CA1272072A - Wind turbine operated sailboat - Google Patents
Wind turbine operated sailboatInfo
- Publication number
- CA1272072A CA1272072A CA000507295A CA507295A CA1272072A CA 1272072 A CA1272072 A CA 1272072A CA 000507295 A CA000507295 A CA 000507295A CA 507295 A CA507295 A CA 507295A CA 1272072 A CA1272072 A CA 1272072A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- boat
- turbine
- pump
- water
- outlet
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
- B63H13/00—Marine propulsion by wind motors driving water-engaging propulsive elements
-
- 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
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T70/00—Maritime or waterways transport
- Y02T70/50—Measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to the propulsion system
- Y02T70/5218—Less carbon-intensive fuels, e.g. natural gas, biofuels
- Y02T70/5236—Renewable or hybrid-electric solutions
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Wind Motors (AREA)
- Hydraulic Turbines (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present invention provides a wind powered boat comprising a vertical axis rotary turbine extending downwardly to a water pump located within the boat. The boat is further provided with a forwardly opening water inlet to and a rearwardly opening water outlet from the pump, with the turbine, when rotating, operating the pump to draw water through the inlet and to force water out through the outlet for propelling the boat.
The present invention provides a wind powered boat comprising a vertical axis rotary turbine extending downwardly to a water pump located within the boat. The boat is further provided with a forwardly opening water inlet to and a rearwardly opening water outlet from the pump, with the turbine, when rotating, operating the pump to draw water through the inlet and to force water out through the outlet for propelling the boat.
Description
1;~'7~(~7~
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to a wind powered boat and in particular to a boat powered by a wind operated vertical 5 axis rotary turbine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
In conventional sail boat construction the boat is operated by a wind gathering sail which is most effective when the boat is sailing down wind. However, when the boat has to move up into the wind these typical sails are not nearly as effective and require sailing expertise for moving the boat through the water.
Some attempts have been made to take advantage of different types of wind pick-up devices for use on sailing type boats. For example, United States patent 4,061,105 issued December 6th, 1977 to Garcia describes a wind powered boat using a rotary sail device which rotates in the same direction regardless of the wind direction. The power derived from the sail device is then used to control a plurality of oars for rowing the boat through the water.
~.
~ 7~ V~7~
From a practical standpoint the boat described above in the Garcia patent is extremely cumbersome and quite complex in its operation. Realistically it cannot be seen where an extremely heavy and awkward arrangement incorporating a wind mill operating rowing oars would be used by the average sailor.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION:
The present invention provides a wind powered boat which takes advantage of the most up-to-date technology without suffering from undue complications and overly burdensome structural components. More particularly the boat of the present invention incorporates a vertical axis rotary turbine which due to its technologically advanced construction is extremely light in weight and simple yet efficent in its operation. However, consistent with a vertical axis windmill the turbine of the present invention rotates in the same direction regardless of wind direction.
The wind powered boat of the present invention further includes a shaft portion extending downwardly from the turbine to a water pump with the boat being provided with a forwardly opening inlet to and a rearwardly opening outlet from the water pump. The operation of the entire arrangement is one in which 1~ 7~
the turbine when rotating operates the pump by the shaft to draw in water through the inlet thereby creating a low pressure area in front of the boat and to force the water out through the outlet for propelling the boat.
BRIEF DISCUSSION OF THE DRAWINGS:
The above as well as other advantages and features of the present invention will be described in greater detail according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wind powered boat according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a sectional view through the boat and lower turbine region of the arrangement shown in figure 1.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a brake or governing device used for controlling speed of the turbine arrangement of figures 1 and 2.
Figure 4 is a sectional view showing operation of the braking or governing device of figure 3.
1i~7i~(~7~
DETAILED DESCRIPTION ACCORDING TO THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF
THE P~ESENT INVENTION:
Figure 1 shows a wind powered boat generally indicated at 1 incorporating a vertical axis rotary turbine 3. This type of turbine developed by a Frenchman, Darrius, with its most-up-to-date construction includes a plurality of very small lightweight vanes (usually two or three) which will rotate the turbine regardless of wind direction and which has the aerodynamic advantage that it will actually rotate faster than the windspeed providing a very effective power source for the boat. Furthermore because of the lightweight construction of the Darrius type turbine it is easily positioned and supported atop the boat.
In the preferred embodiment for use on a small craft the actual boat itself has a catamaran construction giving substantial width to the boat and providing a buffer to either side of the turbine. In larger craft, such as ocean going vessels, where the turbine is also particularly useful, the craft will have more than enough width for required clearance and will in many cases include a plurality of turbines for powering the craft.
~ 7~ 07~
Figure 2 shows a center shaft 5 from the turbine which extends downwardly through a housing 13 to a centrifugal water pump 7. Water inlet 9 through the front of the boat to the pump and water outlet 11 from the pump to the rear of the boat are both located below water level in the boat.
lû The operation of the turbine for controlling the centrifugal pump is extremely simple and efficent. More particularly the turbine rotates regardless of wind direction and through shaft 5 causes rotation of the impellor in the centrifugal pump to draw water in through inlet 9 and to force the water outwardly through outlet 11. This creates a low pressure at the front of the boat from which the water is drawn and provides a propelling stream of water through the back of the boat to push the boat forwardly. It is to be noted that outlet 11 is formed as venturi for increasing the flow velocity 2û through the outlet and adding to the propulsion of the outgoing water stream.
The centrifugal pump itself other than its connection with the wind operated turbine is of a standard pump construction and therefore requires no further description.
As mentioned above the operation of wind turbine 3 is extremely efficient. In fact it is efficent to the extent that a governing or brake device is required to prevent over rotation of the turbine. Such a device is shown in figures 3 and 4 and generally indicated at 15.
More particularly the braking device comprises a plate 17 fixed within the boat against rotation and fitted around rotating shaft 5 with a drum like brake member 19 fitted over plate 17. This brake member is connected through a pair of cables 23 to centrifugally operated lever arms 25. For mechanical advantage purposes the cables are fitted through pullies 27 between the brake member and the lever arms which are in turn mounted directly to shaft 5 through mounting collar 29.
The overall braking device is fitted within the housing or storage chamber 13 as seen in figure 4 and operates in the following manner.
The turbine rotates shaft 5 which in turn causes rotation of the braking assembly. As the braking assembly rotates the centrifugal forces acting on it cause levers 25 to pivot upwardly thereby pulling on cables 23. The cables in turn pull on drum brake 19 which includes a splined portion 19a 1~ 7~ ~7~
mating with splined portion 5a of shaft 5 which rotationally couples the drum brake on the shaft but which also allows the drum brake to climb vertically on the shaft.
The drum brake is further provided with an interior brake pad 20 which with upward movement of the drum brake comes into braking contact with the lower surface of plate 17. The faster the shaft and lever arms rotate the greater the upward pull on cables 23 resulting in increased friction directly on the fixed plate. In other words the greater the tendency for the turbine to rotate the greater the braking action so that the braking assembly is in effect self adjusting and prevents over rotation of the turbine.
The braking assembly is as mentioned above located within a housing 13 which acts as a storage chamber for the heat energy generated during braking. This heat energy can be put to any desired use or additionally the arrangement could be set up to produce different types of power such as electrical energy which would also be put to different desired uses on the boat.
In some cases it will be desired to allow rotation of the turbine witho~t actually operating the centrifugal pump.
To this end shaft portion 5 is provided with a quick connect disconnect coupler 31 as seen in figure 4 and located between ~7;~07~
1 3502E ~ 6805 the turbine and the pump. With the coupler in the connect position the turbine will cause operation of the pump and with the coupler in the disconnect position the turbine will rotate without operating the pumpO
For steering purposes the boat is provided with a rudder 12 as seen in figures 1 and 2. The rudder is used to control direction of the boat and includes a water channel which receives and redirects the flow from outlet 11 in the direction of the rudder for steering the boat.
Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to a wind powered boat and in particular to a boat powered by a wind operated vertical 5 axis rotary turbine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
In conventional sail boat construction the boat is operated by a wind gathering sail which is most effective when the boat is sailing down wind. However, when the boat has to move up into the wind these typical sails are not nearly as effective and require sailing expertise for moving the boat through the water.
Some attempts have been made to take advantage of different types of wind pick-up devices for use on sailing type boats. For example, United States patent 4,061,105 issued December 6th, 1977 to Garcia describes a wind powered boat using a rotary sail device which rotates in the same direction regardless of the wind direction. The power derived from the sail device is then used to control a plurality of oars for rowing the boat through the water.
~.
~ 7~ V~7~
From a practical standpoint the boat described above in the Garcia patent is extremely cumbersome and quite complex in its operation. Realistically it cannot be seen where an extremely heavy and awkward arrangement incorporating a wind mill operating rowing oars would be used by the average sailor.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION:
The present invention provides a wind powered boat which takes advantage of the most up-to-date technology without suffering from undue complications and overly burdensome structural components. More particularly the boat of the present invention incorporates a vertical axis rotary turbine which due to its technologically advanced construction is extremely light in weight and simple yet efficent in its operation. However, consistent with a vertical axis windmill the turbine of the present invention rotates in the same direction regardless of wind direction.
The wind powered boat of the present invention further includes a shaft portion extending downwardly from the turbine to a water pump with the boat being provided with a forwardly opening inlet to and a rearwardly opening outlet from the water pump. The operation of the entire arrangement is one in which 1~ 7~
the turbine when rotating operates the pump by the shaft to draw in water through the inlet thereby creating a low pressure area in front of the boat and to force the water out through the outlet for propelling the boat.
BRIEF DISCUSSION OF THE DRAWINGS:
The above as well as other advantages and features of the present invention will be described in greater detail according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wind powered boat according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a sectional view through the boat and lower turbine region of the arrangement shown in figure 1.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a brake or governing device used for controlling speed of the turbine arrangement of figures 1 and 2.
Figure 4 is a sectional view showing operation of the braking or governing device of figure 3.
1i~7i~(~7~
DETAILED DESCRIPTION ACCORDING TO THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF
THE P~ESENT INVENTION:
Figure 1 shows a wind powered boat generally indicated at 1 incorporating a vertical axis rotary turbine 3. This type of turbine developed by a Frenchman, Darrius, with its most-up-to-date construction includes a plurality of very small lightweight vanes (usually two or three) which will rotate the turbine regardless of wind direction and which has the aerodynamic advantage that it will actually rotate faster than the windspeed providing a very effective power source for the boat. Furthermore because of the lightweight construction of the Darrius type turbine it is easily positioned and supported atop the boat.
In the preferred embodiment for use on a small craft the actual boat itself has a catamaran construction giving substantial width to the boat and providing a buffer to either side of the turbine. In larger craft, such as ocean going vessels, where the turbine is also particularly useful, the craft will have more than enough width for required clearance and will in many cases include a plurality of turbines for powering the craft.
~ 7~ 07~
Figure 2 shows a center shaft 5 from the turbine which extends downwardly through a housing 13 to a centrifugal water pump 7. Water inlet 9 through the front of the boat to the pump and water outlet 11 from the pump to the rear of the boat are both located below water level in the boat.
lû The operation of the turbine for controlling the centrifugal pump is extremely simple and efficent. More particularly the turbine rotates regardless of wind direction and through shaft 5 causes rotation of the impellor in the centrifugal pump to draw water in through inlet 9 and to force the water outwardly through outlet 11. This creates a low pressure at the front of the boat from which the water is drawn and provides a propelling stream of water through the back of the boat to push the boat forwardly. It is to be noted that outlet 11 is formed as venturi for increasing the flow velocity 2û through the outlet and adding to the propulsion of the outgoing water stream.
The centrifugal pump itself other than its connection with the wind operated turbine is of a standard pump construction and therefore requires no further description.
As mentioned above the operation of wind turbine 3 is extremely efficient. In fact it is efficent to the extent that a governing or brake device is required to prevent over rotation of the turbine. Such a device is shown in figures 3 and 4 and generally indicated at 15.
More particularly the braking device comprises a plate 17 fixed within the boat against rotation and fitted around rotating shaft 5 with a drum like brake member 19 fitted over plate 17. This brake member is connected through a pair of cables 23 to centrifugally operated lever arms 25. For mechanical advantage purposes the cables are fitted through pullies 27 between the brake member and the lever arms which are in turn mounted directly to shaft 5 through mounting collar 29.
The overall braking device is fitted within the housing or storage chamber 13 as seen in figure 4 and operates in the following manner.
The turbine rotates shaft 5 which in turn causes rotation of the braking assembly. As the braking assembly rotates the centrifugal forces acting on it cause levers 25 to pivot upwardly thereby pulling on cables 23. The cables in turn pull on drum brake 19 which includes a splined portion 19a 1~ 7~ ~7~
mating with splined portion 5a of shaft 5 which rotationally couples the drum brake on the shaft but which also allows the drum brake to climb vertically on the shaft.
The drum brake is further provided with an interior brake pad 20 which with upward movement of the drum brake comes into braking contact with the lower surface of plate 17. The faster the shaft and lever arms rotate the greater the upward pull on cables 23 resulting in increased friction directly on the fixed plate. In other words the greater the tendency for the turbine to rotate the greater the braking action so that the braking assembly is in effect self adjusting and prevents over rotation of the turbine.
The braking assembly is as mentioned above located within a housing 13 which acts as a storage chamber for the heat energy generated during braking. This heat energy can be put to any desired use or additionally the arrangement could be set up to produce different types of power such as electrical energy which would also be put to different desired uses on the boat.
In some cases it will be desired to allow rotation of the turbine witho~t actually operating the centrifugal pump.
To this end shaft portion 5 is provided with a quick connect disconnect coupler 31 as seen in figure 4 and located between ~7;~07~
1 3502E ~ 6805 the turbine and the pump. With the coupler in the connect position the turbine will cause operation of the pump and with the coupler in the disconnect position the turbine will rotate without operating the pumpO
For steering purposes the boat is provided with a rudder 12 as seen in figures 1 and 2. The rudder is used to control direction of the boat and includes a water channel which receives and redirects the flow from outlet 11 in the direction of the rudder for steering the boat.
Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (12)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A wind powered boat comprising a vertical axis rotary turbine having a shaft portion extending downwardly to a water pump, said boat being further provided with a forwardly opening water inlet to and a rearwardly opening water outlet from said pump, said turbine, when rotating, operating said pump by said shaft to draw in water through said inlet and to force same out through said outlet for propelling said boat.
2. A boat as claimed in Claim 1 wherein turbine is releasable from said pump.
3. A boat as claimed in Claim 1 including a rudder with a water channel receiving and directing water flow from said outlet for steering said boat.
4. A boat as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said pump comprises a centrifugal pump.
5. A boat as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said outlet comprises a venturi.
6. A boat as claimed in Claim 1 having a catamaran construction, said turbine being located generally centrally thereof.
7. A boat as claimed in Claim 1 including braking means for braking said turbine.
8. A boat as claimed in Claim 7 wherein said braking means comprises an energy conversion device.
9. A boat as claimed in Claim 8 wherein said energy conversion device comprises a heat generator.
10. A boat as claimed in Claim 9 including storage means for storing heat energy from said heat generator.
11. A boat as claimed in Claim 7 including a fixed brake portion and centrifugal force operated lever means connected to a brake member which applies pressure at an increasing level on said fixed brake portion with increasing centrifugal forces on said lever means.
12. A boat as claimed in Claim 11 wherein said braking means is housed in a heat storage tank.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000507295A CA1272072A (en) | 1986-04-22 | 1986-04-22 | Wind turbine operated sailboat |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000507295A CA1272072A (en) | 1986-04-22 | 1986-04-22 | Wind turbine operated sailboat |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1272072A true CA1272072A (en) | 1990-07-31 |
Family
ID=4132941
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000507295A Expired - Lifetime CA1272072A (en) | 1986-04-22 | 1986-04-22 | Wind turbine operated sailboat |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1272072A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2403461A (en) * | 2003-07-03 | 2005-01-05 | Ferid Hickmet | A waterborne craft |
| CN112424064B (en) * | 2018-07-31 | 2022-03-11 | 加森纪良 | Ship body propelling mechanism |
-
1986
- 1986-04-22 CA CA000507295A patent/CA1272072A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2403461A (en) * | 2003-07-03 | 2005-01-05 | Ferid Hickmet | A waterborne craft |
| CN112424064B (en) * | 2018-07-31 | 2022-03-11 | 加森纪良 | Ship body propelling mechanism |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |