WO2013022343A1

WO2013022343A1 - Vessel comprising a magnus-effect rotor

Info

Publication number: WO2013022343A1
Application number: PCT/NL2012/050552
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jørn Paul WINKLER
Original assignee: Winkler Joern Paul
Priority date: 2011-08-09
Filing date: 2012-08-09
Publication date: 2013-02-14

Abstract

The invention relates to a vessel comprising a Magnus-effect rotor (1) having a rotatable cylinder-like structure (5) which in an operational state is vertically mounted on the vessel, the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5) being provided with an inflatable, radially expandable elastic compartment (3) arranged near the outer circumference of the rotatable cylinder-like structure(5) and an inflation device (11, 11') arranged inside or near the rotatable cylinder-like structure(5) for inflating or deflating the inflatable compartment(3) in a direction transversal to the centre line of the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5), the inflation device (11) being communicatively connected to an inflation control unit (12) for controlling the degree of inflation or deflation of the inflatable compartment (3), wherein upon inflation or deflation of the inflatable compartment (3), the effective aerodynamic outer diameter of the Magnus-effect rotor (1) is increased, or decreased, respectively.

Description

Vessel comprising a Magnus-effect rotor

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a vessel comprising a Magnus-effect rotor. Background of the invention

[0002] Magnus-effect rotors are known from e.g. US 4.602.584. It has long been known that a circular cylinder rotating about its longitudinal axis is capable of producing a lift force when placed in an air stream flowing perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, quite similar to the lift force produced by a wing when placed in a laminar air flow. This lift force is named after its discoverer, Heinrich Gustav Magnus, the German scientist who first investigated this phenomenon in 1853.

[0003] The Magnus-effect was first applied for propelling vessels in 1924 by Anton Flettner. Flettner used elongated cylinder structures, standing upright from the deck of the vessel, for propelling the vessel using the lift force mentioned (these structures were also called: "Flettner-rotors"). The advantage with respect to conventional sails was that the vessel was able to sail at sharper angles with respect to mildly opposing, thus relatively unfavourable, wind directions. Additionally, the Flettner-rotor was able to supplement the propulsion of fuel-powered vessel, thereby decreasing the fuel consumption of such a vessel.

[0004] However, a disadvantage of such a rotor is that the weight of the rotor is relatively large, making it relatively costly and harder to handle. Another disadvantage is that only one rotor performance parameter can be controlled, i.e. rotational speed.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a vessel comprising a Magnus-effect rotor, wherein the rotor is lighter and easier to handle. It is another object of the invention to provide a rotor wherein more rotor performance parameters than rotational speed alone can be controlled.

Summary of the invention [0006] This object is achieved by providing a vessel comprising a Magnus-effect rotor having a rotatable cylinder-like structure which in an operational state is vertically mounted on the vessel, the rotatable cylinder-like structure being provided with an inflatable, radially expandable elastic compartment arranged near the outer circumference of the rotatable cylinder-like structure and an inflation device arranged inside or near the rotatable cylinder-like structure for inflating or deflating the inflatable compartment in a direction transversal to the centre line of the rotatable cylinder-like structure, the inflation device being communicatively connected to an inflation control unit for controlling the degree of inflation or deflation of the inflatable compartment, wherein upon inflation or deflation of the inflatable compartment, the effective aerodynamic outer diameter of the Magnus-effect rotor is increased, or decreased, respectively.

[0007] The inflatable, expandable elastic compartment can be filled with gas, such as air, which reduces the overall weight of the rotor system with respect to existing rotors. Thus the rotor can also be more easily handled. By inflating or deflating the compartment the effective aerodynamic rotor outer diameter can be increased or decreased, thus influencing the air flow around the rotor and thereby allowing more extensive control of rotor performance. 'Cylinder-like structure' is to be interpreted as being a cylinder or a similar structure, such as a frame, mesh, et cetera, sufficiently strong for supporting the inflatable compartment and sufficiently strong in order to provide a counterforce to the inflatable compartment when it is inflated.

[0008] A further advantage is that during storm conditions the rotor can be deflated reducing the surface of the rotor exposed to wind gusts. In case of folding such a rotor towards the deck a deflated rotor furthermore reduces the space need.

[0009] A preferred embodiment relates to a vessel, wherein the rotatable cylinder-like structure is rotatably arranged on a cylinder support structure projecting inside the rotatable cylinder-like structure, along the centreline thereof, the lower end of the cylinder support structure being attached to the vessel, the outer diameter of the cylinder support structure being smaller than the inner diameter of the rotatable cylinder-like structure, the rotatable cylinder-like structure being rotatably attached to the cylinder support structure. Such a cylindrical support structure dramatically increases the ruggedness and stiffness of the rotor.

[0010] Another embodiment relates to a vessel wherein the upper end of the rotatable cylinder-like structure is provided with a circular plate arranged in a plane transversal to the centreline of the rotatable cylinder-like structure, the diameter of the circular plate being equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the rotatable cylinder-like structure at that position. Such a plate reduces vorticity and therefore drag at the upper end of the rotor. [0011] A further embodiment relates to a vessel wherein the lower end of the rotatable cylinder-like structure is provided with a circular plate arranged in a plane transversal to the centreline of the rotatable cylinder-like structure, the diameter of the circular plate being equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the rotatable cylinder-like structure at that position. This plate also reduces vorticity at the lower end of the cylinder and allows for support of the inflatable compartment.

[0012] Preferably, the outer diameter of a circular end plate can be increased and decreased with respect to the outer diameter of the rotatable cylinder-like structure at that position. Especially when a rotor is to be folded towards the deck, the reduced plate diameter improves deck operations.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, a circular end plate comprises an inflatable compartment, wherein during inflation of the inflatable compartment the outer diameter of the plate increases with respect to the outer diameter of the rotatable cylinder-like structure at that position, and during deflation the outer diameter of the plate decreases with respect to the outer diameter of the rotatable cylinder-like structure at that position. Analogous to the inflation/deflation of the inflatable compartment itself to increase or decrease the outer circumference of the rotor, the increase or decrease of the outer diameter of the end plate can be achieved by using the same principle.

[0014] Furthermore, the upper circular plate can be rotatably supported by an upper end of the cylinder support structure. This significantly reduces vibrations.

[0015] Another embodiment relates to a vessel, wherein the cylinder support structure has a free upper end, the inflation device being arranged on top of the free end of the cylinder support structure, in such a way that during rotation of the cylinder the inflation device remains substantially stationary, the inflation device being connected to the inflatable compartment via substantially radially projecting gas conduits, the gas conduits being rotatable with respect to the inflation device by means of suitable gas conduit interconnection and/or bearing means and connecting to the inflatable compartment via the rotatable cylinder-like structure. The free end of the cylinder support structure thus can be conveniently used for arranging the inflation device there.

[0016] In another embodiment, the cylindrical support structure is hollow and the inflation device is arranged inside the cylinder support structure in such a way that during rotation of the cylinder the inflation device remains substantially stationary, the inflation device being connected to the inflatable compartment via substantially radially projecting gas conduits, the gas conduit sections between the outer diameter of the cylindrical support structure and the rotatable cylinder-like structure being rotatable with respect to the inflation device by means of suitable gas conduit interconnection and/or bearing means. Thus, the inflation device is relatively well-protected from external conditions, such as harsh weather.

[0017] Alternatively, the inflation device can be attached to the circumference of the rotatable cylinder-like structure. Thus, the inflation device will spin along with the rotatable cylinder-like structure during rotation thereof. The use of relatively long gas conduits is prevented in this way. Analogously, the inflation device can be directly attached to the inflatable compartment.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the inflatable compartment is divided into smaller compartments along the length direction of the rotatable cylinder-like structure. In relation thereto, the degree of inflation or deflation of the smaller compartments can be individually controlled. Thus, the effective aerodynamic outer diameter of the rotor may vary along the length thereof. This is especially beneficial since in general air speeds will be higher at distances further away from the deck of the vessel.

[0019] One of the smaller compartments can be separated from an adjacent smaller compartment by means of an intermediate plate, the plate being arranged in a plane perpendicular to the length direction of the rotatable cylinder-like structure. [0020] An advantageous embodiment relates to a vessel wherein the Magnus-effect rotor in an inoperational state can be rotated around a hinge axis that is substantially aligned with the deck of the vessel, from a vertical state to a horizontal state, wherein the rotor is substantially aligned along the deck of the vessel, the inflatable compartment being fully deflated in the horizontal state. Thus, in adverse weather conditions, when the rotor would be prone to damage or would provide unwanted drag, the rotor can be collapsed towards the deck of the vessel to obtain a very small silhouette. Such a horizontal state is also beneficial during cargo operations of the vessel.

Brief description of drawings

[0021] Embodiments of a vessel comprising a Magnus-effect rotor according to the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0022] Fig. la shows an embodiment of a Magnus-effect rotor according to the invention placed on the deck of a vessel; [0023] Fig. lb shows the Magnus-effect rotor of fig. la, wherein the inflatable outer part is shown in a deflated condition;

[0024] Fig. 2 shows a Magnus-effect rotor according to the invention folded towards the deck of the vessel;

[0025] Fig. 3a shows a rotor comprising a drum with end plates at both ends, without the inflatable outer part;

[0026] Fig. 3b shows the rotor of fig. 3a with the inflatable outer part on the circumference of the drum;

[0027] Fig. 3c shows the rotor of fig. 3b with the inflatable outer part shown in an inflated condition;

[0028] Fig. 3d shows a rotor wherein the inflatable outer part is divided into segments along the length of the drum; [0029] Fig. 4 shows a different way of adapting the diameter of the outer circumference of the cylindrical rotor;

[0030] Figs. 5a-5c show an alternative way of folding an end cap; and [0031] Figs. 6a-6c show another way of folding an end cap.

Detailed description of the invention [0032] Fig. la shows an embodiment of a Magnus-effect rotor 1 according to the invention placed on the deck 2 of a vessel. The rotor 1 comprises a cylinder support structure in the form of mast 4 around which a rotatable cylinder-like structure embodied by a rotatable cylinder, e.g. a drum 5, with drum supports 6 is rotatably placed. The drum supports 6 are provided with bearings in order to effect the rotatability of the drum 5 with respect to the mast 4. The mast 4 is positioned on a rotor support 7. In the top part of the mast 4 a motor drive 13 is situated for rotating the rotor via the upper support 6. Around the circumference of the drum 5 an inflatable outer part 3 is placed. The inflatable outer part 3 can be inflated and deflated via an inflation device such as an air pump 11 on top of the mast 4. The air pump 1 1 is connected to the inflatable outer part 3 via one or more gas conduits, for example compressed air conduits. The air conduits can be made rotatable with respect to the air pump 1 1, or the air pump 11 itself can be made rotatable on top of the mast 4. The air pump 11 is communicatively connected to a pump control unit 12 for controlling the air pump 11. The inflatable outer part 3 is shown in an inflated condition. Alternatively an air pump 11 ' can be connected to the inside of the drum 5, such that it rotates along with the drum 5. The air pump 1 1 ' can be provided with a generator 16, positioned between the air pump 11 ' and the mast 4 for providing the air pump 11 ' with power. If desired, however, the air pump can be arranged in another part of the vessel, though pumping losses will significantly increase then. Additionally, the inflatable compartment 3 can be provided with a controllable valve for deflating the inflatable compartment, instead of using the air pump for that purpose. [0033] Fig. lb shows the Magnus-effect rotor of fig. la, wherein the inflatable outer part 3 is shown in a deflated condition.

[0034] Fig. 2 shows a Magnus-effect rotor according to the invention folded towards the deck 2 of the vessel. The drum 5 is provided with foldable end plates 8 at both ends. The end plates 8 can be folded towards the drum 5 when the rotor 1 is not operational. The inflatable outer part 3' is shown in a deflated condition. The rotor 1 can be folded towards the deck 2 in e.g. bad weather conditions.

[0035] Fig. 3a shows a rotor 1 comprising a drum 5 with end plates 8 at both ends, without the inflatable outer part 3. The end plates 8 are shown in an extended, operational position. In a typical configuration the end plates 8 have a diameter of 6200 mm. In a typical configuration the drum 5 has an internal diameter of 2500 mm and the total height of the rotor 1 is 37 meters. The inflatable outer part 3 can for example be made of rubber. The drum 5 can for example be made of aluminium.

[0036] Fig. 3b shows the rotor 1 of fig. 3a with the inflatable outer part 3' on the circumference of the drum 5. The inflatable outer part 3' is shown in a deflated condition. [0037] Fig. 3c shows the rotor 1 of fig. 3b with the inflatable outer part 3 shown in an inflated condition. The outer circumference of the inflatable outer part 3 is aligned with the outer circumference of the end plates 8.

[0038] Fig. 3d shows a rotor 1 wherein the inflatable outer part 3 is divided into segments 9, 9' along the length of the drum 5. The segments 9, 9' are separated by intermediate plates 10, the plates 10 being parallel to the end plates 8. The left side of the figure shows segments 9' in a deflated condition. On the right the segments 9 are shown in an inflated condition. The intermediate plates 10 provide additional rigidity to the structure. The segments 9, 9' can be inflated and deflated separately by individual air conduits.

[0039] Fig. 4 shows a different way of adapting the diameter of the outer circumference of the cylindrical rotor 1. On top of the mast 4 an umbrella-like, extendable link mechanism 14 is placed. The link mechanism 14 is rotatable with respect to the mast 4, the longitudinal axes of both structures being aligned, and is powered by the motor drive 13. The outer ends of the links of the link mechanism are circumferentially provided with a flexible material 15, such as cloth, which hangs from the outer ends of the links, the flexible material 15 thus forming the outer aerodynamic surface of the rotor. The link mechanism 14 can be extended by centrifugal forces created by rotation of the rotor 1. Position I shows a retracted state of the extendable mechanism, position II an extended state, yielding a larger effective diameter of outer rotor surface. The link mechanism 14 comprises a sliding element 14c, which is slidable along the length of a pole 14a. The sliding element 14c is hingeably connected to a number of outwardly extending inner links 14b. A number of outwardly extending outer links 14d are provided, hingeably connected to the top of the pole 14a with their inner ends, their outer ends being connected to the flexible material 15. The inner links 14b hingeably connect to an intermediate position at of the outer links 14d with their outer ends.

[0040] Figs. 5a-5c show an alternative way of folding the end caps. The end cap as shown is divided in multiple segments along the circumference thereof and is preferably made of a flexible material such as rubber. An individual segment can be folded along a hinge line that is situated in a plane perpendicular to the centre line of the end cap. The hinge lines connect to each other in their end points, such that the hinge lines approximately form a circle around the centre line of the circular plate. After folding the segments downwards, side parts of the segments can be folded again along fold lines perpendicular to fore mentioned hinge lines, wherein the folded side part of one segment can be mated to the folded side part of an adjacent segment.

[0041] Figs. 6a-6c show another way of folding end cap segments. Now, the hinge lines of the segments also approximately form a circle around the centre line of the end cap. However, the end points of the hinge lines are distanced with respect to each other causing the segments to fold in a slightly different way. The end cap is again preferably made of a flexible material such as rubber.

Reference numerals

1. Rotor

2. Deck

3, 3' . Inflatable outer part

4. Mast

5. Drum

6. Drum support

7. Rotor support

8. End plate

9, 9' . Inflatable segment

10. Intermediate plate

1 1, 11 ' . Pump

12. Pump control unit

13. Motor drive

14. Link mechanism

15. Flexible material

16. Generator

Claims

1. Vessel comprising a Magnus-effect rotor (1) having a rotatable cylinder-like structure (5) which in an operational state is vertically mounted on the vessel, the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5) being provided with an inflatable, radially expandable elastic compartment (3, 3') arranged near the outer circumference of the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5) and an inflation device (11, 11 ') arranged inside or near the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5) for inflating or deflating the inflatable compartment (3, 3') in a direction transversal to the centre line of the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5), the inflation device (1 1) being communicatively connected to an inflation control unit (12) for controlling the degree of inflation or deflation of the inflatable compartment (3, 3'), wherein upon inflation or deflation of the inflatable compartment (3, 3'), the effective aerodynamic outer diameter of the Magnus-effect rotor (1) is increased, or decreased, respectively.

2. Vessel according to claim 1, wherein the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5) is rotatably arranged on a cylinder support structure (4) projecting inside the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5), along the centreline thereof, the lower end of the cylinder support structure (4) being attached to the vessel, the outer diameter of the cylinder support structure (4) being smaller than the inner diameter of the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5), the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5) being rotatably attached to the cylinder support structure (4).

3. Vessel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper end of the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5) is provided with a circular plate (8) arranged in a plane transversal to the centreline of the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5), the diameter of the circular plate (8) being equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5) at that position.

4. Vessel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower end of the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5) is provided with a circular plate (8) arranged in a plane transversal to the centreline of the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5), the diameter of the circular plate (8) being equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5) at that position.

5. Vessel according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the outer diameter of a circular end plate (8) can be increased and decreased with respect to the outer diameter of the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5) at that position.

6. Vessel according to claim 5, wherein a circular end plate (8) comprises an inflatable compartment, wherein during inflation of the inflatable compartment the outer diameter of the plate (8) increases with respect to the outer diameter of the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5) at that position, and during deflation the outer diameter of the plate (8) decreases with respect to the outer diameter of the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5) at that position.

7. Vessel according to one of the claims 2-6, when dependent on claim 3, wherein the upper circular plate (8) is rotatably supported by an upper end of the cylinder support structure (4).

8. Vessel according to one of the claims 2-6, wherein the cylinder support structure (4) has a free upper end, the inflation device (11) being arranged on top of the free end of the cylinder support structure (4), in such a way that during rotation of the cylinder (5) the inflation device (11) remains substantially stationary, the inflation device (11) being connected to the inflatable compartment (3, 3') via substantially radially projecting gas conduits, the gas conduits being rotatable with respect to the inflation device (11) by means of suitable gas conduit interconnection and/or bearing means and connecting to the inflatable compartment (3, 3') via the rotatable cylinderlike structure (5).

9. Vessel according to one of the claims 1-7, wherein the cylindrical support structure (4) is hollow and the inflation device (11) is arranged inside the cylinder support structure (4) in such a way that during rotation of the cylinder (5) the inflation device (11) remains substantially stationary, the inflation device (11) being connected to the inflatable compartment (3) via substantially radially projecting gas conduits, the gas conduit sections between the outer diameter of the cylindrical support structure (4) and the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5) being rotatable with respect to the inflation device (11) by means of suitable gas conduit interconnection and/or bearing means.

10. Vessel according to one of the claims 1-7, wherein the inflation device (11 ') is attached to the circumference of the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5).

11. Vessel according to one of the claims 1-7, wherein the inflation device (11 ') is directly attached to the inflatable compartment (3).

12. Vessel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inflatable compartment (3, 3') is divided into smaller compartments (9, 9') along the length direction of the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5).

13. Vessel according to claim 12, wherein the degree of inflation or deflation of the smaller compartments (9, 9') can be individually controlled.

14. Vessel according to claim 12 or 13, wherein one of the smaller compartments (9, 9') is separated from an adjacent smaller compartment (9, 9') by means of an intermediate plate (10), the plate (10) being arranged in a plane perpendicular to the length direction of the rotatable cylinder-like structure (5).

15. Vessel according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the Magnus-effect rotor (1) in an inoperational state can be rotated around a hinge axis, that is substantially aligned with the deck (2) of the vessel, from a vertical state to a horizontal state, wherein the rotor (1) is substantially aligned along the deck (2) of the vessel, the inflatable compartment (3, 3') being fully deflated in the horizontal state.