EP2593356B1 - A propulsion unit for a marine vessel and a marine vessel having a propulsion unit - Google Patents
A propulsion unit for a marine vessel and a marine vessel having a propulsion unit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2593356B1 EP2593356B1 EP11807145.5A EP11807145A EP2593356B1 EP 2593356 B1 EP2593356 B1 EP 2593356B1 EP 11807145 A EP11807145 A EP 11807145A EP 2593356 B1 EP2593356 B1 EP 2593356B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- propeller
- hub
- ice
- propulsion unit
- marine vessel
- 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.)
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- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 claims description 24
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000003643 water by type Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 10
- 210000002445 nipple Anatomy 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003801 milling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009347 mechanical transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
- B63B35/08—Ice-breakers or other vessels or floating structures for operation in ice-infested waters; Ice-breakers, or other vessels or floating structures having equipment specially adapted therefor
- B63B35/12—Ice-breakers or other vessels or floating structures for operation in ice-infested waters; Ice-breakers, or other vessels or floating structures having equipment specially adapted therefor having ice-cutters
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- 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
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- 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
- B63H1/28—Other means for improving propeller efficiency
-
- 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
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B2211/00—Applications
- B63B2211/06—Operation in ice-infested waters
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- 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
- B63H1/28—Other means for improving propeller efficiency
- B63H2001/283—Propeller hub caps with fins having a pitch different from pitch of propeller blades, or a helix hand opposed to the propellers' helix hand
-
- 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
-
- 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
- B63H5/165—Propeller guards, line cutters or other means for protecting propellers or rudders
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a propulsion unit for a marine vessel that is intended to operate in icy waters and which has a propeller arranged to act on ice in the water to cut the ice.
- the invention also relates to a marine vessel intended to operate in icy waters and which has a propulsion unit arranged to be able to act on ice to cut the ice.
- An azimuthing thruster comprises a nacelle or capsule which is arranged as a separate unit attached to the outer part of the hull. At one end of the nacelle or capsule, a propeller is attached.
- the motor for driving the propeller may be placed inside the nacelle/capsule or inside the hull.
- the motor is usually an electrical motor and such an azimuthing thruster with an electrical motor inside the nacelle is usually called a pod.
- the power for the electrical motor may in turn come from an inboard engine, usually a diesel or gas turbine.
- the motor When the motor is placed inside the hull, the motor is often a diesel or diesel-electric motor and power may be transmitted to the propeller through a mechanical transmission.
- the transmission may be an L-drive or a Z-drive.
- L-drive there is a vertical input shaft and a horizontal output shaft.
- Z-drive there is a horizontal input shaft, a vertical shaft and a horizontal output shaft with two right-angle gears.
- An azimuthing thruster is typically connected to the hull in such a way that it can be rotated in any horizontal direction. Thereby, thruster or thrusters can be used for maneuvering such that a rudder is no longer necessary.
- Azimuthing thrusters can actually give ships a better maneuverability than a system that uses a fixed propeller and a rudder.
- Marine vessels must be able to operate in icy waters. They must therefore be able to make a path through the ice.
- Marine vessels having azimuthing thrusters may be used in icy waters and it has been suggested in for example US 5996520 that an icebreaker may be provided with steerable propulsion mechanisms.
- a screw may be used to break ice that may block the path of the marine vessel.
- azimuthing thrusters for example pods
- the thruster(s) is/are turned such that the propeller faces the ice.
- the propeller is then used as a cutting tool to cut the ice.
- the azimuthing thruster may be subjected to very high counter-forces in the horizontal plane.
- a device which comprises a nozzle inside which a propeller is arranged.
- a front piece acting as an ice crusher has been arranged in front of the propeller.
- the front piece in that device serves only to protect the propeller and the propeller is not capable of acting on the ice to cut through an ice sheet or to cut an ice block since the propeller is arranged inside the nozzle and the front piece actively prevents ice blocks from reaching the propeller altogether.
- US2010/0162934 discloses a method for improving the ice-breaking properties of a water craft by using an oblique aft end that is capable of breaking ice and allowing the movement of the water craft against the ice. The water craft then bores into the ice with its propeller ahead.
- a considerable drawback with this construction is the high load on the propeller and its hub, and thereby also the risk of damages associated with that load, since considerable ice blocks that are not sufficiently crushed by the aft end of the vessel may be encountered by the propeller itself, resulting in considerable horizontal forces.
- the propeller is often designed to withstand such forces, the hub and surrounding components, e.g. shaft bearings, are at considerable risk for damages.
- WO99/14113 discloses another propulsion system intended for operation in ice-covered waters and/or in ice conditions.
- the invention relates to a propulsion unit for a marine vessel intended to operate in icy waters according to claim 1.
- the propulsion unit comprises a propeller which is rotatable about a propeller axis in a plane of rotation for the propeller.
- the propeller is mounted on a hub that is rotatable together with the propeller and the propeller is arranged such that the propeller can act on a piece of ice (e.g. a block or sheet of ice) in the water to cut the ice, even when the piece of ice has an extension that exceeds the diameter of the propeller.
- a piece of ice e.g. a block or sheet of ice
- the term "block of ice” will be used in the following to designate any piece of ice in the water, whether it is an irregular block, an ice-berg or a flat sheet of ice.
- the hub is designed as a cutting element that is capable of cutting ice that encounters the hub.
- the hub is shaped as a cone that extends in the direction of the propeller axis.
- the hub extends beyond the plane of rotation of the propeller such that the hub can meet a wall of ice before the propeller meets the same wall of ice.
- the hub may be provided with elevations that are arranged to cut ice that encounters the hub.
- the elevated parts may be shaped as fins (i.e. flanges, ribs) or the elevations may be formed by nipples that give the hub a grainy surface.
- the hub may have a polygonal cross section.
- the hub may have a square cross section or a triangular cross section.
- the propulsion unit is preferably an azimuthing thruster.
- the invention also relates to a marine vessel intended to operate in icy waters.
- the marine vessel has at least one propulsion unit which is preferably an azimuthing thruster with an elongate capsule/nacelle extending from a first end and a second end.
- a propeller is mounted on the capsule/nacelle together with a hub for the propeller and arranged to be rotatable about a propeller axis in a plane of rotation for the propeller. Both the propeller and the hub are mounted at the first end of the capsule.
- the propulsion unit is arranged to be capable of driving the marine vessel both in a forward direction and in a backward direction.
- the propeller is further arranged such that it can act on a block of ice (e.g. a sheet of ice) to cut the ice, even when the block of ice has an extension that exceeds the diameter of the propeller.
- the hub is designed as a cutting element that is capable of cutting ice that encounters the hub.
- inventive propulsion unit and all embodiments thereof may be used in the marine vessel.
- a marine vessel 2 is passing through water in which there are ice blocks (for example in the shape of an ice sheet or in the shape of ice bergs).
- ice blocks for example in the shape of an ice sheet or in the shape of ice bergs.
- a block of ice is schematically indicated by the letter J.
- the marine vessel 2 has a propulsion unit 1 which can be seen in greater detail in Figure 7 .
- the propulsion unit 1 is preferably an azimuthing thruster.
- the propulsion unit 1 shown in Figure 1 has a nacelle or capsule 6.
- the nacelle serves as housing for either a motor inside the nacelle (not shown) or for a transmission from an engine (not shown) inside the hull 10 of the marine vessel 2.
- the capsule 6 has a first end 7 and a second end 9.
- the capsule 6 is shown suspended on a strut 11 which may suitably have a streamlined shape.
- the strut 11 may suitably have a top piece 12 which is rotatably attached to the hull 10 of the marine vessel 2.
- vertical refers to what is vertical when the marine vessel rests in the water without being inclined to either the starboard side or the port side.
- This vertical axis about which the propulsion unit 1 may be rotated is thus substantially perpendicular to the propeller axis.
- the substantially vertical axis about which the propulsion unit 1 may be rotated may deviate by up to 10° or about 10° from a perfectly vertical axis.
- the propulsion unit 1 may thus be rotated in a plane that is essentially horizontal.
- the propulsion unit 1 has a propeller 3 which is arranged to be rotatable about a propeller axis A (see Figure 7 ) in a plane of rotation for the propeller 3.
- the plane of rotation for the propeller 3 is perpendicular to the propeller axis A.
- the propeller 3 is mounted on a hub 4 that is rotatable together with the propeller 3. Both the propeller 3 and the hub 4 are mounted at the first end 7 of the capsule 6. There is no nozzle that surrounds or encloses the propeller 3.
- the propeller 3 is therefore capable of acting directly on ice without being blocked by any nacelle or other elements.
- the propulsion unit 1 is in a position where the propeller 3 faces the hull 10 of the marine vessel 3.
- the propulsion unit 1 has been rotated 180° about a vertical axis compared to the position of Figure 1 .
- the propeller 3 can be driven such that the marine vessel 2 moves towards the ice J.
- the propeller 3 will start to act on the ice to cut the ice.
- the propulsion unit may thus cut a path through a block of ice that would otherwise have presented an obstacle for the marine vessel 2. Since there is no nozzle that surrounds the propeller 3, the propeller 3 is free to act on a block of ice J (for example an ice sheet or an ice berg) in the water to cut the ice, even when the block of ice J has an extension that exceeds the diameter of the propeller 3.
- the "extension" of the ice block refers to the extension of the ice block on the side facing the propeller, i.e. the extension in a plane parallel to the plane of rotation of the propeller.
- the propeller 3 is mounted on a hub 4 that may in many embodiments be shaped as a cone that extends in the direction of the propeller axis.
- the hub 4 extends beyond the plane of rotation of the propeller 3, at least to some extent.
- the hub 4 can meet a wall of ice before the propeller 3 meets the same wall of ice.
- the term "wall of ice” refers to a surface of an ice block.
- the hub 4 is designed as a cutting element that is capable of cutting ice that encounters the hub 4.
- the hub 4 will be capable of cutting the ice such that the horizontal force on the propulsion unit becomes significantly smaller.
- These cutting elements comprise elevations, fins, nipples, polygonal cross sections and cut-out portions, among others, and it is to be noted that any of these embodiments or a combination thereof can serve the same purpose, namely that of cutting ice that encounters the hub 4. In this way, the load in the form of horizontal forces on the hub 4 is significantly reduced, resulting in a reduced risk of damages to the hub 4 as well as an increased ice-cutting ability and a smoother and more efficient passage through ice and icy waters.
- the hub 4 is provided with elevations 5 that are arranged to cut ice that encounters the hub 4.
- the elevations 5 are shaped as fins (flanges/ribs).
- the fin-shaped elevations 5 that are shown in Figures 4 - 7 may have a slightly twisted shape such that they are comparable to the threads of a screw. Such a form may improve the ability of the elevations 5 to break up the ice.
- the fins may be ribs having a height over the surface of the hub 4 which is in the range of, for example, 3 mm - 35 mm. They may also have a height which is more than 35 mm, for example up to 50 mm or up to 200 mm.
- the maximum height of the fins or ribs may be dependent on the diameter of the propeller and the maximum height of the fins or ribs may be up to 25 % of the propeller diameter.
- FIG 4 - 6 an embodiment with four elevations 5 is shown. It should be understood that embodiments with a different number of elevations 5 are possible. For example, embodiments with two, three, five or six elevations are possible. Embodiments with only one single elevation 5 are also possible.
- the elevations 5 are formed by nipples that give the hub 4 a grainy surface.
- the hub 4 may have a polygonal cross section. Such an embodiment is shown in Figure 9 . As can be seen in Figure 9 , the hub 4 has straight edges 13 that divide the surface of the hub 4 into four surfaces 14 that taper toward the end of the hub 4. The hub 4 will then have a sharp point that can penetrate the ice.
- the elevations 5 in the embodiments of Figure 6 and Figure 8 can act on a block of ice to break up the ice such. Thereby, the horizontal force on the hub 4 and the propulsion unit 1 will decrease significantly.
- the edges 13 will serve the same function as the elevations 5 in the embodiments of Figure 6 and Figure 8 .
- edges 13 such that the hub 4 will have a square cross section. It should be understood that other polygonal shapes are also possible, for example triangular (with three edges 13), pentagonal or hexagonal. Embodiments with more than six edges 13 are also conceivable.
- the elevations 5 are shaped as fins/ribs that have, from the end of the hub 4, an increasing height over the surface of the hub 4 until they reach a maximum point from which the height decreases.
- the hub 4 has cut-out portions 16 such that the surface of the hub 4 becomes uneven.
- Embodiments with, for example, 2 - 12 cut-out portions 16 are conceivable. It should be understood that embodiments with more than 12 cut-out portions are also possible. Embodiments with only one such cut-out 16 are also conceivable.
- the hub 4 may thus have at least one cut-out portion 16 such that the surface of the hub 4 becomes uneven.
- the hub 4 could have a combination of both cut-outs 16 and nipples or nipples could be used on a hub with a polygonal cross section.
- the invention also relates to a marine vessel 2 intended to operate in icy waters and which is equipped with the inventive propulsion unit.
- the propulsion unit 1 may either be in a fixed position such that the propeller 3 faces away from the hull 10 and is capable of acting on ice, or the propulsion unit can be rotated such that the propeller 3 points away from the hull 10 and is capable of acting on ice that would otherwise block the path of the marine vessel 2.
- each propulsion unit 1 By rotating the propulsion unit 1 (or propulsion units 1 if there is more than one propulsion unit), it is possible to control the direction in which the marine vessel will travel.
- the propeller of each propulsion unit 1 can be driven both backward and forward. When the propulsion unit is in the position shown in Figure 1 , the direction of movement of the marine vessel 2 can thus be changed either by rotation of the entire propulsion unit 1 or by reversing the direction of rotation of the propeller 3.
- a marine vessel 2 equipped with the inventive propulsion unit 1 may pass through icy waters.
- the propulsion unit 1 may be rotated such that the first end 7 of the propulsion unit faces the ice.
- the propulsion unit 1 is activated such that the propeller 3 propels the marine vessel 2 toward the ice.
- the propeller 3 will hit the ice and start to cut the ice such that a path through the ice for the marine vessel 2 is created.
- the marine vessel may have more than one such propulsion unit 1.
- the marine vessel 2 may be equipped with two propulsion units according to the invention. It could also have more than two propulsion units 2. For example, it could have three, four, five or even more such propulsion units 1.
- several propulsion units 1 may suitably be arranged at the stern end 15 of the marine vessel 2. For example, a pair of such propulsion units 1 may be placed side-by-side at the stem end 15 of the marine vessel 2. However, propulsion units 1 may also be placed at the stem end 8.
- the propeller may have a diameter which is in the range of, for example, 0.4 m - 4 m.
- the diameter may be in the range of 0.5 m - 3 m.
- the diameter could also be larger than 4 m.
- the propeller diameter could be up to 6 m.
- propellers used for icebreaking ice-crushing, ice-milling
- could conceivably even have a diameter up to 10 m or more and propulsion units according to the invention could conceivably have such large propellers.
- the propulsion unit 1 may be an azimuthing thruster with an internal electrical engine or it may be an azimuthing thruster driven through a transmission by a diesel engine inside the hull or by a diesel-electric motor.
- the transmission may be an L-drive or a Z-drive.
- the elevations 5 may optionally be retractable. When the marine vessel 2 is used in situations where the propulsion unit does not need to cut ice, the elevations 5 may thus be retracted. When there is a need to cut through ice, the elevations 5 may be caused to appear again.
- the hub 4 that is designed as a cutting element may be designed such that a part of the hub 4 is detachable.
- the detachable part of the hub 4 may be that part of the hub 4 that is designed as a cutting element that is capable of cutting ice. If the hub 4 has a detachable part, this entails the advantage that a damaged hub 4 which can no longer cut the ice can be easily repaired by change of the detachable part.
- the detachable part of the hub 4 may be a hub cap that is mounted on the rest of the hub.
- the hub cap can be regarded as a part of the hub 4. In many practical embodiments, the hub 4 will have a hub cap and the hub cap will be that part of the hub that first hits the ice.
- the blades of the propeller 3 may have a variable pitch.
- the propulsion unit 1 may also be designed for variable speed of the propeller 3.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
- Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
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Description
- The present invention relates to a propulsion unit for a marine vessel that is intended to operate in icy waters and which has a propeller arranged to act on ice in the water to cut the ice. The invention also relates to a marine vessel intended to operate in icy waters and which has a propulsion unit arranged to be able to act on ice to cut the ice.
- Some marine vessels use a kind of propulsion unit that is known as an azimuthing thruster (sometimes also referred to as azimuth thruster). An azimuthing thruster comprises a nacelle or capsule which is arranged as a separate unit attached to the outer part of the hull. At one end of the nacelle or capsule, a propeller is attached. The motor for driving the propeller may be placed inside the nacelle/capsule or inside the hull. When the motor is placed inside the nacelle/capsule, the motor is usually an electrical motor and such an azimuthing thruster with an electrical motor inside the nacelle is usually called a pod. The power for the electrical motor may in turn come from an inboard engine, usually a diesel or gas turbine. When the motor is placed inside the hull, the motor is often a diesel or diesel-electric motor and power may be transmitted to the propeller through a mechanical transmission. Depending on the shaft arrangement, the transmission may be an L-drive or a Z-drive. In an L-drive, there is a vertical input shaft and a horizontal output shaft. In a Z-drive, there is a horizontal input shaft, a vertical shaft and a horizontal output shaft with two right-angle gears. An azimuthing thruster is typically connected to the hull in such a way that it can be rotated in any horizontal direction. Thereby, thruster or thrusters can be used for maneuvering such that a rudder is no longer necessary. Azimuthing thrusters can actually give ships a better maneuverability than a system that uses a fixed propeller and a rudder.
- Many marine vessels must be able to operate in icy waters. They must therefore be able to make a path through the ice. Marine vessels having azimuthing thrusters (for example pods) may be used in icy waters and it has been suggested in for example
US 5996520 that an icebreaker may be provided with steerable propulsion mechanisms. InUS patent 4198917 , it has also been suggested that a screw may be used to break ice that may block the path of the marine vessel. - Furthermore, it has also been suggested that azimuthing thrusters (for example pods) may be used as ice breaking devices. When azimuthing thrusters are used for icebreaking, the thruster(s) is/are turned such that the propeller faces the ice. The propeller is then used as a cutting tool to cut the ice. A problem in connection with this is that the azimuthing thruster may be subjected to very high counter-forces in the horizontal plane.
- In
CA 2025507 , a device has been suggested which comprises a nozzle inside which a propeller is arranged. In front of the propeller, a front piece acting as an ice crusher has been arranged. The front piece in that device serves only to protect the propeller and the propeller is not capable of acting on the ice to cut through an ice sheet or to cut an ice block since the propeller is arranged inside the nozzle and the front piece actively prevents ice blocks from reaching the propeller altogether. -
US2010/0162934 discloses a method for improving the ice-breaking properties of a water craft by using an oblique aft end that is capable of breaking ice and allowing the movement of the water craft against the ice. The water craft then bores into the ice with its propeller ahead. A considerable drawback with this construction, however, is the high load on the propeller and its hub, and thereby also the risk of damages associated with that load, since considerable ice blocks that are not sufficiently crushed by the aft end of the vessel may be encountered by the propeller itself, resulting in considerable horizontal forces. Although the propeller is often designed to withstand such forces, the hub and surrounding components, e.g. shaft bearings, are at considerable risk for damages. -
WO99/14113 - It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved propulsion unit which is suitable for icebreaking (ice-crushing, ice-milling) and in which horizontal forces on the propulsion device can be reduced.
- The invention relates to a propulsion unit for a marine vessel intended to operate in icy waters according to
claim 1. The propulsion unit comprises a propeller which is rotatable about a propeller axis in a plane of rotation for the propeller. The propeller is mounted on a hub that is rotatable together with the propeller and the propeller is arranged such that the propeller can act on a piece of ice (e.g. a block or sheet of ice) in the water to cut the ice, even when the piece of ice has an extension that exceeds the diameter of the propeller. For convenience, the term "block of ice" will be used in the following to designate any piece of ice in the water, whether it is an irregular block, an ice-berg or a flat sheet of ice. According to the invention, the hub is designed as a cutting element that is capable of cutting ice that encounters the hub. - In embodiments of the invention, the hub is shaped as a cone that extends in the direction of the propeller axis.
- In most realistic embodiments, the hub extends beyond the plane of rotation of the propeller such that the hub can meet a wall of ice before the propeller meets the same wall of ice.
- In embodiments of the invention, the hub may be provided with elevations that are arranged to cut ice that encounters the hub. The elevated parts may be shaped as fins (i.e. flanges, ribs) or the elevations may be formed by nipples that give the hub a grainy surface.
- Instead of providing elevations on the hub, the hub may have a polygonal cross section. For example, the hub may have a square cross section or a triangular cross section. The propulsion unit is preferably an azimuthing thruster.
- The invention also relates to a marine vessel intended to operate in icy waters. The marine vessel has at least one propulsion unit which is preferably an azimuthing thruster with an elongate capsule/nacelle extending from a first end and a second end. A propeller is mounted on the capsule/nacelle together with a hub for the propeller and arranged to be rotatable about a propeller axis in a plane of rotation for the propeller. Both the propeller and the hub are mounted at the first end of the capsule. The propulsion unit is arranged to be capable of driving the marine vessel both in a forward direction and in a backward direction. The propeller is further arranged such that it can act on a block of ice (e.g. a sheet of ice) to cut the ice, even when the block of ice has an extension that exceeds the diameter of the propeller. According to the invention, the hub is designed as a cutting element that is capable of cutting ice that encounters the hub.
- It should be understood that the inventive propulsion unit and all embodiments thereof may be used in the marine vessel.
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Figure 1 is a schematical representation of a marine vessel with a propulsion unit. -
Figure 2 shows, schematically, the same marine vessel but with the propulsion unit in a different orientation. -
Figure 3 shows, schematically, how the propulsion unit encounters a block of ice. -
Figure 4 is a propeller end view of a propulsion unit according to the invention. -
Figure 5 is a side view of the same propulsion unit as inFigure 4 . -
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the same propulsion unit as inFigure 4 and Figure 5 . -
Figure 7 is a view corresponding toFigure 1 but in a different scale. -
Figure 8 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention. -
Figure 9 is a rear view of yet another embodiment. -
Figure 10 is a side view of yet another embodiment. -
Figure 11 is a side view of a further embodiment. - With reference to
Figure 1 , amarine vessel 2 is passing through water in which there are ice blocks (for example in the shape of an ice sheet or in the shape of ice bergs). InFigure 1 , a block of ice is schematically indicated by the letter J. Themarine vessel 2 has apropulsion unit 1 which can be seen in greater detail inFigure 7 . Thepropulsion unit 1 is preferably an azimuthing thruster. - The
propulsion unit 1 shown inFigure 1 has a nacelle orcapsule 6. The nacelle serves as housing for either a motor inside the nacelle (not shown) or for a transmission from an engine (not shown) inside thehull 10 of themarine vessel 2. Thecapsule 6 has a first end 7 and a second end 9. Thecapsule 6 is shown suspended on astrut 11 which may suitably have a streamlined shape. Thestrut 11 may suitably have atop piece 12 which is rotatably attached to thehull 10 of themarine vessel 2. In thehull 10 of themarine vessel 2, there is equipment (not shown) for rotating thepropulsion unit 1 about a substantially vertical axis. In this context, "vertical" refers to what is vertical when the marine vessel rests in the water without being inclined to either the starboard side or the port side. This vertical axis about which thepropulsion unit 1 may be rotated is thus substantially perpendicular to the propeller axis. In realistic embodiments, the substantially vertical axis about which thepropulsion unit 1 may be rotated may deviate by up to 10° or about 10° from a perfectly vertical axis. Thepropulsion unit 1 may thus be rotated in a plane that is essentially horizontal. Thepropulsion unit 1 has apropeller 3 which is arranged to be rotatable about a propeller axis A (seeFigure 7 ) in a plane of rotation for thepropeller 3. The plane of rotation for thepropeller 3 is perpendicular to the propeller axis A. Thepropeller 3 is mounted on ahub 4 that is rotatable together with thepropeller 3. Both thepropeller 3 and thehub 4 are mounted at the first end 7 of thecapsule 6. There is no nozzle that surrounds or encloses thepropeller 3. Thepropeller 3 is therefore capable of acting directly on ice without being blocked by any nacelle or other elements. InFigure 1 however, thepropulsion unit 1 is in a position where thepropeller 3 faces thehull 10 of themarine vessel 3. InFigure 2 on the other hand, thepropulsion unit 1 has been rotated 180° about a vertical axis compared to the position ofFigure 1 . In this position of thepropulsion unit 1, thepropeller 3 can be driven such that themarine vessel 2 moves towards the ice J. When thepropeller 3 reaches the ice J, thepropeller 3 will start to act on the ice to cut the ice. The propulsion unit may thus cut a path through a block of ice that would otherwise have presented an obstacle for themarine vessel 2. Since there is no nozzle that surrounds thepropeller 3, thepropeller 3 is free to act on a block of ice J (for example an ice sheet or an ice berg) in the water to cut the ice, even when the block of ice J has an extension that exceeds the diameter of thepropeller 3. It should be understood that the "extension" of the ice block refers to the extension of the ice block on the side facing the propeller, i.e. the extension in a plane parallel to the plane of rotation of the propeller. - However, if the
propeller 3 should be used to cut the ice when thepropeller 3 is in the position ofFigure 2 , such an ice-cutting operation entails a problem which is illustrated inFigure 3 . Thepropeller 3 is mounted on ahub 4 that may in many embodiments be shaped as a cone that extends in the direction of the propeller axis. Thehub 4 extends beyond the plane of rotation of thepropeller 3, at least to some extent. When this is the case, thehub 4 can meet a wall of ice before thepropeller 3 meets the same wall of ice. As used herein, the term "wall of ice" refers to a surface of an ice block. When thepropeller 3 hits ice, it may happen that ice is pressed against thehub 4. This may in particular be the case if thehub 4 or a part of it extends beyond the plane of rotation of thepropeller 3 but may happen also when this is not the case. If thehub 4 is pressed against the ice, this will generate a considerable horizontal force F on thehub 4 and thepropulsion unit 1. According to the invention this problem is solved in that thehub 4 is designed as a cutting element that is capable of cutting ice that encounters thehub 4. When thehub 4 is designed as a cutting element, thehub 4 will be capable of cutting the ice such that the horizontal force on the propulsion unit becomes significantly smaller. A number of suitable embodiments of cutting elements are described below. These cutting elements comprise elevations, fins, nipples, polygonal cross sections and cut-out portions, among others, and it is to be noted that any of these embodiments or a combination thereof can serve the same purpose, namely that of cutting ice that encounters thehub 4. In this way, the load in the form of horizontal forces on thehub 4 is significantly reduced, resulting in a reduced risk of damages to thehub 4 as well as an increased ice-cutting ability and a smoother and more efficient passage through ice and icy waters. - In embodiments of the invention, the
hub 4 is provided withelevations 5 that are arranged to cut ice that encounters thehub 4. In one embodiment that can be seen inFigure 4 - Figure 7 , theelevations 5 are shaped as fins (flanges/ribs). The fin-shapedelevations 5 that are shown inFigures 4 - 7 may have a slightly twisted shape such that they are comparable to the threads of a screw. Such a form may improve the ability of theelevations 5 to break up the ice. The fins may be ribs having a height over the surface of thehub 4 which is in the range of, for example, 3 mm - 35 mm. They may also have a height which is more than 35 mm, for example up to 50 mm or up to 200 mm. The maximum height of the fins or ribs may be dependent on the diameter of the propeller and the maximum height of the fins or ribs may be up to 25 % of the propeller diameter. - In
Figure 4 - 6 , an embodiment with fourelevations 5 is shown. It should be understood that embodiments with a different number ofelevations 5 are possible. For example, embodiments with two, three, five or six elevations are possible. Embodiments with only onesingle elevation 5 are also possible. - In another embodiment that is illustrated in
Figure 8 , theelevations 5 are formed by nipples that give the hub 4 a grainy surface. - As an alternative to
elevations 5, thehub 4 may have a polygonal cross section. Such an embodiment is shown inFigure 9 . As can be seen inFigure 9 , thehub 4 hasstraight edges 13 that divide the surface of thehub 4 into foursurfaces 14 that taper toward the end of thehub 4. Thehub 4 will then have a sharp point that can penetrate the ice. - Since the
hub 4 rotates with the propeller, theelevations 5 in the embodiments ofFigure 6 andFigure 8 can act on a block of ice to break up the ice such. Thereby, the horizontal force on thehub 4 and thepropulsion unit 1 will decrease significantly. In the embodiment ofFigure 9 , theedges 13 will serve the same function as theelevations 5 in the embodiments ofFigure 6 andFigure 8 . - In the embodiment of
Figure 9 , there are fouredges 13 such that thehub 4 will have a square cross section. It should be understood that other polygonal shapes are also possible, for example triangular (with three edges 13), pentagonal or hexagonal. Embodiments with more than sixedges 13 are also conceivable. - In the embodiment of
Figure 10 , theelevations 5 are shaped as fins/ribs that have, from the end of thehub 4, an increasing height over the surface of thehub 4 until they reach a maximum point from which the height decreases. - In the embodiment of
Figure 11 , thehub 4 has cut-outportions 16 such that the surface of thehub 4 becomes uneven. Embodiments with, for example, 2 - 12 cut-outportions 16 are conceivable. It should be understood that embodiments with more than 12 cut-out portions are also possible. Embodiments with only one such cut-out 16 are also conceivable. Thehub 4 may thus have at least one cut-outportion 16 such that the surface of thehub 4 becomes uneven. - In the above described embodiments, various ways of achieving an uneven surface on the
hub 4 have been described. It should be understood that such different embodiments could possibly be combined with each other. For example, thehub 4 could have a combination of both cut-outs 16 and nipples or nipples could be used on a hub with a polygonal cross section. - The invention also relates to a
marine vessel 2 intended to operate in icy waters and which is equipped with the inventive propulsion unit. When amarine vessel 2 is equipped with such apropulsion unit 1, thepropulsion unit 1 may either be in a fixed position such that thepropeller 3 faces away from thehull 10 and is capable of acting on ice, or the propulsion unit can be rotated such that thepropeller 3 points away from thehull 10 and is capable of acting on ice that would otherwise block the path of themarine vessel 2. - By rotating the propulsion unit 1 (or
propulsion units 1 if there is more than one propulsion unit), it is possible to control the direction in which the marine vessel will travel. The propeller of eachpropulsion unit 1 can be driven both backward and forward. When the propulsion unit is in the position shown inFigure 1 , the direction of movement of themarine vessel 2 can thus be changed either by rotation of theentire propulsion unit 1 or by reversing the direction of rotation of thepropeller 3. - In use, a
marine vessel 2 equipped with theinventive propulsion unit 1 may pass through icy waters. When the path of themarine vessel 2 is blocked by ice, thepropulsion unit 1 may be rotated such that the first end 7 of the propulsion unit faces the ice. Thepropulsion unit 1 is activated such that thepropeller 3 propels themarine vessel 2 toward the ice. Thepropeller 3 will hit the ice and start to cut the ice such that a path through the ice for themarine vessel 2 is created. - It should be understood that the marine vessel may have more than one
such propulsion unit 1. For example, themarine vessel 2 may be equipped with two propulsion units according to the invention. It could also have more than twopropulsion units 2. For example, it could have three, four, five or even moresuch propulsion units 1. When themarine vessel 2 has more than onepropulsion unit 1,several propulsion units 1 may suitably be arranged at thestern end 15 of themarine vessel 2. For example, a pair ofsuch propulsion units 1 may be placed side-by-side at the stem end 15 of themarine vessel 2. However,propulsion units 1 may also be placed at thestem end 8. - The propeller may have a diameter which is in the range of, for example, 0.4 m - 4 m. For example, the diameter may be in the range of 0.5 m - 3 m. The diameter could also be larger than 4 m. For example, the propeller diameter could be up to 6 m. In some cases, propellers used for icebreaking (ice-crushing, ice-milling) could conceivably even have a diameter up to 10 m or more and propulsion units according to the invention could conceivably have such large propellers.
- The
propulsion unit 1 may be an azimuthing thruster with an internal electrical engine or it may be an azimuthing thruster driven through a transmission by a diesel engine inside the hull or by a diesel-electric motor. The transmission may be an L-drive or a Z-drive. - The
elevations 5 may optionally be retractable. When themarine vessel 2 is used in situations where the propulsion unit does not need to cut ice, theelevations 5 may thus be retracted. When there is a need to cut through ice, theelevations 5 may be caused to appear again. - In all embodiments of the invention, the
hub 4 that is designed as a cutting element may be designed such that a part of thehub 4 is detachable. The detachable part of thehub 4 may be that part of thehub 4 that is designed as a cutting element that is capable of cutting ice. If thehub 4 has a detachable part, this entails the advantage that adamaged hub 4 which can no longer cut the ice can be easily repaired by change of the detachable part. The detachable part of thehub 4 may be a hub cap that is mounted on the rest of the hub. The hub cap can be regarded as a part of thehub 4. In many practical embodiments, thehub 4 will have a hub cap and the hub cap will be that part of the hub that first hits the ice. - The blades of the
propeller 3 may have a variable pitch. Thepropulsion unit 1 may also be designed for variable speed of thepropeller 3.
Claims (8)
- A propulsion unit (1) for a marine vessel (2) intended to operate in icy waters, the propulsion unit (1) comprising a pulling propeller (3) which is rotatable about a propeller axis in a plane of rotation for the propeller (3) and which is mounted on a hub (4) that is rotatable together with the propeller (3), the propeller (3) being arranged such that the pulling propeller (3) can act on a block of ice in the water to cut the ice, even when the block of ice has an extension that exceeds the diameter of the propeller (3), wherein the hub (4) is designed as a cutting element that is capable of cutting ice that encounters the hub (4), by means of having said hub (4) extending in the direction of the propeller axis, beyond the plane of rotation of the propeller (3) arranged to meet a wall of ice before the propeller (3) meets the same wall of ice and wherein said hub (4) is provided with elevated cutting members (5) or has a polygonal cross section or at least one cut-out portion (16) such that the surface of the hub (4) becomes uneven.
- A propulsion unit according to claim 1, wherein said elevated cutting members (5) are shaped as fins or ribs, and have a height in relation to the surface of the hub (4) up to 200 mm.
- A propulsion unit according to claim 2, wherein said elevated cutting members (5) shaped as fins or ribs have a height in relation to the surface of the hub (4) of 3 mm or more and up to 50 mm.
- A propulsion unit according to claim 1, wherein said elevated cutting members_(5) are formed by nipples that give the hub (4) a grainy surface.
- A propulsion unit according to any preceding claim, wherein said hub (4) comprises a detachable part with said elevated cutting members (5) or polygonal cross section or cut-out portion (16).
- A propulsion unit according to claim 1, wherein the propulsion unit (1) is an azimuthing thruster.
- A marine vessel (2) intended to operate in icy waters, the marine vessel (2) having at least one propulsion unit (1) which is an azimuthing thruster according to any of claims 1-6.
- A marine vessel according to claim 7, wherein an elongated capsule (6) of the azimuthing thruster can be rotated in relation to the hull of the marine vessel (2) about a vertical axis.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
SE1050782 | 2010-07-12 | ||
SE1051155 | 2010-11-04 | ||
PCT/SE2011/050828 WO2012008901A1 (en) | 2010-07-12 | 2011-06-22 | A propulsion unit for a marine vessel and a marine vessel having a propulsion unit |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2593356A1 EP2593356A1 (en) | 2013-05-22 |
EP2593356A4 EP2593356A4 (en) | 2017-04-26 |
EP2593356B1 true EP2593356B1 (en) | 2021-03-24 |
Family
ID=45469691
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP11807145.5A Active EP2593356B1 (en) | 2010-07-12 | 2011-06-22 | A propulsion unit for a marine vessel and a marine vessel having a propulsion unit |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP2593356B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103097238B (en) |
RU (1) | RU2584038C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012008901A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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RU2622168C2 (en) * | 2012-02-07 | 2017-06-13 | Роллс-Ройс Аб | Propulsion system for sea craft and sea craft, containing propulsion system of this type |
NL2008948C2 (en) * | 2012-06-06 | 2013-12-09 | G A M Manshanden Man B V | SHIP SCREW. |
KR20150102851A (en) * | 2014-02-28 | 2015-09-08 | 삼우중공업(주) | Azimuth thruster of ship |
EP2993120A1 (en) * | 2014-09-03 | 2016-03-09 | ABB Oy | Ship propulsion arrangement |
RU2708696C1 (en) | 2019-04-01 | 2019-12-11 | Общество С Ограниченной Ответственностью "Прикладной Инженерный И Учебный Центр "Сапфир" | Screw propeller of screw-steering column of water vessel and screw-steering column with said screw propeller |
EP3782898A1 (en) * | 2019-08-20 | 2021-02-24 | Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy A/S | Control system for operating a floating wind turbine under sea ice conditions |
Family Cites Families (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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DE129799C (en) * | 1900-01-01 | |||
SE61072C1 (en) * | ||||
CA1075538A (en) * | 1976-08-09 | 1980-04-15 | Mikihisa Komot | Ice-breaking means for ships |
AU593670B2 (en) * | 1986-07-31 | 1990-02-15 | Mikado Propeller Co., Ltd. | A screw propeller boss cap with fins |
JPH0744559Y2 (en) * | 1989-05-31 | 1995-10-11 | 三菱重工業株式会社 | Marine propeller with boss cap |
FI91513C (en) * | 1989-09-18 | 1994-07-11 | Aquamaster Rauma Oy | Nozzle propeller assembly |
FI94508C (en) * | 1991-03-18 | 1995-09-25 | Masa Yards Oy | Icebreaking vessels |
JP3509903B2 (en) * | 1993-09-22 | 2004-03-22 | ジャパン・ハムワージ株式会社 | Ship propulsion device |
RU2073346C1 (en) * | 1994-03-18 | 1997-02-10 | Центральный научно-исследовательский институт им.акад.А.Н.Крылова | ICE-BOAT BOW ROWING SCREW |
CN2214354Y (en) * | 1994-08-18 | 1995-12-06 | 中国船舶工业总公司第七研究院第七○八研究所 | Propeller cap with adaptive inflow fin |
EP0758606A1 (en) * | 1995-08-16 | 1997-02-19 | Schottel-Werft Josef Becker GmbH & Co KG. | Hub cap for ship propellers |
FI109783B (en) * | 1997-02-27 | 2002-10-15 | Kvaerner Masa Yards Oy | A method of opening a passage through an ice field and an icebreaker |
RU2126762C1 (en) * | 1997-09-15 | 1999-02-27 | Центральный научно-исследовательский институт им.акад.А.Н.Крылова | Shipboard screw-rudder |
JP3491890B2 (en) * | 2000-09-28 | 2004-01-26 | 株式会社 商船三井 | Ship propeller with hub vortex eliminator |
FI115210B (en) * | 2002-12-20 | 2005-03-31 | Abb Oy | Device in a propulsion system |
FI122324B (en) * | 2007-07-06 | 2011-11-30 | Aker Arctic Technology Oy | Process for improving the ice breaking properties and watercraft of a watercraft produced by the method |
-
2011
- 2011-06-22 EP EP11807145.5A patent/EP2593356B1/en active Active
- 2011-06-22 CN CN201180043768.1A patent/CN103097238B/en active Active
- 2011-06-22 WO PCT/SE2011/050828 patent/WO2012008901A1/en active Application Filing
- 2011-06-22 RU RU2013103749/11A patent/RU2584038C2/en active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP2593356A4 (en) | 2017-04-26 |
WO2012008901A1 (en) | 2012-01-19 |
CN103097238B (en) | 2016-09-21 |
EP2593356A1 (en) | 2013-05-22 |
RU2013103749A (en) | 2014-08-20 |
CN103097238A (en) | 2013-05-08 |
RU2584038C2 (en) | 2016-05-20 |
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