GB2525049A

GB2525049A - Water-borne vessel

Info

Publication number: GB2525049A
Application number: GB1406746.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel Kevin Gage
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-04-12
Filing date: 2014-04-12
Publication date: 2015-10-14
Also published as: GB201406746D0

Abstract

A hydrokinetic energy system suitable for a water-borne vessel comprises at least one water-driven turbine that is positioned below the water line, and with means to control the flow of water through the turbine as water moves from the bow to the stern of the vessel as it moves through the water. In the first embodiment at least one turbine 10 is positioned within a tubular member 7 within the hull of the vessel 1 that extends from the intake 8 at the bow to the outlet 9 at the stern, the water entering the tubular member is controlled by a hatch (18, fig 4) at the inlet that may have a mesh covering (19, fig 4). In the second embodiment the turbine (12, fig 5) is mounted within the open U shaped channel (23, fig 5) in the keel of the vessel, e.g. between the two hulls (21,22, fig 5) of a catamaran, the water entering the channel is controlled by a manoeuvrable deflector plate, that can be lowered to prevent water passing from the bow to the stern entering the turbine. The hydrokinetic energy system may be retro fitted or fitted during the manufacture of the vessel, in order to generate electricity and/or to decelerate the vessel.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO HYDROKINETIC ENERGY

SYSTEMS

This invention relates to hydrokinetic energy systems, and more particularly to an improved hydrokinetic energy system adapted to be installed on a water-borne vessel, and a water-borne vessel provided with an improved hydrokinetic energy system.

BACKGROUND

Large water-borne vessels, for example, tankers, container ships, cruise liners and other ocean-going vessels acquire considerable momentum when they atiain their cruising speed, the momentum depending upon the displacement and the square of the speed of the vessel. When arriving at their destination, this momentum must be dissipated in order to slow down the vessel sufficiently to begin its docking procedure. Such deceleration can be achieved by stopping the engine or engines of the vessel, but depending on various factors, including the displacement, shape of the under-water part of the hull (coefficient block), loading conditions, size and type of propellers, shape of the bow, etc, a substantial distance of some nautical miles may be required to reduce the speed of the vessel sufficiently. In another method the vessel is subjected to astern propulsion, which is a manoeuvre in which a vessel's propelling mechanism is used to develop thrust in a retrograde direction. Astern propulsion does not necessarily imply the vessel is moving astern (in reverse); rather astern propulsion is used to slow a vessel by applying a force in the direction of the stem of the ship, instead of the bow. In a vessel with a turbine engine and a variable-pitch propeller, astern propulsion or thrust is achieved by changing the propeller pitch to a negative value. Most other propeller-driven vessels will reverse the direction the propeller rotates. The use of astern propulsion can involve the expenditure of a considerable quantity of fuel on large vessels. Thus an improved method of decelerating a large vessel would be highly desirable.

Large water-borne vessels also need a great deal of electric power to run the various operations of the vessel, for example, lighting, climate control, heating and instrumentation, which in turn requires the presence of large generators, large storage batteries and of course the use of additional fbel resources to run the generators.

Various systems have been proposed for water-borne vessels wherein water motion is converted into usefbl energy, for example, as described in WO 2013076582, WO 2014030882 and US2012S074702A1. These systems are not readily adapted to large ocean-going vessels. The entire disclosures of all of these abovementioned patent specifications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Hydrokinetic energy systems, which generate power by using submerged or partially submerged turbines that harness the energy from flowing water, are known. On land, for example, in an effort to provide a renewal energy source that will have minimal impact on the environment, stationary low head turbines have been proposed that are mounted wholly or partly in flowing water in order to capture the kinetic energy of rivers, channels, spillways, irrigation systems, tides and oceans. Examples of low head turbines include axial flow rotor turbines, open centre fan turbines and cycloidic turbines.

In Patent Specification W02010004286A1 there is described a turbine for extracting energy from within a water flow comprising: an array of turbine blades formed and arranged for rotation, in use, about an axis substantially normal to the direction of water flow; wherein at least one of the turbine blades of the array is formed to be adjustable, in use, from a first, driving, configuration when moving with the direction of water flow, to a second, return, configuration when moving against the direction of water flow, and wherein the surface area of the turbine blade presented to the direction of water flow is reduced when in the return configuration.

It is an object of the present invention, to provide a hydrokinetic energy system s adapted to be mounted on a water-borne vessel and adapted, in use, to decelerate the vessel, or to generate usefi.il energy, or both.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In a fir st aspect, the present invention provides a liydrokinetic energy system comprising a kinetic water-driven turbine adapted to be mounted on a water-borne vessel and means for controlling the flow through the turbine of water flowing in a component direction from bow to stern of the vessel.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a water-borne vessel provided with a hydrokinetic energy system, the hydrokinetic energy system comprising a kinetic water-driven turbine mounted on the vessel and means for controlling is the flow through the turbine of water flowing in a component direction from bow to stem of the vessel.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a method of decelerating a water-borne vessel which comprises flowing water through a hydrokinetic energy system comprising a kinetic water-driven turbine mounted on the vessel.

In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method of generating energy on a water-borne vessel which comprises flowing water through a hydrokinetic energy system, the system comprising a kinetic water-driven turbine mounted on the vessel, whilst the vessel is in forward motion.

The invention is particularly adapted to large ocean-going vessels, for example, tankers, container ships and cruise passenger liners, and will hereinafter be more specifically described with referenáe thereto, although it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereby and is generally applicable to water-borne vessels such as merchant ships, military naval ships and aircraft carriers, cargo vessels and freighters with a displacement of 1000 metric tons or s more, preferably 10,000 metric tons or more and most preferably 20,000 metric tons or more, such as, for example, about 50,000 metric tons. Typical ocean-going vessels are provided with one or more propellers, the motion of which is used to drive the vessel through the water and (by astern propulsion) to decelerate the vessel when it reaches its port or harbour destination.

By a kinetic water-driven turbine in this specification is meant a turbine that can generate energy from the kinetic energy present in flowing water in a free-flow environment. Such turbines are known, and any suitable type can be selected for use in the present invention. These include, for example, axial flow rotor turbines, open centre fan turbines and cycloidic turbines. The rotor shaft of the kinetic water-driven turbine can be horizontal or vertical, depending on the type of turbine, but the turbine is preferably mounted such that the shaft is substantially vertical, so that the turbine rotates in a substantially horizontal plane. The turbine is preferably provided with from 1 to 10, more preferably from 2 to 8, and most preferably 3 to 6 rotor blades. The turbine blades can be mounted on the rotor shaft or spaced radially outwardly therefrom. Where fixed rotor blades are used, they are preferably symmetrical, up to 3 in number and most preferably of the NACA OOXIX series type. Preferably, however, from 3 to 9 rotor blades are used, and at least half, more preferably all, of the rotor blades are themselves rotatable, and mounted on a rotor extending from the shaft such zs that each rotor blade can rotate about its vertical axis. A particularly suitable design olturbine is described in Patent Specification W02010004286A1 the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

The kinetic water-driven turbine is mounted on the vessel preferably below the water-line of the vessel, so as, in use, to receive a flow of water from the water through which the vessel is travelling. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the kinetic water-driven turbine is mounted within the hull of s the vessel, in a channel extending at least part way from bow to stem. The channel may, for example, comprise a tubular member extending from bow to stem having a bow intake and a stem outlet. One or more turbines, for example, from 3 to 10 turbines, can be arranged in series along the length of the tubular member. In another embodiment, the channel can have an open cross-section, in for example, a U-shaped cross-section, and can be formed in the keel of the vessel such that it extends from bow to stem.

The length of the channel will depend upon the number of turbines to be accommodated therein and the overall dimensions of the hull of the vessel. The channel can extend the frill length of the vessel from the bow to the stem or can exit part way along the vessel as desired. In certain embodiments, a plurality of channels can be provided, or a single channel can be branched so as, for example, to have one or more outlets on the port and starboard sides of the vessel.

Preferably the means for controlling the flow through the turbine of water zo flowing in a component direction from bow to stem of the vessel has open and closed positions such that when open the water flows through the channel and the turbine, to decelerate the vessel or to generate electric power, or both, and when closed the water passes around or under the vessel. The means for controlling the flow can be hydraulically-operated or electrically-operated and can be a simple vertically-sliding plate, a hinged plate, a butterfly valve, or any other suitable device.

The channel is sized to accommodate the turbine and the means for controlling the flow can, for example, be mounted at the mouth of the bow-facing intake end of the channel. Where the channel comprises a tubular member, the tubular member can have any suitable cross-section, for example, circular or rectangular, depending on the type and dimensions of the turbine. Preferably the tubular member is at least 50 ems in diameter, more preferably from 1 metre to 15 metres in diameter, for example about 5 metres in diameter.

The water flowing through the kinetic water-driven turbine has a component direction from bow to stem of the vessel. By "a component direction from bow to stem of the vessel" in this specification is meant that the flowing water has at least a component of its velocity parallel to a line drawn from bow to stem of the vessel. For example, when the vessel is travelling in a forward direction, the water flow relative to the vessel may be parallel to the direction of travel of the vessel, or at an angle to the direction of travel of the vessel, provided that at is least a component of the velocity of the water flow relative to the vessel is in the reverse direction to the direction of travel of the vessel. Regulator means can be provided, if desired, to regulate the flow of water through the turbine in accordance with the rated flow speed of the turbine. Such regulator means can be provided, for example, by the controlling means for controlling the direction of flow, or by an independent valve means.

The rotation of the turbine under the influence of the water flowing through the channel can be harnessed to produce electric power by connecting the rotor shaft to an electric generator. Electric power produced by the generator can be used in the vessel directly or stored in one or more suitable electric storage batteries.

It will be appreciated that when the vessel is under way and travelling in a forward direction, flow of water through the kinetic water-driven turbine can have both a decelerating and power generating function. In this fashion the drag of the turbine serves to decelerate the vessel, minimising the need for astern propulsion, and the momentum of the vessel is used to generate power, thereby reducing the fuel consumption of the vessel. Before it can start producing s power the turbine must overcome internal transmission losses and, in general, if the rated flow speed of the turbine is X, the turbine will have substantially a decelerating function at flow speeds of O.SX or less, and a decelerating and power generating function at flow speeds of O.SX or more.

When the vessel is travelling against a current, the vessel can also maintain a constant speed whilst the means for controlling the flow of water through the kinetic water-driven turbine is open. In this arrangement the turbine can generate electric power wherein the water flow combines the kinetic energy of the current and the forward thrust of the vessel's propulsion system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of a vessel and hydrokinetic energy system in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying schematic Drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a sectional side elevation of a first embodiment of a vessel and hydrokinetic energy system in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 shows the vessel and hydrokinetic energy system of Figure 1 in end elevation looking towards the bow of the vessel; Figure 3 shows a horizontal cross-section along the line A -A of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a fragmentary sectional side elevation of an enlarged view of a portion of the bow of the vessel of Figure 1; and a Figure 5 shows an end elevation of a second embodiment of a vessel and hydrokinetic energy system in accordance with the invention looking towards the bow of the vessel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown an ocean-going vessel I having a bow 2 and stem 3. The vessel is driven through the water by a propeller 4. The water-line of the vessel is shown by the broken line 5.

The vessel is provided with a hydrokinetic energy system illustrated generally at 6, which comprises a longitudinally-arranged tubular member 7, rumiing internally the length of the vessel, having an intake 8 at the bow 2 and an outlet 9 at the stem 3. Along the tubular member 7 are arranged a plurality of turbines 10. It will be appreciated that, although eight turbines are depicted in Figure 1, any number could be used depending on the size of the vessel and the efficiency of the turbines. Each turbine 10 is mounted upon a vertically rotatable shaft 11 is connected to an electric power generator 12. The generators are connected to one or more electric storage batteries 13.

Referring now to Figure 3, the turbine illustrated generally at 10 comprises a rotor 14 mounted upon a vertically rotatable shaft 11 and carrying eight rotor blades 15 shaped to deflect water flowing in the tubular member 7 such that the turbine rotor and shaft rotate in a clockwise direction as shown by the arrows 16. The direction of water flow is indicated by the arrows 17.

Referring now to Figure 4, the intake 8 of the tubular member 7 is provided with a retractable hatch 18 which can be: opened to allow water to enter the tubular member 7. A mesh screen 19 extends over the tubular member intake 8 to prevent the ingress of fish, weed and foreign matter into the tubular member 7 which might impede the operation of the turbines 10.

in use, the intake 8 of the tubular member 7 is opened by raising the retractable hatch 18. Water is forced to flow through the tubular member 7 by passage of the ship through the ocean and enters each of the turbines 10 in turn. The flow of water can be controlled by the extent to which the hatch 18 is raised up or s down. The water gives up its kinetic energy to the turbines, thereby creating a drag effect which acts like a reverse thrust and decelerates the vessel. At the same time, when the flow of water exceeds O.5 X the rated flow speed of the turbines, the turbines 10 rotate, driving the generators 12 and converting the kinetic energy of the flowing water into electrical energy. The electrical energy so produced is stored in the one or more storage batteries 13. Finally the spent water leaves the tubular member 7 through the outlet 9.

Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of a vessel and hydrokinetic energy system in accordance with the invention in end elevation looking towards the bow of the vessel. The vessel 20 is generally of a catamaran construction and is is provided with twin hulls 21 and 22. Between the twin hulls 21, 22 there is an open U-shaped channel 23 formed by thc walls of the twin hulls. Mounted between the hulls 21, 22 in the open channel 23 is a turbine 24 which is rotatable about a vertical axis. A deflector plate 25 can be lowered to deflect the flow of water around the open channel 23 when the turbine is not in use.

zo Other features of this embodiment are similar to those shown in the embodiment of Figures ito 4.

The hydrokinetic energy system of the invention can be incorporated in the design of new vessels or it can be retro-fitted to existing vessels.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example, "comprising" and "comprises", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification the singular includes the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the s indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract or drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hydrokinetic energy system comprising a kinetic water-driven turbine adapted to be mounted on a water-borne vessel and means for controlling the flow through the turbine of water flowing in a component direction s from bow to stem of the vessel.
2. A hydrokinetic energy system according to Claim 1, wherein the kinetic water-driven turbine has a rotor shaft that is adapted, in use, to be mounted on the vessel such that the rotor shaft is substantially vertical, and such that the turbine rotates, in use, in a substantially horizontal plane.
3. A hydrokinetic energy system according to Claim I or 2, wherein the turbine is provided with from Ito 10 rotor blades.
4. A hydrokinetic energy system according to any one of Claims ito 3, wherein the turbine blades are mounted on the rQtor shaft.is
5. A hydrokinetic energy system according to any one of Claims ito 3, wherein the turbine blades are spaced radially outwardly from the rotor shaft.
6. A hydrokinetic energy system according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 and 5, wherein the kinetic water-driven turbine comprises a rotor extending from the rotor shaft, the rotor having mounted thereon from 3 to 9 rotor blades.
7. A hydrokinetic energy system according to Claim 6, wherein at least half of the rotor blades are themselves axially rotatable, and are mounted on the rotor such that each rotor blade can turn about its vertical axis.
8. A hydrokinetic energy system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the kinetic water-driven turbine is adapted to be mounted on the vessel below the water-line of the vessel, so as, in use, to receive a flow of water from the water through which the vessel is travelling.
9. A hydrokinetic energy system according to Claim 8, wherein the kinetic water-driven turbine is mounted within the hull of the vessel, in a channel extending at least part way from bow to stem.
10. A hydrokinetic energy system according to Claim 9, wherein the channel comprises a tubular member extending from bow to stem, having a bow intake and a stem outlet.
11. A hydrokinetic energy system according to Claim 9 or 10, wherein from 3 to 10 water-driven turbines are mounted in the channel in series.
12. A hydrokinetic energy system according to any one of Claims ito 8, wherein the kinetic water-driven turbine is mounted in a channel having an open cross-section, the channel being formed in the keel of the vessel such that it extends from bow to stem.
13. A hydrokinetic energy system according to any one of Claims 9 to 12, wherein the channel has a diameter of from 1 metre to 15 metres.
14. A hydrokinetic energy system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for controlling the flow through the turbine of water flowing in a component direction from bow to stem of the vessel has open and closed positions such that when open the water flows through the channel and the turbine, to decelerate the vessel or to generate electric power, or both, and when closed the water passes around or under the vessel.
15. A hydrokinetic energy system according to Claim 14, wherein the means for controlling the flow is a hydraulically-operated or electrically-operated sliding plate mounted at the intake of the channel.
16. A hydrokinetic energy system according to any one of Claims 10 to 15, wherein a mesh screen is provided at the tubular member intake to minimise, in use, the entry of fish or foreign matter into the channel.
17. A hydrokinetic energy system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein regulator means are provided, in use, to regulate the flow of water through the turbine in accordance with the rated flow speed of the turbine.
18. A hydrokinetic energy system according to Claim 17, wherein the regulator means is provided by the controlling means for controlling the direction of flow, or by an independent valve means.
19. A hydrokinetic energy system according to any one of claims 2 to 18, wherein the turbine rotor shaft is connected, in use, to an electric generator.
20. A hydrokinetic energy system substantially as hereinbefore described io with reference to the accompanying Drawings.
21. A water-borne vessel provided with a hydrokinetic energy system, the hydrokinetic energy system comprising a kinetic water-driven turbine mounted on the vessel and means for controlling the flow through the turbine of water flowing in a component direction from bow to stem of the vessel.
22. A water-borne vessel according to Claim 21, having a displacement of 10,000 metric tons or more.
23. A water-borne vessel according to Claim 21 or 22, wherein the kinetic water-driven turbine has a rotor shaft that is adapted, in use, to be mounted on the vessel such that the rotor shaft is substantially vertical, and such that the turbine rotates, in use, in a substantially horizontal plane.
24. A water-borne vessel according to any one of Claims 21 to 23, wherein the turbine is provided with from 1 to 10 rotor blades.
25. A water-borne vessel according to any one of Claims 21 to 24, wherein the turbine blades are mounted on the rotor shaft.
26. A water-borne vessel according to any one of Claims 21 to 24, wherein the turbine blades are spaced radially outwardly from the rotor shaft.
27. A water-borne vessel according to any one of Claims 21 to 24 and 26, wherein the kinetic water-driven turbine comprises a rotor extending from the rotor shaft, the rotor having mounted thereon from 3 to 9 rotor blades.
28. A water-borne vessel according to Claim 27, wherein at least half of the rotor blades are themselves axially rotatable, and are mounted on the rotor such that each rotor blade can turn about its vertical axis.
29. A water-bone vessel according to any one of Claims 21 to 28, wherein the kinetic water-driven turbine is adapted to be mounted on the vessel below the water-line of the vessel, so as, in use, to receive a flow of water from the water through which the vessel is travelling.
30. A water-borne vessel according to Claim 29, wherein the kinetic water-driven turbine is mounted within the hull of the vessel, in a channel extending at least part way from bow to stern.is
31. A water-borne vessel according to Claim 30, wherein the channel comprises a tubular member extending from bow to stem, having a bow intake and a stem outlet.
32. A water-borne vessel according to Claim 30 or 31, wherein from 3 to 10 water-driven turbines are mounted in the channel in series.
33. A water-borne vessel according to any one of Claims 21 to 29, wherein the kinetic water-driven turbine is mounted in a channel having an open cross-section, the channel being formed in the keel of the vessel such that it extends from bow to stem.
34. A water-borne vessel according to any one of Claims 30 to 33, wherein the channel has a diameter of from 1 metre to 15 metres.
35. A water-borne vessel according to any one of Claims 21 to 34, wherein the means for controlling the flow through the turbine of water flowing in a component direction from bow to stern of the vessel has open and closed positions such that when open the water flows through the channel and the turbine, to decelerate the vessel or to generate electric power, or both, and when closed the water passes around or under the vessel.
36. A water-borne vessel according to Claim 35, wherein the means for controlling the flow is a hydraulically-operated or electrically-operated sliding plate mounted at the intake of the channel.
37. A water-borne vessel according to any one of Claims 30 to 32 and 34 to 36, wherein a mesh screen is provided at the tubular member intake to minimise, in use, the entry of fish or foreign matter into the channel.
38. A water-borne vessel according to any one of Claims 21 to 37, wherein regulator means are provided, in use, to regulate the flow of water through the turbine in accordance with the rated flow speed of the turbine.
39. A water-bone vessel according to Claim 38, wherein the regulator means is provided by the controlling means for controlling the direction is of flow, or by an independent valve means.
40. A water-bone vessel according to any one of claims 23 to 39, wherein the turbine rotor shaft is connected, in use, to an electric generator.
41. A water-borne vessel substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Drawings.
42. A method of decelerating a water-borne vessel which comprises flowing water through a hydrokinetic energy system comprising a kinetic water-driven turbine mounted on the vessel.
43. A method according to Claim 42, wherein there is used a hydrokinetic energy system according to any one of Claims I to 20.
44. A method of decelerating a water-borne vessel substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Drawings.
45. A method of generating energy on a water-borne vessel which comprises flowing water through a hydrokinetic energy system, the system comprising a kinetic water-driven turbine mounted on the vessel, whilst the vessel is in forward motion,
46. A method according to Claim 45, wherein there is used a hydrokinetic energy system according to any one of Claims I to 20.s
47. A method of generating energy on a water-borne vessel substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Drawings.