Patent Grant
12043363
This application is a National Stage Application of PCT/FI2019/050899, filed 17 Dec. 2019, which claims benefit of Ser. No. 18/213,026.0, filed 17 Dec. 2018 in Europe and which applications are incorporated herein by reference. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above-disclosed applications.
The present invention relates to a grid for a tunnel thruster according to the preamble of the appended independent claim. The invention also relates to a tunnel thruster and a vessel incorporating such a grid.
Tunnel thrusters, also known as transverse or manoeuvring thrusters, are widely used in vessels, such as ships and boats. A tunnel thruster that is typically installed in the bow or stern of a vessel, below the waterline, provides a transverse thrust to support manoeuvring, mooring, station keeping and dynamic positioning of the vessel.
An exemplary tunnel thruster comprises a tunnel section that is open at both ends. A propeller is mounted inside the tunnel section and it can be rotated by a motor to create a thrust in either direction.
A known problem associated with the tunnel thruster is the vessel's increased resistance to motion in water. A known solution to this problem is to provide the ends (openings) of the tunnel section with grids that comprise bars arranged perpendicularly to the movement direction of the vessel. Even though these grids decrease the vessel's resistance to motion in water, they also create a problem in the form of the decreased thrust of the tunnel thruster. The thrust is decreased because of the turbulent resistance produced by the bars of the grid.
It is the main objective of the present invention to reduce or even eliminate the prior art problems presented above.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a grid for a tunnel thruster. In more detail, it is an objective of the invention to provide a grid for a tunnel thruster that enables to decrease the resistance to motion in water and increase the thrust of the tunnel thruster. It is also an objective of the invention to provide a grid that is reliable and durable. It is a further objective of the invention to provide a grid that produces low noise and vibration. It is yet a further objective of the invention to provide a grid that is easy to install to a tunnel section of a tunnel thruster.
It is also an objective of the present invention to provide a tunnel thruster that produces a small resistance to motion in water and a large thrust. It is a further objective of the invention to provide a vessel having a small resistance to motion in water and a large thrust.
In order to realise the above-mentioned objectives, the grid according to the invention is characterised by what is presented in the characterising portion of the appended independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.
A grid according to the invention for a tunnel thruster comprises a plurality of first radially extending bars arranged at angular intervals from each other, and a plurality of first connecting bars, each of the first connecting bars being connected between adjacent first radially extending bars.
The grid according to the invention is intended to be used in a tunnel thruster, which can be installed in a hull of a vessel, such as a ship or a boat, to provide a transverse thrust. The tunnel thruster is preferably installed in the bow or stern of the vessel. The tunnel thruster comprises a tunnel section and a propeller that is arranged inside the tunnel section to create the thrust in either direction. The grid is preferably arranged inside the tunnel section and close to an end (opening) of the tunnel section. The grid is preferably dimensioned in such a manner that the first radially extending bars can be connected to the wall of the tunnel section.
The size and shape of the grid can vary depending on the application. The grid can be substantially circular and dimensioned to fit inside the tunnel section having an essentially round cross-section. The grid can be substantially flat or planar, although in some embodiments it can be slightly curved.
The first radially extending bars of the grid are arranged at angular intervals from each other. The angles between the adjacent first radially extending bars can be the same with or different from each other. It is also possible to arrange the first radially extending bars in such a manner that the angles between the adjacent first radially extending bars have, for example, two, three, four or five possible values.
A purpose of the first radially extending bars is to convert the rotational flow generated by a propeller of a tunnel thruster into axial (linear) flow. This improves the thrust of the tunnel thruster.
The first radially extending bars are preferably substantially straight, although in some embodiments the first radially extending bars may be curved in one or more directions. The first radially extending bars can also be twisted along their lengths. The length of the first radially extending bars can be, for example, 0.1-5 m, preferably 0.5-4 m or more preferably 0.5-2.5 m. Preferably, the first radially extending bars have substantially the same length. The first radially extending bars are preferably made of stainless steel.
The number of the first radially extending bars can vary depending on the application. The number of the first radially extending bars can be, for example, 4-12, or preferably 5, 7, 9 or 11. Preferably, the number of the first radially extending bars differs from the number of propeller blades in such a manner that these numbers are non-divisible.
The first connecting bars of the grid are connected between the adjacent first radially extending bars. Each first connecting bar is connected between two adjacent first radially extending bars so that one end of the first connecting bar is connected to one first radially extending bar and the other end of the first connecting bar is connected to another first radially extending bar. The first connecting bars can be connected to the first radially extending bars, for example, by welding or by using connecting means such as bolts. Preferably, each of the first radially extending bars is connected to the adjacent first radially extending bars with the first connecting bar. In this case, the number of the first connecting bars is the same as the number of the first radially extending bars.
A purpose of the first connecting bars is to decrease the resistance to motion in water. They also improve the rigidity of the grid.
The first connecting bars can be substantially straight or curved in one or more directions. The first connecting bars can be curved and arranged to the grid in such a manner that they together form a circle. The length of the first connecting bars can be, for example, 0.1-2 m, preferably 0.5-1.5 m or more preferably 0.5-1 m. Preferably, the first connecting bars have substantially the same length. The first connecting bars are preferably made of stainless steel.
The number of the first connecting bars can vary depending on the application. The number of the first connecting bars can be, for example, 4-12, or preferably 5, 7, 9 or 11. Preferably, the number of the first connecting bars is the same as the number of the first radially extending bars.
An advantage of the grid according to the invention is that it decreases the resistance to motion in water and increases the thrust of the tunnel thruster. Another advantage of the grid according to the invention is that it is reliable and durable. Yet another advantage of the grid according to the invention is that it produces low noise and vibration. Yet another advantage of the grid according to the invention is that it is easy to install to a tunnel section of a tunnel thruster. Yet another advantage of the grid according to the invention is that it prevents objects from entering a tunnel section of a tunnel thruster and thus protects a propeller inside the tunnel section.
According to an embodiment of the invention the first radially extending bars are flat bars, each of the flat bars having a leading edge that is rounded or chamfered. The whole or part of the length of the leading edge can be rounded or chamfered. The flat bars are arranged in the grid so that their planes are perpendicular to the plane of the grid. The grid is meant to be arranged in connection with an end of a tunnel section of a tunnel thruster so that the leading edges of the flat bars are facing a propeller that is arranged inside the tunnel section. Trailing edges of the flat bars can also be rounded or chamfered. The leading and trailing edges are longitudinal edges of the flat bar. The length of the flat bars can be, for example, 0.1-5 m, preferably 0.5-4 m or more preferably 0.5-2.5 m. The width of the flat bars can be, for example, 5-50 cm or preferably 10-30 cm. The thickness of the flat bars can be, for example, 0.1-5 cm or preferably 1-2 cm. An advantage of the rounded or chamfered leading edge is that it improves the thrust of a tunnel thruster. Another advantage of the rounded or chamfered leading edge is that it decreases noise and vibration.
According to an embodiment of the invention the first radially extending bars are flat bars, each of the flat bars being bent in the transverse direction of the flat bar.
Preferably, the flat bar is bent so that at least the leading edge of the flat bar is bent. The bending radius can be, for example, 1-10 cm. An advantage of the bending is that it improves the thrust of a tunnel thruster. Another advantage of the bending is that it decreases noise and vibration.
According to an embodiment of the invention each of the first radially extending bars is connected to the adjacent first radially extending bars with the first connecting bar. In this case, the number of the first connecting bars in the grid is the same as the number of the first radially extending bars. An advantage of connecting each first radially extending bar with the first connecting bars to the adjacent first radially extending bars is that it decreases the resistance to motion in water and it also makes the grid more rigid.
According to an embodiment of the invention the first connecting bars are connected in such a manner that they are at the same distance from the centre of the grid. By the centre of the grid is meant a point at which first ends of the first radially extending bars are attached together or at which extension lines of the first radially extending bars intersect. The distance of the first connecting bars from the centre of the grid can be, for example, 0.1-2 m, preferably 0.5-1.5 m or more preferably 0.5-1 m. The first connecting bars can be curved in such a manner that they together form a circle. An advantage of arranging the first connecting bars at the same distance from the centre of the grid is that it decreases the resistance to motion in water and it also makes the grid more rigid.
According to an embodiment of the invention first ends of the first radially extending bars are connected together. The first ends of the first radially extending bars are connected together at the centre of the grid. An advantage of connecting the first ends of the first radially extending bars together is that it reduces the pressure drop over the grid.
According to an embodiment of the invention the grid comprises a centre part to which first ends of the first radially extending bars are connected. The centre part can be, for example, a disc or a ring. Preferably, the diameter of the centre part is smaller than the diameter of a propeller hub. An advantage of the centre part is that it facilitates optimizing the minimum area covering the opening of the tunnel section. It also makes the grid easy to manufacture.
According to an embodiment of the invention the grid comprises a plurality of second connecting bars, each of the second connecting bars being connected between adjacent first radially extending bars in such a manner that the second connecting bars are farther away from the centre of the grid than the first connecting bars.
The second connecting bars of the grid are connected between the adjacent first radially extending bars. Each second connecting bar is connected between two adjacent first radially extending bars so that one end of the second connecting bar is connected to one first radially extending bar and the other end of the second connecting bar is connected to another first radially extending bar. The second connecting bars can be connected to the first radially extending bars, for example, by welding or by using connecting means such as bolts. Preferably, each of the first radially extending bars is connected to the adjacent first radially extending bars with the second connecting bar. In this case, the number of the second connecting bars is the same as the number of the first radially extending bars.
The second connecting bars can be substantially straight or curved in one or more directions. The second connecting bars can be curved and arranged to the grid in such a manner that they together form a circle. The length of the second connecting bars can be, for example, 0.3-3 m, preferably 0.6-1.7 m or more preferably 0.7-1.2 m. Preferably, the second connecting bars have substantially the same length. The second connecting bars are preferably made of stainless steel.
The number of the second connecting bars can vary depending on the application. The number of the second connecting bars can be, for example, 4-12, or preferably 5, 7, 9 or 11. Preferably, the number of the second connecting bars is the same as the number of the first radially extending bars.
An advantage of the second connecting bars is that they further decrease the resistance to motion in water and they also make the grid more rigid.
According to an embodiment of the invention the second connecting bars are connected in such a manner that they are at the same distance from the centre of the grid. The distance of the second connecting bars from the centre of the grid can be, for example, 0.3-3 m, preferably 0.6-1.7 m or more preferably 0.7-1.2 m. The second connecting bars can be curved in such a manner that they together form a circle. An advantage of connecting the second connecting bars at the same distance from the centre of the grid is that it decreases the resistance to motion in water and it also makes the grid more rigid.
According to an embodiment of the invention the grid comprises a plurality of second radially extending bars arranged at angular intervals from each other, each of the second radially extending bars being connected between one first connecting bar and one second connecting bar. Each second radially extending bar is connected so that one end of the second radially extending bar is connected to the first connecting bar and the other end of the second radially extending bar is connected to the second connecting bar. The second radially extending bars can be connected to the first and second connecting bars, for example, by welding or by using connecting means such as bolts. The second radially extending bars are arranged radially between the first radially extending bars. Preferably, the second radially extending bars are arranged in such a manner that their extension lines intersect at the centre of the grid. The second radially extending bars can be dimensioned in such a manner that their ends may be connected to a wall of a tunnel section of a tunnel thruster.
The angles between the adjacent second radially extending bars can be the same with or different from each other. It is also possible to arrange the second radially extending bars in such a manner that the angles between the adjacent second radially extending bars have, for example, two, three, four or five possible values.
The second radially extending bars are preferably substantially straight, although in some embodiments the second radially extending bars may be curved in one or more directions. The second radially extending bars can also be twisted along their lengths. The length of the second radially extending bars can be, for example, 0.1-3 m, preferably 0.5-2 m or more preferably 0.5-1.2 m. Preferably, the second radially extending bars have substantially the same length. The second radially extending bars are preferably made of stainless steel.
The number of the second radially extending bars can vary depending on the application. The number of the second radially extending bars can be, for example, 4-12, or preferably 5, 7, 9 or 11. Preferably, the number of the second radially extending bars is the same as the number of the first radially extending bars.
An advantage of the second radially extending bars is that they improve the thrust of the tunnel thruster by converting the rotational flow generated by a propeller of a tunnel thruster into axial (linear) flow.
According to an embodiment of the invention the second radially extending bars are flat bars, each of the flat bars having a leading edge that is rounded or chamfered. The whole or part of the length of the leading edge can be rounded or chamfered. The flat bars are arranged in the grid so that their planes are perpendicular to the plane of the grid. The grid is meant to be arranged in connection with an end of a tunnel section of a tunnel thruster so that the leading edges of the flat bars are facing a propeller that is arranged inside the tunnel section. Trailing edges of the flat bars can also be rounded or chamfered. The leading and trailing edges are longitudinal edges of the flat bar. The length of the flat bars can be, for example, 0.1-3 m, preferably 0.5-2 m or more preferably 0.5-1.2 m. The width of the flat bars can be, for example, 5-50 cm or preferably 10-30 cm. The thickness of the flat bars can be, for example, 0.1-5 cm or preferably 1-2 cm. An advantage of the rounded or chamfered leading edge is that it improves the thrust of a tunnel thruster. Another advantage of the rounded or chamfered leading edge is that it decreases noise and vibration.
According to an embodiment of the invention the second radially extending bars are flat bars, each of the flat bars being bent in the transverse direction of the flat bar. Preferably, the flat bar is bent so that at least the leading edge of the flat bar is bent. The bending radius can be, for example, 1-10 cm. An advantage of the bending is that it improves the thrust of a tunnel thruster. Another advantage of the bending is that it decreases noise and vibration.
According to an embodiment of the invention the first and/or second radially extending bars and the first and/or second connecting bars are flat bars. The width of the radially extending bars and/or the connecting bars can be, for example, 5-50 cm or preferably 10-30 cm. The thickness of the radially extending bars and/or the connecting bars can be, for example, 0.1-5 cm or preferably 1-2 cm.
According to an embodiment of the invention the number of the first radially extending bars and/or the second radially extending bars is 4-12. Preferably, the number of the first radially extending bars and/or the second radially extending bars is 5, 7, 9 or 11.
The present invention also relates to a tunnel thruster. The tunnel thruster according to the invention comprises a tunnel section, a propeller arranged inside the tunnel section, and a grid according to the invention arranged in connection with an end of the tunnel section.
The tunnel section is tubular, and it is open at both ends. The length of the tunnel section can be, for example, 1-4 m, 4-10 m, or 10-20 m. Preferably, the tunnel section has a round cross-section. The diameter of the tunnel section can be, for example, 1-4 m.
The propeller can be a Controllable Pitch (CP) or Fixed Pitch (FP) propeller. The propeller can be driven by a motor that is built on the tunnel section. Alternatively, the propeller can be driven by a separately mounted motor that is located outside the tunnel section. With the motor, the propeller can be rotated to create the thrust in either direction.
The grid is preferably arranged inside the tunnel section and close to the end (opening) of the tunnel section. The grid is preferably dimensioned in such a manner that the first radially extending bars can be connected to the wall of the tunnel section. Preferably, both ends (openings) of the tunnel section are provided with a grid according to the invention.
The tunnel thruster according to the invention can be installed in a hull of a vessel, such as a ship or a boat, to provide a transverse thrust. The tunnel thruster is preferably installed below the waterline in the bow or stern of the vessel. The tunnel thruster can be used in manoeuvring, mooring, station keeping and dynamic positioning of the vessel.
An advantage of the tunnel thruster according to the invention is that it produces a small resistance to motion in water and a large thrust.
According to an embodiment of the invention the grid is arranged inside the tunnel section at a distance of at least 10 mm from the end of the tunnel section. It has been found that by positioning the grid at the distance of at least 10 mm from the end (opening) of the tunnel section, the resistance to motion in water is considerably reduced.
According to an embodiment of the invention the first radially extending bars are connected to the tunnel section. The first radially extending bars can be connected to the wall of the tunnel section, for example, by welding or by using connecting means such as bolts.
According to an embodiment of the invention the number of the first radially extending bars and/or the second radially extending bars differs from the number of propeller blades. Preferably, the number of the first radially extending bars and/or the second radially extending bars differs from the number of propeller blades in such a manner that these numbers are non-divisible. An advantage of this is that it reduces the mechanical resonance provided by the propeller and the grid.
The present invention also relates to a vessel. The vessel according to the invention comprises a tunnel thruster according to the invention installed in a hull of the vessel. The tunnel thruster is preferably installed below the waterline in the bow or stern of the vessel. The tunnel thruster provides a transverse thrust to support manoeuvring, mooring, station keeping and dynamic positioning of the vessel. The vessel can be a ship or a boat. The vessel may comprise more than one tunnel thruster, for example, 2, 3 or 4 tunnel thrusters. The vessel may comprise 1-4 tunnel thrusters installed in the bow and/or the stern of the vessel.
An advantage of the vessel according to the invention is that it has a small resistance to motion in water and a large thrust.
The exemplary embodiments of the invention presented in this text are not interpreted to pose limitations to the applicability of the appended claims. The verb “to comprise” is used in this text as an open limitation that does not exclude the existence of also unrecited features. The features recited in the dependent claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated.
The exemplary embodiments presented in this text and their advantages relate by applicable parts to the grid, the tunnel thruster as well as the vessel according to the invention, even though this is not always separately mentioned.
The same reference signs are used of the same or like components in different embodiments.
The grid 100 also comprises first connecting bars 102. Each first connecting bar 102 is connected between two adjacent first radially extending bars 101 so that one end of the first connecting bar 102 is connected to one first radially extending bar 101 and the other end of the first connecting bar 102 is connected to another first radially extending bar 101. The first connecting bars 102 are connected at the same distance from the centre of the grid 100 and they are curved in such a manner that they together form a circle.
The tunnel thruster 200 comprises a grid 100 that is arranged inside and close to an end of the tunnel section 201. The ends of the first radially extending bars 101 are connected to the wall of the tunnel section 201. The number of the first radially extending bars 101 differs from the number of propeller blades 203 in such a manner that these numbers are non-divisible.
Only advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in the figures. It is clear to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted only to the examples presented above, but the invention may vary within the limits of the claims presented hereafter. Some possible embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims, and they are not to be considered to restrict the scope of protection of the invention as such.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18213026 | Dec 2018 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/FI2019/050899 | 12/17/2019 | WO |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2020/128159 | 6/25/2020 | WO | A |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20220063784 A1 | Mar 2022 | US |
