 for driving design 1 turning right or left in moving forward.

Bernoulli’s Principle states that the pressure exerted by a moving fluid is inversely proportional to the speed of the fluid. In other words, fluid pressure decreases as fluid speed increases, and vice versa.

Refer to figure 3 as an embodiment for the cross section of horizontal supporter 10 built as an airfoil whereas water is running from airfoil front 11 to airfoil end 12 building a lifting force due to the different pressure of top 13 and bottom 14 as result of longer distance to run faster on top 13 part. It is in Bernoulli’s Principle to make the airfoil to have a lifting force as the making of all airplane wings.

Refer to Figure 3, horizontal black arrows from right to left indicate water from vessel front running to rear as bow to stern of hull 4. The airfoil construction brings water on top 13 is running a longer distance than bottom 14 thus creating difference of pressure between top and bottom of airfoil. Vertical arrows on top 13 indicate lifting force exerting on the airfoil bringing up design 1 moving forward elevated from waterline 8 by interconnection with adequate supporters 7.

As the density of water is 784 times of air, it can assume forces exerted from same wing area as an airplane can have 784 times of load able to lift if the wing is working in water. It can assume same wings as a Boeing 747 of 300 tons can have a lifting force for 300 tons x 784 =235,000 tons if its wings are moving in water by simple theoretical calculation. It is good enough to lift up a general vessel of design 1 as if same condition and result applied.

Vessel design 1 is now working as an airplane with parts reorganized. Hull is cabin moving in air. Propulsion channels 6 obtain thrusting power as jet engines. Wings 10 and other aviation parts are running in water for all necessary driving performance by fluid dynamic including hydrodynamic.

Referring to Figure 4, all parts in the illustrated graphic example of a general airplane can be applied to design 1 in order to have an effective good control to it. Wherever there are suitable or required slats, flaps, spoilers, ailerons, winglets can build onto wings or any horizontal supporters. Rudders, elevators, vertical and horizontal stabilizers can build on rear portion or anywhere, grouped or detached for required performance and function

2018271416 02 Dec 2018 to design 1 in order to obtain the required momentum for moving embodiment of design 1 forward driving, and maintaining the hull in air.

Refer to figures after, there are some alternatives can be selected for different application for thrusting and controlling systems.

Refer to embodiment in Figure 5, a long and uninterrupted propulsion channel 6 in Figure 1 is replaced by a number of shorter channels 15 wherever there is adequate or required in building of required vessel. All these shorter propulsion channels 15 have the same direction of motion substantially aligned along the bow-stem elongate axis of the hull with at least one thrust device for forcing water through each channel.

Rudders 9 in Figure 5 have different positions to build on comparing to Figure 1 is a matter of selection of building different vessel.

Number and position of propulsion channels 15 depend on requirement of different vessels design.

Referring to Figure 6, the original horizontal supporter 10 in figure 2 extends to two sides out of each propulsion channel 6. Each channel 6 comprises two thrusting devices in a rectangular propulsion case in this embodiment. Each rectangular propulsion case is combined from of two square cases.

Referring to embodiment in Figure 7, it shows an independent unit 16 grouping of propulsion and driving system comprises a propulsion channel 6 with two thrusting devices and two independent wings 17 on right and left built under a single supporter 7.

Referring to embodiment in Figure 8, two independent units 16 are built on design 1 with a stretching out supporters for having a good balance on operation to design 1. Two independent units under the bow and two under stern would be a general adequate arrangement for design 1. More units should be required for huge ocean going vessels.

Referring to embodiment in Figure 9, two uninterrupted wings 17 attach to each supporter 7 without any propulsion channels whereas additional or independent lifting force is required without thrusting. Reinforcing supporter 18 in arch form is built as if necessary in this embodiment. Thrusting devices can be added to each uninterrupted wings form a grouping of two independent units.

Referring to embodiment in Figure 10, design 1 has functions of stretched, retracted or folded its propulsion channels, supporters and wings inwards closing to the hull as much as possible for docking to berth 19 on vessel loading. Normal waterline 8 on navigation is now as can be seen come to new waterline 20 with higher water level than in figure 1 because design 1 stationed on water with all buoyancy from airfoils stopped in use.

Interpretation

Embodiments:

2018271416 02 Dec 2018

Reference throughout this specification to embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases in one embodiment or in an embodiment in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives first, second, third, etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as forward, onward, rearward,

2018271416 02 Dec 2018 radially, peripherally, upwardly, downwardly, and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word comprise or variations such as comprises or comprising are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will 25 be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the vessel design and manufacturing industries.

Claims (20)

1. Claims:

   1. A vessel design for the reduction of hydrodynamic drag, the vessel design comprising: a substantially elongate hull having a bow and a stern, defining a projected height above waterline towards the direction of motion in use, at least one substantially linear propulsion channel aligned along the bow-stem elongate axis of the hull, at least one thrust device for forcing water through the channel intakes and discharges water aligned along bow-stem elongate axis, at least one fluid dynamic system mounted underwater at anywhere appropriate for driving the hull staying above water, such that substantially the entirety the hull in projected height above waterline on motion is defined so as to substantially reduce bow pressure on the hull external on motion so as to reduce hydrodynamic drag.
2. 2. A vessel design as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hull is projected above the waterline.
3. 3. A vessel design as claimed in claim 1, wherein the propulsion channel comprises a substantially circular, square or rectangular cross-section.
4. 4. A vessel design as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one propulsion channel align elongate to bow-stem axis.
5. 5. A vessel is at least two propulsion channels located laterally adjacent and parallel each other.
6. 6. A vessel design as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least one of the propulsion channels comprises a thrust device.
7. 7. A vessel design as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one thrust device is at least two thrust devices located adjacently.
8. 8. A vessel design as claimed in claim 1, all propulsion channels comprises thrust device aligned elongate to bow-stem axis.
9. 9. A vessel design as claimed in claim 1, hull of vessel is elevated from water with propulsion channel remained in water in operation
10. 10. A vessel design as claimed in claim 1, hull of vessel connected with its propulsion channel by substantial supporters.
11. 11. A vessel design as claimed in claim 1, comprises at east one fluid dynamic system.
12. 12. A vessel design as claimed in 1, comprises at least part of a fluid dynamic system.
13. 13. A vessel design as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid dynamic system raised its hull from water in operation.
14. 14. A vessel design as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid dynamic system operating in water maintained its hull elevated from water.
15. 15. A vessel design as claimed in claim 14, comprises at least one group of unit providing propulsion and fluid dynamic system for driving.
16. 16. A grouped unit design as claimed in claim 15, providing propulsion and fluid dynamic system for driving.
17. 17. A vessel design as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thrust device comprises at least one of a propeller and an impeller.
18. 18. A vessel design as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thrust device is at least one of steam, petrochemical and electrically driven.

    2018271416 02 Dec 2018
19. 19. A vessel design as claimed in claim 1, comprises at least one propulsion channel, at least one thrust device, at least one or part of fluid dynamic system in moving of vessel.
20. 20. A vessel design as claimed in claim 19, comprises retractable, stretchable and foldable mechanism for propulsion channel, trusting device, fluid dynamic system and interconnecting supporters in operation of moving or docking.