CN116940503A - Propulsion assembly for a marine vessel - Google Patents

Propulsion assembly for a marine vessel Download PDF

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Publication number
CN116940503A
CN116940503A CN202180095278.XA CN202180095278A CN116940503A CN 116940503 A CN116940503 A CN 116940503A CN 202180095278 A CN202180095278 A CN 202180095278A CN 116940503 A CN116940503 A CN 116940503A
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CN
China
Prior art keywords
propeller
propulsion assembly
assembly according
shaft
duct
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.)
Pending
Application number
CN202180095278.XA
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Chinese (zh)
Inventor
L·蒂艾宁
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Wartsila Finland Oy
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Wartsila Finland Oy
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Wartsila Finland Oy filed Critical Wartsila Finland Oy
Publication of CN116940503A publication Critical patent/CN116940503A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • B63H5/16—Arrangements on vessels of propulsion elements directly acting on water of propellers characterised by being mounted in recesses; with stationary water-guiding elements; Means to prevent fouling of the propeller, e.g. guards, cages or screens
    • 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
    • B63H1/16—Propellers having a shrouding ring attached to blades
    • 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
    • B63H1/18—Propellers with means for diminishing cavitation, e.g. supercavitation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H25/00—Steering; Slowing-down otherwise than by use of propulsive elements; Dynamic anchoring, i.e. positioning vessels by means of main or auxiliary propulsive elements
    • B63H25/46—Steering or dynamic anchoring by jets or by rudders carrying jets

Abstract

The invention relates to a propeller assembly (10) for a marine vessel (1), comprising: -a body (12) comprising a duct (20) having a longitudinal axis (L) and a first end (20.1) and a second end (20.2); a support structure (14) for a propeller (16), the support structure comprising a propeller shaft (18) at a centre line of a duct (20); a propeller (16) positioned in the duct (20) and attached to the propeller shaft (18), wherein the propeller (16) comprises at least three blades (22) and a hub (24) supported to the shaft (18), and further comprises a circular rim (26) to which the radial extremities (22') of the blades of the propeller are attached, wherein a circumferential groove (28) is provided, which opens inside the duct between the first end (20.1) and the second end (20.2), the circular rim (26) being arranged to extend radially into said groove; and at least one gas inlet (30) arranged to open into the tank (28). The invention also relates to a transverse tunnel thruster provided with a thruster assembly and a steerable azimuth thruster.

Description

Propulsion assembly for a marine vessel
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a propulsion assembly for a marine vessel according to the preamble of claim 1.
Background
Marine vessels use various propulsion systems or units. The main propulsion unit or units are typically arranged in the stern portion of the ship. In addition to such main propulsion units, marine vessels often require separate steering propellers to facilitate safe and efficient port maneuvering. The steering propellers are generally of fixed type or azimuth type. The stationary propeller is arranged to a propeller tube extending transversely from one side of the hull to the opposite side. Thus, the stationary propeller is able to generate lateral forces on the ship. The steerable azimuth thruster is supported so as to be vertically rotatable with respect to the hull and thus is capable of steering the vessel in any selected direction.
Publication EP0306642B1 discloses a transverse thruster comprising a transverse thrust channel formed in the hull and comprising a tunnel pipe, and a gearbox housing arranged in the transverse thrust channel and having a propeller. EP0306642B1 teaches the provision of air discharge openings formed in or at the wall of the tunnel tube at both ends of the tunnel tube. The purpose of this solution is to reduce noise during start-up. The air discharge opening is connected to the air compressor via at least one air supply tube and has a suitable size for creating a finely distributed air flow.
EP3009342A1 discloses an electric transversal tunnel thruster driven by a motor arranged to the rim of a propeller. The propeller includes: a cylindrical housing that is open on both sides in an axial direction thereof; a propeller body disposed inside the cylindrical housing; and a fairing duct detachably mounted to a corresponding side surface of the propeller body inside the case. The propeller body includes an annular stator, an annular rotor provided inside the stator, and propeller blades provided on an inner peripheral surface of the rotor.
WO2018193149A1 discloses a propeller in which nozzle pipes are arranged around the propeller of the propeller. The nozzle tube is supported to the hub of the propeller by paddles extending inwardly in the tube. There is a rim drive motor for driving the propeller. The rim driving motor includes a rotor rim and a stator. The rotor rim is arranged on the outer circumference of the propeller, i.e. on the outer tips of the propeller blades. The rotor rim rotates in an annular groove extending radially outwardly from the inner surface of the nozzle.
While these may be advantageous, there remains a need to improve the operation of propulsion assemblies for marine vessels. In particular, it is an object of the invention to improve the efficiency of such an assembly and to reduce the noise level.
Disclosure of Invention
The object of the invention is substantially met as disclosed in the independent claims and other claims describing more details of the different embodiments of the invention.
A propulsion assembly for a marine vessel according to an embodiment of the invention comprises:
-a body comprising a tube having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends;
-a support structure for a propeller, the support structure comprising a propeller shaft at a centre line of the duct;
-a propeller positioned into the duct and attached to the propeller shaft, wherein the propeller comprises at least three blades and a hub supported to the shaft, and the propeller further comprises a circular rim to which the radial ends of the blades of the propeller are attached, wherein
-providing a circumferential groove opening inside the pipe between the first and second ends, the circular rim being arranged to extend radially into the groove, and the propulsion assembly further comprising at least one gas inlet arranged to open into the groove.
Through the gas inlet, a gas, preferably air, is introduced such that an air layer is maintained between the pipe and the circular rim in the groove. The air layer provides advantageous effects such as minimizing frictional resistance of the outer wall of the rim and silencing.
According to an embodiment of the invention, a space is arranged radially between the bottom of the groove and the outer surface of the rim, and the at least one gas inlet is arranged to open into the space.
According to an embodiment of the invention, one gas inlet is arranged to open into the space at the lowest position of the space.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the groove is formed to the body as a recess recessed horizontally from an inner wall of the pipe.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the groove is formed to the body as a radially inwardly extending circumferential projection provided with the circumferential groove.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the protrusion comprises a first fairing at a first side of the propeller and a second fairing at a second side of the propeller, with the slot between the fairings.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the protrusion comprises a first axial end and a second axial end. The outer diameter of the protrusion at the first and second ends is substantially the same and equal to the inner diameter of the conduit. An inner diameter of the protrusion at the first axial end is substantially equal to an inner diameter of the pipe, and an inner diameter of the protrusion at its second axial end is smaller than an outer diameter of the circular rim.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the assembly comprises at least four gas inlets arranged to open into the tank.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the assembly comprises one to four gas inlets arranged to open into the tank.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the assembly comprises evenly distributed gas inlets having an angle between them of 5 to 30 degrees.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the assembly comprises a circumferentially extending gas plenum connected to the body, the body being provided with a plurality of substantially evenly distributed gas inlets arranged to open into the slots.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the gas plenum surrounds the duct.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the propeller shaft is a driven shaft. The propeller shaft may be driven by a bevel gear connection or by an electric motor directly driving the shaft.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the propeller shaft is a non-driven shaft.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the propeller is provided with a rim drive.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the propeller is provided with a mechanical rim drive.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the propeller is provided with an electric motor, wherein the rim comprises a rotor portion of the electric motor and the body of the duct is provided with a stator portion of the electric motor.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the propulsion assembly is a transverse tunnel propulsion, wherein the pipe of the propulsion assembly is a straight pipe.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the propulsion assembly is an axial propulsion system, wherein the body of the pipe of the propulsion assembly is rigidly attached to the hull of the vessel and the shaft extends through the hull of the vessel via a tailpipe.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the propulsion assembly is a steerable azimuth thruster, wherein the main body comprises a nozzle pipe and a hub of the propeller is connected to the shaft in a support structure extending radially from the hub for rotatably connecting the azimuth thruster to a vessel.
A transverse tunnel thruster for a marine vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises:
-a body comprising a tube having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends;
-a support structure for a propeller, the support structure comprising a propeller shaft at a centre line of the duct;
-a propeller positioned into the duct and attached to the propeller shaft, wherein the propeller comprises at least three blades and a hub supported to the shaft, and the propeller further comprises a circular rim to which the radial ends of the blades of the propeller are attached, wherein
-providing a circumferential groove opening inside the pipe between the first and second ends, the circular rim being arranged to extend radially into the groove, and further
-at least one gas inlet arranged to open into the tank, wherein the duct of the transverse tunnel thruster comprises a straight pipe.
A steerable azimuth thruster for a marine vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises:
-a body comprising a tube having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends;
-a support structure for a propeller, the support structure comprising a propeller shaft at a centre line of the duct;
-a propeller positioned into the duct and attached to the propeller shaft, wherein the propeller comprises at least three blades and a hub supported to the shaft, and the propeller further comprises a circular rim to which the radial ends of the blades of the propeller are attached, wherein
-providing a circumferential groove opening inside the pipe between the first and second ends, the circular rim being arranged to extend radially into the groove, and further
-at least one gas inlet arranged to open into the tank, and wherein the body comprises a nozzle pipe and a hub of the propeller is connected to the shaft in a support structure extending radially from the shaft for rotatably coupling the azimuth thruster to a vessel.
By means of the invention, the propeller can be designed to be highly loaded at the tip of the blade, which increases the efficiency of the propeller and also enables smaller diameter tunnels. This has a positive effect on the overall cost and on the smaller ship resistance, which in turn leads to fuel savings.
The exemplary embodiments of the invention presented in this patent application should not be interpreted as limiting the applicability of the appended claims. The verb "to comprise" is used in this patent application as an open limitation that does not exclude the presence of unrecited features. Features recited in the dependent claims may be freely combined with each other unless explicitly stated otherwise. The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims.
Drawings
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the attached exemplary schematic drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 shows a propulsion assembly for a marine vessel according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view II-II of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 shows details of a propulsion assembly for a marine vessel according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 4 shows a propulsion assembly for a marine vessel according to another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a propulsion assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a propulsion assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a propulsion assembly according to yet another embodiment of the invention, an
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a propulsion assembly for a marine vessel according to another embodiment of the invention, an
Fig. 9 shows a propulsion assembly for a marine vessel according to a further embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description
Fig. 1 schematically shows a submersible propulsion assembly 10 for a marine vessel 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The propulsion assembly is a propeller assembly and it includes a main body 12 which in turn includes a conduit 20 through which water flows to create thrust. The pipe may be referred to as a tube or tunnel. The conduit 20 has a longitudinal axis L and a first end 20.1 and a second end 20.2. More precisely, the thruster assembly in fig. 1 is a transverse tunnel thruster, in which case the conduit 20 is a straight pipe having a first diameter D1. The pipe 20 may also be referred to as a tunnel. The transverse tunnel thruster is rigidly mounted to the hull of the vessel, typically inside the hull, such that the first end 20.1 and the second end 20.2 open into the surrounding water on opposite sides of the hull, i.e. it is mounted transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vessel. The propeller assembly 10 comprises a propeller 16 and a support structure 14 for the propeller 16. The support structure comprises a propeller shaft 18 arranged at the centre line L of the pipe, the propeller 16 being attached to the propeller shaft 18. According to practical practice, the propeller shaft may be driven or non-driven.
The propeller 16 includes at least three blades 22 and a hub 24 supported to the shaft 18. The propeller further comprises a circular rim 26 attached to the radial end 22' of the blades 22 of the propeller and vice versa. Rim 26 is shown in fig. 1 as a cylindrical rim portion having an axial length shorter than propeller hub 24. The rim has a radially outer surface having a second diameter D2. The second diameter is smaller than the first diameter D1 such that a propeller having a rim 26 may be easily assembled to the shaft 18 and disassembled from the shaft 18. The rim is parallel to the hub 24 and has an equal radius at its axial end. The rim reduces tip vortices generated by the propeller, reduces noise generation and also improves the efficiency of the propeller.
The assembly 10 is provided with a circumferential groove 28 at its inner surface such that the circular rim 26 extends at least partially into the groove 28 in the radial direction. The circumferential groove 28 opens into the interior of the conduit 20 between the first end 20.1 and the second end 20.2 of the conduit. The slot 28 has a substantially radially extending sidewall 28'. The circular rim 26 has a substantially radially extending side wall 26', respectively, the side wall of the groove and the side wall of the rim at least partially radially overlap. In this way, the radially extending side walls 26',28' form a radial gap between the groove 28 and the circular rim 26.
At least one gas inlet 30 is arranged to open into the tank 28. A space is arranged radially between the bottom of the groove and the outer surface of the rim, and the at least one gas inlet is arranged to open into the space. Through the gas inlet, a gas, preferably air, is introduced such that a layer of air is maintained between the pipe 20 and the circular rim 26 in the groove 28. The air layer provides advantageous effects such as noise attenuation and minimizing frictional resistance of the outer wall of the rim 26.
A space is arranged radially between the bottom of the groove 28 and the radially outer surface of the rim 26, wherein at least one gas inlet 30 is arranged to open into the space formed thereby. The gas inlet may be arranged to the bottom wall of the tank 28.
In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the groove 28 is formed to the conduit 20 by two radially inwardly extending circumferential protrusions 32, the protrusions being arranged such that a first one of the protrusions 32 is axially located on a first side of the rim 26 and a second one of the protrusions 32 is axially located on a second side of the rim 26. The protrusion is a ring-shaped part, optionally formed of several parts. The protrusion 32 is detachably assembled to the duct 20 so that the propeller having the rim 26 can be easily assembled to the shaft 18 and disassembled from the shaft 18. The propeller and the protrusions are mounted such that first the protrusions 32 behind the propeller (as seen from the first end 20.1 of the duct, or on the first side of the support structure 14) are mounted and attached to the duct 20, then the propeller is attached to the shaft 18, then the protrusions 32 in front of the propeller 16 (as seen from the first end 20.1 of the duct). The protrusion 32 is a circular member or a circular segment assembly having a cylindrical outer surface. The radially inner surface of the protrusion provides a smooth change in inner diameter between the first axial end and the second axial end of the protrusion 32.
The protrusions are formed to provide a first fairing on a first side of the propeller 24 and a second fairing on a second side of the propeller 26. In this way, even if the outer diameter of the rim, i.e. the second diameter D2, is smaller than the inner diameter of the duct 20, i.e. the first diameter D1, the efficiency of the propeller is maintained at a good level due to the radial protrusions 32 on both sides of the rim 26. When the grooves are arranged between the protruding members (the protruding members having fairings on the sides that are in contact with the water flow in use), the hydrodynamic efficiency is improved. The fairing smoothly bridges the radial gap/step between the inner surface of the pipe and the inner surface of the rim having the smaller diameter. The protrusion 32 has a first axial end and a second axial end. Its inner diameter at the first axial end is substantially equal to the first diameter D1. The outer diameter of the protrusion 32 is substantially equal at its first and second ends. The inner diameter of the protrusion 32 at its second axial end is smaller than the second diameter D2.
The projection is made as a detachable assembly of at least two parts to enable mounting and dismounting of the propeller.
As is clear from fig. 2 (fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the cross-section II-II of fig. 1), the assembly comprises a plurality of gas inlets 30 in the wall of the duct 20, the gas inlets 30 opening into the tank 28. The assembly 10 comprises gas inlets 30 evenly distributed in the duct 20 with an angle a of 5-30 degrees between two adjacent gas inlets 30. The assembly 10 includes a circumferentially extending gas plenum 42 connected to the body 12, the body 12 being provided with a plurality of substantially evenly distributed gas inlets 30, the gas inlets 30 being arranged to open into the slots 28 in the duct 20. As shown in fig. 2, the gas plenum advantageously surrounds the body 12 outside of the duct 20. The plenum 42 and the gas inlet 30 are connected to the pressurized air source 38 by a tube 40 and a control valve system 43 disposed between the pressurized air source 38 and the plenum 42.
According to circumstances, the propeller shaft may be a driven shaft, which means that the shaft is attached to the propeller such that torque and axial thrust may be transferred from the propeller to the shaft. In addition, the shaft is coupled to a prime mover, such as an electric or hydraulic motor.
The propeller shaft may be non-driven, which means that the shaft is attached to the propeller such that axial thrust may be transferred from the propeller to the shaft. In this case, the propeller may be provided with a rim drive and be rim driven, for example by an electric motor 31, the electric motor 31 having a rotor portion arranged to the rim and a stator portion arranged to the body. This particular feature is shown in fig. 3, which fig. 3 schematically shows details of the rotor portion 34 being connected to the rim 26 and the stator portion 36 being connected to the body 12. The propeller may also be driven mechanically by a suitable gear system or belt or chain drive. Furthermore, hydraulic or pneumatic power transmission via the rim of the propeller is also a viable alternative to operating the propeller.
Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a submersible propeller assembly 10 for a marine vessel according to an embodiment of the invention. The propeller assembly includes a body 12, the body 12 in turn including a conduit 20 through which water flows to create thrust. The conduit 20 has a longitudinal axis and a first end 20.1 and a second end 20.2. More precisely, the propeller assembly in fig. 4 is a steerable azimuth propeller, in which case the duct 20 is a nozzle duct. The hub 24 of the propeller is connected to the support structure 14, from which the support structure 14 extends radially for connecting the steerable azimuth thruster to the vessel 1 in a rotatable manner about a vertical axis as indicated by arrow a. The propeller assembly 10 comprises a propeller 16 and a support structure 14 for the propeller 16.
In fig. 4, the groove is formed in the body as a recess recessed generally horizontally from the inner wall of the pipe. In other words, in this embodiment, the radially inner wall of the rim is substantially flush with the wall of the duct 20. The plenum 42 and the gas inlet 30 are connected to the pressurized air source 38 by a tube 40 and a control valve system 43 disposed between the pressurized air source 38 and the plenum 42. In fact, the function of introducing gas in the embodiment of fig. 4 corresponds to that of fig. 1, and at least their main features are completely interchangeable.
Fig. 5 discloses an embodiment of the invention in a cross-sectional view at the location of section II-II in fig. 1. The assembly 10 includes a gas inlet 30 in the conduit 20 positioned to open into the tank 26 at the lowest position of the conduit. The gas inlet 30 is connected to the pressurized air source 38 by a pipe 40 and a control valve system 43 arranged between the pressurized air source 38 and the inlet 30. This is the most straightforward way of achieving the introduction of pressurized air into the tank.
Fig. 6 discloses an embodiment of the invention in a cross-sectional view at the location of section II-II in fig. 1. The assembly 10 includes three gas inlets 30 in the duct 20, one of which is positioned to open into the slot 26 at the lowest position of the duct, while the others are equally distributed to the edges of the duct. The gas inlets 30 are each connected to a source of pressurized air 38 through a pipe 40 and a control valve system 43 arranged between the common source of pressurized air 38 and the inlet. This is the most straightforward way of achieving the introduction of pressurized air into the tank with improved gas introduction distribution compared to the embodiment of fig. 5.
Fig. 7 discloses an embodiment of the invention in a cross-sectional view at the location of section II-II in fig. 1. The assembly 10 includes four gas inlets 30 in the duct 20, one of which is positioned to open into the slot 26 at the lowest position of the duct, while the others are equally distributed to the edges of the duct. The gas inlets 30 are each connected to a source of pressurized air 38 through a pipe 40 and a control valve system 43 arranged between the common source of pressurized air 38 and the inlet. This is the most straightforward way of achieving the introduction of pressurized air into the tank with improved gas introduction distribution compared to the embodiment of fig. 6. If more than four gas inlets 30 are required for practical use, the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is considered to be the most feasible way to obtain air distribution into the tank.
Fig. 8 schematically shows a submersible propeller assembly 10 for a marine vessel 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The propeller assembly includes a conduit 20 through which water flows through the body to generate thrust. The conduit 20 has a longitudinal axis L and a first end 20.1 and a second end 20.2. The conduit 20 is a straight tube having a first diameter D1 at its second end 20.2, while the first end of the conduit has a smaller diameter than the first diameter. Rim 26 is shown in fig. 8 as a cylinder having a shorter axial length than propeller hub 24. The rim has a radially outer surface with a second diameter D2. The second diameter is smaller than the first diameter D1 such that a propeller having a rim 26 may be easily assembled to the shaft 18 and disassembled from the shaft 18 via the second end of the tube 20.
In the embodiment shown in fig. 8, the groove 28 is formed to the conduit 20 by two radially inwardly extending circumferential protrusions 32, the protrusions being arranged such that a first one of the protrusions 32 is axially located on a first side of the rim 26 and a second one of the protrusions 32 is axially located on a second side of the rim 26.
Notably, due to the reduced diameter of the conduit forward of the propeller 22, the projection 32 is flush with the inner wall of the conduit at the axial end of the projection furthest from the propeller. The projection is made as a detachable assembly of at least two parts to enable mounting and dismounting of the propeller. Otherwise, the embodiment of fig. 8 corresponds to the embodiment of fig. 1.
Fig. 9 schematically illustrates a propulsion assembly 10 for a marine vessel according to an embodiment of the invention. The propulsion assembly 10 is an axial propulsion system in which the body 12 of the propulsion assembly's conduit 20 is rigidly attached to the hull of the vessel 1 and the shaft 18 extends through the hull of the vessel 1 via a tailpipe. The operations and features associated with the conduit 20, the tank 28, and the gas inlet 30 may be employed from any of the embodiments shown in fig. 1-8. The rudder 8 is arranged to cooperate with the duct 20 and the propeller 16 to obtain a steering effect of the marine propulsion.
While the invention has been described herein by way of examples in connection with what is presently considered to be the most preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment, but is intended to cover various combinations or modifications of the features of the described embodiment and several other applications included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. When such a combination is technically feasible, the details mentioned in connection with any of the embodiments above may be used in connection with another embodiment.

Claims (20)

1. A propulsion assembly (10) for a marine vessel (1), the propulsion assembly comprising:
-a body (12) comprising a duct (20) having a longitudinal axis (L) and a first end (20.1) and a second end (20.2);
-a support structure (14) for a propeller (16), the support structure comprising a propeller shaft (18) at a centre line of the duct (20);
-a propeller (16) positioned into the duct (20) and attached to the propeller shaft (18), wherein the propeller (16) comprises at least three blades (22) and a hub (24) supported to the shaft (18), and the propeller (16) further comprises a circular rim (26) to which a radial end (22') of a blade of the propeller is attached, wherein
-providing a circumferential groove (28) opening inside the pipe between the first end (20.1) and the second end (20.2), the circular rim (26) being arranged to extend radially into the groove,
wherein the assembly further comprises
-at least one gas inlet (30) arranged to open into the tank (28).
2. Propulsion assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that a space is arranged radially between the bottom of the groove (28) and the outer surface of the rim (26), and that the at least one gas inlet (30) is arranged to open into the space.
3. Propulsion assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that one gas inlet (30) is arranged to open into the space at its lowest position.
4. A propulsion assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove (28) is formed to the body by a radially inwardly extending circumferential projection (32), which projection forms a side wall of the circumferential groove (28).
5. A propulsion assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the projection (32) comprises a first fairing at a first side of the propeller (16) and a second fairing at a second side of the propeller, with the slot (28) between the fairings.
6. The propulsion assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the protrusion (32) comprises a first axial end and a second axial end, and that the inner diameter of the protrusion (32) at the first axial end is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the pipe (20), and that the outer diameter of the protrusion (32) at its first and second ends is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the pipe (20), and that the inner diameter of the protrusion (32) at its second axial end is smaller than the outer diameter of the circular rim (26).
7. Propulsion assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one to four gas inlets (30) are arranged to open into the groove (28).
8. Propulsion assembly according to any one of the preceding claims 1-6, characterized in that the assembly comprises more than four gas inlets (30) arranged to open into the groove (26).
9. A propulsion assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly comprises a circumferentially extending gas plenum (42) connected with the main body (12), the main body (12) being provided with a plurality of substantially evenly distributed gas inlets (30) arranged to open into the slots (28).
10. Propulsion assembly according to any of the preceding claims 1-6, characterized in that the assembly comprises evenly distributed gas inlets (30), with an angle (a) of 5-30 degrees between the gas inlets (30).
11. Propulsion assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the gas plenum (42) surrounds the duct (20).
12. A propulsion assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the propeller is provided with a rim drive.
13. Propulsion assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the propeller is provided with an electric motor (31), wherein the rim (26) comprises a rotor portion (34) of the electric motor and the body (12) of the pipe is provided with a stator portion (36) of the electric motor (31).
14. A propulsion assembly as claimed in claim 12 wherein the propeller is provided with a mechanical rim drive.
15. Propulsion assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the propeller shaft (18) is a driven shaft.
16. The propulsion assembly of claim 12, wherein the propeller shaft is a non-driven shaft.
17. Propulsion assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the groove (28) is formed to the duct (20) as a horizontally recessed recess from the inner wall of the duct (20).
18. Propulsion assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the propulsion assembly is a transverse tunnel propeller, wherein the pipe (20) of the propulsion assembly is a straight pipe (20).
19. Propulsion assembly according to any of the preceding claims 1-17, characterized in that the propulsion assembly is an axial propulsion system, wherein the body (12) of the propulsion assembly's conduit (20) is rigidly attached to the hull of the vessel (1) and the shaft (18) extends through the hull of the vessel (1) via a stern tube.
20. Propulsion assembly according to any of the preceding claims 1-17, characterized in that the propulsion assembly is a steerable azimuth thruster, wherein the main body (12) comprises a nozzle pipe (20) and the hub of the propeller is connected to the shaft (18) in a support structure (14), which support structure (14) extends radially from the shaft (18) for rotatably coupling the azimuth thruster to a vessel (1).
CN202180095278.XA 2021-03-12 2021-03-12 Propulsion assembly for a marine vessel Pending CN116940503A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2021/056331 WO2022188988A1 (en) 2021-03-12 2021-03-12 A propulsion assembly for a marine vessel

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US5607329A (en) * 1995-12-21 1997-03-04 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Integrated motor/marine propulsor with permanent magnet blades
DE102011055998A1 (en) * 2011-12-02 2013-06-06 Schottel Gmbh Thrusters
JP6204709B2 (en) 2013-06-11 2017-09-27 川崎重工業株式会社 Thrust generator
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