A VESSEL WITH WIND POWER PLANTS ARRANGED THERETO AND A METHOD FOR MANEUVERING AND PROPULSION OF THE SAME

The present invention relates to vessels provided with wind power stations, and in particular to vessels with one or more wind power stations, which can be tilted in relation to an upright position, and which further comprise means for maneuvering, including propulsion of the vessel.

Background of the invention

The population of the earth is constantly increasing and with the population increase, the need for energy and the use of energy increase. In addition, the earth's assets of fossil fuel, such as coal, gas and oil, are decreasing. In the trail of the constantly increasing usage of energy and usage of fossil fuel follows an increase of pollution of, among other things, the atmosphere with a thinning ozone layer and global warming as a consequence. Also the earth's oceans and land suffer from constantly increasing pollution.

A large cause of the pollutions of, among other things, the atmosphere is the constant transportation of people and goods. There are three dominating means of transporting people and goods, which result in the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutions. These are cars/trucks, airplanes and ships.

Lately, a large focus has been on cars. Big efforts have been made and are made to reduce the cars' need of fossil fuel and to reduce their emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutions. Among other things, different hybrid

techniques are being developed.

Also the aviation has been paid attention to and more efficient engines are being developed and more light weight materials are being tested and developed to make the airplane's body lighter without reducing the firmness and strength. Ship transports also substantially contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutions. Many heavy transports are being made by means of ships, such as heavy cargo ships. Ships require large and strong engines to power them. The ships are very heavy and the water resistance is greater than the air resistance.

In order to try to reduce the fuel consumption for transports by means of ships, when the ship is to perform a planned journey between two places, different calculations are made of the speed and the route with regards to the current weather conditions and possibly also the water currents in order to try to optimize to both arrive as quickly as possible and to consume as little fuel as possible. In some cases, the time is an important factor and one is forced to drive the ship in disadvantageous weather, such a strong headwind with resulting strong water currents. In the cases the time is not critical, considerations are taken to the weather conditions such as wind power and wind direction. The route can be re-planned should it be more advantageous to make a longer route with more advantageous conditions compared to the shorter route with worse conditions. Also the ship's speed plays a big role in the fuel consumption. Large amounts of fuel may be saved at favorable conditions compared to non-favorable conditions. Each liter of saved fuel means reduced emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutions.

Strong wind conditions, when these do not entail direct headwind constantly, may result in increased air resistance in the form of headwind, but also a continuous correction of the ship's course must be performed by aid of the rudder at conditions with strong side wind. The use of the rudder results in increased water resistance, which in turn increases the energy consumption that is required to drive the ship forward.

During a route from the departure to the destination, the ship will most likely encounter different wind conditions and during a large portion of the route, it is likely that the vessel will encounter mostly a mix of side wind, with different angles of incidence in relation to the forward direction of the vessel, and headwind. Summary of the invention

An object of the invention is to reduce the need of fossil fuel of a vessel.

Another object is to improve the maneuvering ability of a vessel.

The invention relates to a vessel comprising a hull comprising a deck, at least one wind power station comprising a mast with a longitudinal axis, a rotor with wings and a generator, wherein the wind power station is fastened to the deck by means of a fastening arrangement, and wherein the wind power station is arranged to transform wind to electrical energy and to transfer a propulsion force to the hull by the fastening arrangement, and a control means coupled to the wind power station and arranged to control the wind power station, wherein the mast is arranged with angling means adapted to set the longitudinal axis of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular of the deck.

This has several advantages, among other things, the rotation planes can be moved in relation to each other so that a desired impact area with regards to the incident wind can be achieved. Another advantage is that the pressure center or the equilibrium point of the vessel can be displaced.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the angling means is further arranged to set the longitudinal axis of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular of the deck, wherein the angle is in the interval of 0° to 1 80°.

According to yet an embodiment, the angling means is further arranged to set the longitudinal axis of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular of the deck, wherein the angle is in the interval of 0° to 90°.

Further, according to yet an embodiment, the angling means which is arranged to set the longitudinal axis of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular of the deck, is further arranged to tilt the mast of the wind power station in the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

According to an embodiment, the angling means, which is arranged to set the longitudinal axis of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular of the deck, is further arranged to tilt the mast of the wind power station perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

According to an embodiment, the angling means is further arranged with hinges in order to set the longitudinal axis of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular of the deck.

Further, according to an embodiment, the wind power station comprises a generator and two rotors which are arranged on opposite sides of the mast in relation to each other and with a distance there between and arranged to drive the generator.

According to yet an embodiment, the vessel comprises at least two wind power stations.

According to an embodiment, the control means is arranged to control the wind power stations independently of each other.

The invention also refers to a method for maneuvering a vessel comprising a hull comprising a deck, at least one wind power station comprising a mast with a longitudinal axis, a rotor with wings that form a rotation plane when rotating and a generator for producing electricity, wherein the wind power station is arranged at the deck, wherein the vessel further comprises control means for controlling the wind power station, wherein the maneuvering of the vessel comprises controlling the wind power stations so that the vessel sheers, wherein the controlling comprises setting the longitudinal axis of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular of the deck by means of the control means. According to an embodiment of the method, the maneuvering comprises setting, by means of the control means, the longitudinal axis of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular of the deck by tilting the mast of the wind power station, wherein the tilting of the mast of the wind power station is performed in the

longitudinal direction of the vessel.

According to an embodiment of the method, the maneuvering comprises setting, by means of the control means, the longitudinal axis of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular of the deck by tilting the mast of the wind power station, wherein the tilting of the mast of the wind power station is performed perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

The invention also relates to a vessel comprising a hull comprising a deck, at least one wind power station comprising a mast with a longitudinal axis, a rotor with wings and a generator, wherein the wind power station is fastened to the deck by means of a fastening arrangement, and wherein the wind power station is arranged to transform wind to electrical energy and to transfer a propulsion force to the hull by the fastening arrangement, and a control means coupled to the wind power station and arranged to control the wind power station, wherein the mast is arranged with length regulating means adapted to regulate the length of the mast along the longitudinal axis.

According to an embodiment of the vessel, the length regulating means comprises at least two sections of the mast, which sections are arranged such that the first section can be telescopically moved along the longitudinal axis into the second section.

According to an embodiment of the vessel, the mast is further arranged with angling means adapted to set the longitudinal axis of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular of the deck. According to yet an embodiment, the angling means is further arranged to set the longitudinal axis of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular of the deck, wherein the angle is in the interval of 0° to 1 80°.

According to yet an embodiment, the angling means is further arranged to set the longitudinal axis of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular of the deck, wherein the angle is in the interval of 0° to 90°.

According to an embodiment, the angling means which is arranged to set the longitudinal axis of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular of the deck, is further arranged to tilt the mast of the wind power station in the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

According to yet an embodiment, the angling means which is arranged to set the longitudinal axis of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular of the deck, is further arranged to tilt the mast of the wind power station perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

According to an embodiment of the vessel, the angling means is further arranged with hinges in order to set the longitudinal axis of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular of the deck.

According to an embodiment of the vessel, the wind power station comprises a generator and two rotors which are arranged on opposite sides of the mast in relation to each other and with a distance there between and arranged to drive the generator.

According to yet an embodiment, the vessel comprises at least two wind power stations.

According to an embodiment, the control means is arranged to control the wind power stations independently of each other. The invention also relates to a method for maneuvering a vessel comprising a hull comprising a deck, at least one wind power station comprising a mast with a longitudinal axis, a rotor with wings that form a rotation plane when rotating and a generator for producing electricity, wherein the wind power station is arranged at the deck, wherein the vessel further comprises control means for controlling the wind power station so that the vessel sheers, wherein the controlling comprises setting the length of the mast along the longitudinal axis, by means of the control means.

According to an embodiment of the method, the maneuvering of the vessel comprises setting, by means of the control means, the longitudinal axis of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular to the deck.

According to yet an embodiment of the method, the maneuvering comprises setting, by means of the control means, the longitudinal axis of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular of the deck by tilting the mast of the wind power station, wherein the tilting of the mast of the wind power station is performed in the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

Further, according to an embodiment of the method, the maneuvering comprises setting, by means of the control means, the longitudinal axis of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular of the deck by tilting the mast of the wind power station, wherein the tilting of the mast of the wind power station is done perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

Short description of the drawings

The invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a vessel according to the present invention, arranged with two wind power stations, seen from the side, with an exemplifying angling setting of the two wind power stations.

Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of a vessel according to the present invention, arranged with two wind power stations, seen from the front, with an exemplifying angling setting of the two wind power stations.

Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of a vessel according to the present invention, arranged with two wind power stations, seen from the side, with an exemplifying angling setting of the two wind power stations, wherein each of the wind power stations are arranged with two rotors.

Figures 4A - 4G illustrate the same embodiment of a vessel according to the present invention as in figure 1 and 2, with different exemplifying angling settings of the wind power stations.

Figures 5A and 5B illustrate an embodiment of a vessel according to the present invention, arranged with two wind power stations, seen from the side and from above respectively, with the two wind power stations fully tilted down and out of use.

Figures 6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of a vessel according to the present invention, arranged with two wind power stations, seen from the side and from above respectively, with an exemplifying setting of the angling of the rotation planes in relation to the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

Figures 7A and 7B illustrate the same embodiment of a vessel according to the present invention as figures 6A and 6B, arranged with two wind power stations, seen from the side and from above respectively, with another exemplifying setting of the angling of the rotation planes in relation to the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

Figure 8A illustrates an embodiment of a vessel according to the present invention, arranged with two wind power station, seen from the side, with an exemplifying setting of the height of the wind power station along the longitudinal axis of the mast.

Figure 8B illustrates the same embodiment of a vessel according to the present invention as in figure 8A, arranged with two wind power stations, seen from the side, with another exemplifying setting of the height of the wind power station along the longitudinal axis of the mast.

Figure 9 illustrates a part of a mast of a wind power station arranged with length regulating means.

Detailed description of embodiments

The description that follows will be focused on an exemplary embodiment. This embodiment comprises two wind power stations arranged on a vessel. It shall be observed that the invention is not limited to vessels arranged with only two wind power stations, but one, three, four or more wind power stations can be arranged on a vessel. Further, the wind power stations are shown having two wings each. It shall be observed that the wind power stations can have more than two wings and that the wind power stations need not have the same amount of wings.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a vessel with a hull 1 and a deck 1 1 , which vessel is equipped with two wind power stations 2a, 2b. Each of the wind power stations 2a, 2b comprise a mast 3a, 3b on which a machine housing 4a, 4b is arranged. The machine house 4a, 4b is arranged on top of the mast 3a, 3b. The masts have a longitudinal axis 30a, 30b and are fastened at the deck 1 1 by means of a fastening arrangement 9a, 9b. The wind power stations further comprise a rotor 6a, 6b in connection to the machine housing. This rotor 6a, 6b is adapted to drive at least one generator (not shown). The rotor 6a, 6b is arranged on a rotor shaft which extends from the rotor 6a, 6b into respective machine housing 4a, 4b and further, optionally via a gearbox (not shown) or transmission (not shown), to the generator. The generator is arranged in the machine housing 4a, 4b. Each rotor 6a, 6b comprises a set of at least two wings 5a, 5b.

The wings 5a, 5b are arranged such that, when the rotors 6a, 6b rotate, the wings 5a, 5b form a rotation plane. The wings 5a, 5b extends radially in relation to the rotor shaft.

The vessel 1 also comprises control means 7 which is coupled to the wind power stations 2a, 2b and is arranged to control the wind power stations 2a, 2b.

Figure 1 illustrates further that the masts 3a, 3b are arranged with angling means 10a, 1 0b adapted to set the longitudinal axis 30a, 30b of the mast in an angle a, β in relation to the perpendicular N of the deck 1 1 .

This has several advantages, among other things, the rotation planes can be moved in relation to each other so that a desired impact area with regards to the incident wind can be achieved. Another advantage is that the vessel's pressure center or the equilibrium point can be displaced. These and other advantages will be described in more detail when the method for maneuvering a vessel according to the invention is described below.

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the angling means 1 0a, 1 0b wherein these are arranged in the vicinity of the fastening arrangements 9a, 9b of the masts 3a, 3b to the hull 1 at the deck 1 1 . However, the angling means 1 0a, 1 0b can be arranged anywhere along the length of the masts 3a, 3b. In embodiments where the angling means 1 0a, 1 0b are arranged somewhere along the upper half of the masts 3a, 3b, i.e. somewhere from the middle point of the masts along the longitudinal axis and the machine housings 4a, 4b, the angling means 1 0a, 1 0b are adapted to set the longitudinal axis 30a, 30b of the masts 3a, 3b in an angle a, β in relation to the perpendicular N of the deck 1 1 , which angle is within the interval 0° to 1 80°. The angle 0° corresponds to the mast is standing upright so that the longitudinal axis 30a, 30b is parallel to the perpendicular N to the deck. The angle 1 80° corresponds to the mast 3a, 3b being fully folded down, so as to say doubled.

In the embodiment of the angling means 1 0a, 1 0b shown in figure 1 , where these are arranged close to the fastening arrangements 9a, 9b of the masts 3a, 3b to the deck 1 1 , the angling means 1 0a, 1 0b are adapted to set the longitudinal axis 30a, 30b of the masts 3a, 3b in an angle a, β in relation to the perpendicular N to the deck 1 1 , which angle is within the interval 0° to 90°. The angle 0° corresponds to the mast is standing upright so that the longitudinal axis 30a, 30b is parallel to the perpendicular N of the deck. The angle 90° corresponds to the mast 3a, 3b being fully tilted down so that the mast 3a, 3b is lying parallel to the deck of the vessel.

By the possibility of tilting the wind power stations such that the masts are substantially parallel to the deck, passage underneath e.g. a low bridge is facilitated. Also at maintenance or service of the wind power station, it is advantageous to be able to fully tilt down the wind power station.

Figure 1 illustrates further an embodiment wherein the angling means 10a, 1 0b which are arranged to set the longitudinal axis 30a, 30b of the masts in an angle a, β in relation to the perpendicular N of the deck 1 1 , further arranged to tilt the masts 3a, 3b of the wind power stations in the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of a vessel according to the present invention, arranged with two wind power stations, seen straight from the front, with exemplifying tilting settings of the two wind power stations. According to this embodiment, the angling means 1 0a, 10b which are arranged to set the longitudinal axis 30a, 30b of the masts in an angle a, β in relation to the perpendicular N of the deck 1 1 , further arranged to tilt the masts 3a, 3b of the wind power stations perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

It shall be noted, even if it is not illustrated in any of the accompanying figures, that the angling means 1 0a, 10b can be arranged to tilt the masts 3a, 3b of the wind power stations both in the longitudinal direction of the vessel and perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the vessel simultaneously.

According to an embodiment, the angling means are arranged with hinges in order to set the longitudinal axis 30a, 30b of the masts in an angle a, β in relation to the perpendicular N of the deck 1 1 .

Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of a vessel 1 according to the present invention, arranged with two wind power stations 2a, 2b, seen from the side with exemplifying tilting settings of the two wind power stations 2a, 2b, wherein each of the wind power stations are arranged with two rotors 1 1 a, l i b.

According to an embodiment, the wind power station or the wind power stations 2a, 2b comprise a generator and two rotors 1 1 a, l i b, which are arranged on opposite sides of the mast 3a, 3b in relation to each other and with a distance there between and arranged to drive the generator. Figure 3 shows an embodiment with two wind power stations 2a, 2b, where both is of the type with two rotors 1 1 a, 1 1 b, also called a double turbine. Other examples of embodiments comprise a single turbine, i.e. one rotor as in shown in figures 1 and 2, and one double turbine; or three double turbines and two single turbines. In other words, single turbines and double turbines can be combined in many different ways onboard the vessel.

The control means 7 which is coupled to the wind power stations 2a, 2b and is arranged to control the wind power stations 2a, 2b, is arranged to control the settings of tilting angles a, β between the longitudinal axis 30a, 30b of the masts in relation to the perpendicular N of the deck 1 1 . The control means 7 is preferably arranged to control the wind power stations 2a, 2b independently of each other.

From the wind, energy is generated by the rotation of the rotors 6a, 6b and simultaneously the pressing forces of the wind in the axial direction of the rotor are transferred via the fastening arrangement 9a, 9b of the mast 3a, 3b to the vessel. The vessel can in this way sail by using the wind power stations 2a, 2b as sails. When sailing, the mast 3a, 3b of the wind power station transfers, via its fastening arrangement 9a, 9b to the vessel, the propulsive force to the hull of the vessel.

The wind power stations 2a, 2b, which are arranged on a vessel are for this purpose adapted to be used as sail for propulsion of the vessel. The wind power stations are rotatably mounted, around their respective mast axis on the vessel. The rotatability can be achieved in different ways, whereof two embodiments are preferable. According to an embodiment, the mast is rotatably mounted at the foot of the mast at the vessel. That is, the whole wind power station comprising mast, rotor, machine housing and generator is rotated at the foot of the mast or close to the fastening arrangement of the mast to the hull of the vessel. According to another embodiment, each respective mast is rotation wise fixedly mounted on the vessel and instead, the rotor, machine housing and generator are rotatably arranged to be rotatable around that mast of the wind power station. Regardless of the rotatability arrangement, the mast of the wind power station is fastened to the vessel such that it can transfer mechanical forces to the hull of the vessel.

When the vessel is to move, the wings and rotors, that is the respective rotation plane that is formed as the wings rotate, are set in an angle towards the incident wind direction such that the wind power stations function as sails. This is illustrated in figures 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B.

Figures 4A - 4G illustrate the same embodiment of a vessel according to the present invention as in figure 1 , with different exemplifying angling settings of the wind power stations.

Before figure 4 is described, assume the vessel is a homogeneous elongated body. In such a case, the pressure center or the equilibrium point is exactly halfway between the stem and stern, with the same distance to each of them. Suppose the vessel is being subjected to an incident wind directly from port, i.e. from the left in relation to the stem and stern. Then the vessel will be pushed sideways, if it is also assumed that no currents or other water movements are present. If the vessel is being driven forward, the pressure center or equilibrium point will be displaced forwardly, towards the stem in the travelling direction of the vessel. This results in the forward part of the vessel, between the pressure center or the equilibrium point and the stem is shorter or smaller than the backward part of the vessel, between the pressure center or the equilibrium point and the stern. Suppose the vessel is being subjected to an incident wind directly from port. Then the backward part will be subjected to a greater force due to the incident wind than the forward part. This results in the vessel being influenced to turn around the pressure center or equilibrium point. Then the vessel will, in this example, sheer to port.

The present invention also relates to a method for maneuvering of a vessel comprising a hull 1 , a deck 1 1 , at least one wind power station 2a, 2b comprising a mast 3a, 3b with a longitudinal axis 30a, 30b, rotor 6a, 6b with wings 5a, 5b which form a rotation plane as they rotate, and generator for producing electricity, wherein the wind power station is arranged at the deck, wherein the vessel further comprises control means 7 for controlling the wind power station 2a, 2b, wherein the

maneuvering of the vessel comprises controlling the wind power station 2a, 2b such that the vessel sheers, wherein the control comprises, by means of the control means 7, to set the longitudinal axis 30a, 30b of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular N of the deck.

By being able to set the longitudinal axis 30a, 30b of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular N of the deck, the impact area of the rotation plane or exposure area towards the incident wind can be adjusted. It may be desirable that the rotation planes overlap a little or that they are completely non- overlapping with regards to each other in the case when more than one mast is arranged at the vessel. Another advantage that can be achieved is that the pressure center or equilibrium point of the vessel can be displaced length-wise and sideways.

Figures 4A-G show simplified illustrations of an embodiment of a vessel as well as the method for maneuvering the vessel, which embodiment comprises two wind power stations arranged on a vessel. Details shown in figures 1 -3 have been left out for case of simplicity.

Figures 4A-G shows different exemplifying tilting settings of the wind power stations.

According to an embodiment of the method for maneuvering a vessel, the maneuvering comprises to, by means of the control means, set the longitudinal axis of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular of the deck, by tilting the mast of the wind power station, wherein the tilting of the mast of the wind power station is performed in the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

As has been described above, this means that the pressure center or equilibrium point of the vessel can be displaced in the longitudinal direction. By this, it is possible to compensate for the incident wind such that the vessel is not brought out of course without using the rudder, which would introduce a friction loss and a current loss. Likewise, the vessel can be made to sheer by displacing the pressure center or the equilibrium point of the vessel in the longitudinal direction without using the rudder. By displacing the pressure center or the equilibrium point of the vessel, it is possible to either reinforce or compensate for the influence of the incident wind to bring the vessel out of course. In addition to reducing the consumption of fossil fuel by, by means of the wind power station, supplying electrical power to the vessel and propulsion of the vessel by using the wind power stations as sails, it is possible to maneuver the vessel by means of the wind power stations in order to minimize the use of the rudder to further reduce the fuel consumption.

Figures 4A - 4E show a vessel, seen from the side, and illustrate how the two wind power stations can be tilted in the longitudinal direction of the vessel independently of each other.

When the vessel is driven forward, it is influenced by, among other things, incident wind, as has been described above. In order to compensate for or reinforce this influence, in relation to the course or route that the vessel is supposed to follow, the masts of the wind power stations are tilted independently of each other in order to displace the pressure center or the equilibrium point of the vessel in the longitudinal direction of the vessel. The masts of wind power stations are also tilted independently of each other in order to achieve a desired impact area of the rotation planes towards the wind.

Figure 4A shows the two wind power stations in an upright position. The figure shows that the two wind power stations in this position have completely non- overlapping rotation planes, i.e. one does not block the other. It shall be noted that the wind power stations can be placed on the vessel such that they can, so to say, block or overlap each other a little.

Figure 4B, shows how the most forwardly placed wind power station is in an upright position and the other wind power station is tilted towards the stern. This means that the pressure center or the equilibrium point of the vessel will be displaced backwards, towards the stern in the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

Figure 4C shows how both wind power stations are tilted towards the stern. The means that the pressure center or the equilibrium point of the vessel will be displaced backwards, towards the stern in the longitudinal direction of the vessel, to a greater extent than in figure 4B.

Figure 4D shows how the most forwardly placed wind power station is tilted towards the stem and the other wind power station is in an upright position. This means that the pressure center or the equilibrium point of the vessel will be displaced forwardly, towards the stem in the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

Figure 4E shows how both wind power stations are tilted towards the stem. This means that the pressure center or the equilibrium point of the vessel will be displaced forwardly, towards the stem in the longitudinal direction of the vessel, to a greater extent than in figure 4D. According to an embodiment of the method for maneuvering a vessel, the maneuvering comprises to, by means of the control means, set the longitudinal axis of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular of the deck by tilting the mast of the wind power station, wherein the tilting of the mast of the wind power station is done perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

Figures 4F and 4G show a vessel, seen straight from the front, and illustrate how the two wind power stations can be tilted perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the vessel independently of each other.

Figure 4F shows the two wind power stations in an upright position. The figure shows that the two wind power stations in this position have overlapping rotation planes, i.e. one blocks or shades the other.

Figure 4G shows how the two wind power stations are tilted perpendicularly in relation to the longitudinal direction of the vessel so that, so to speak, pull the rotation planes apart. Thereby, both wind power stations get non- overlapping rotation planes with regards to the incident wind, under the assumption that the direction of the incident wind in this example coincides with the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

An advantage with being able to tilt the wind power stations perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the vessel independently of each other is that the rotation planes can be moved with relation to each other so that they overlap or are non-overlapping in relation to each other, in those cases the vessel is provided with two or more wind power stations.

Another advantage is that the pressure center or the equilibrium point of the vessel can be displaced sideways in relation to the longitudinal direction of the vessel. This is achieved with one or more wind power stations. As the pressure center or the equilibrium point of the vessel is displaced sideways, the vessel is brought to sheer. Depending in the directions of the incident wind, the vessel can thus be kept on course or be brought to sheer according to the course by tilting the wind power stations perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the vessel without using the rudder.

Figure 5A and 5B illustrate an embodiment of a vessel according to the present invention, provided with two wind power stations, seen from the side and from above respectively, with the two wind power stations fully tilted down and out of use.

It may be desirable to fully tilt down the wind power station or wind power stations, for example if the vessel is to pass under a bridge, if the wind power station requires maintenance or service, or on other grounds. When the wind power station is to be serviced, it is an advantage if the machine housing or the machine housings are located in a position close to the deck to easily access and perform the service.

Figures 8A and 8B illustrate an embodiment of a vessel 1 with a deck 1 1 , which vessel is provided with two wind power stations 2a, 2b. Each of the wind power stations 2a, 2b comprise a mast 3a, 3b on which a machine housing 4a, 4b is arranged. The machine housing 4a, 4b is arranged on top of the mast 3a, 3b. The masts have a longitudinal axis 30a, 30b and are fastened at the deck 1 1 by means of a fastening arrangement 9a, 9b. The wind power stations further comprise a rotor 6a, 6b in connection to the machine housing. This rotor 6a, 6b is adapted to drive at least one generator (not shown). The rotor 6a, 6b is arranged on a rotor shaft which extends from the rotor 6a, 6b into respective machine housing 4a, 4b and further, optionally via a gearbox (not shown) or transmission (not shown), to the generator. The generator is arranged in the machine housing 4a, 4b. Each rotor 6a, 6b comprises a set of at least two wings 5a, 5b.

The wings 5a, 5b are arranged such that, when the rotors 6a, 6b rotate, the wings 5a, 5b form a rotation plane. The wings 5a, 5b extend radially in relation to the rotor shaft. The vessel 1 also comprises control means 7 which is coupled to the wind power station 2a, 2b and is arranged to control the wind power stations 2a, 2b.

Figures 8A and 8B also illustrate that the mast is arranged with length regulating means 1 00a, 1 00b in order to regulate the length of the mast 3a, 3b along the longitudinal axis 30a, 30b.

It may be desirable to be able to regulate the height of the wind power station. At strong wind conditions, the force exerted on the wind power station can be reduced by reducing the height of the wind power station. The higher the wind power station is, the greater the exerted force and the stresses at the wind power station's fastening arrangement at the hull. Under conditions with too strong winds, the wind power station needs to be taken out of use in order for the stresses not to become too great. By being able to regulate the height of the wind power station such as reducing the length of the mast, it is possible to reduce the stresses and the wind power station may be used under conditions with stronger winds than a wind power station having a fixed height.

Figure 9 illustrates a part of the mast of a wind power station arranged with length regulating means. Figure 9 shows that the length regulating means 1 00a, 1 00b comprises at least two sections 3 1 a, 32a, 3 1 b, 32b of the mast 3a, 3b, which sections are arranged such that the first section 3 1 a, 31 b can be moved telescopically along the longitudinal axis 30a, 30b into the second section 32a, 32b.

According to an alternative embodiment, the length regulating means is arranged to lower the mast through the deck and into the inside of the vessel.

Further, figures 8A and 8B illustrate that the masts 3a, 3b are provided with angling means 1 0a, 10b in order to set the longitudinal axis 30a, 30b of the mast in an angle a, β in relation to the perpendicular N of the deck 1 1 .

It shall be pointed out that although figures 8A and 8B show that the masts 3a, 3b are provided with angling means 10a, 1 0b, the masts may be provided only with length regulating means 100a, 100b in order to regulate the length of the masts 3a, 3b along the longitudinal axis 30a, 30b without the combining with angling means 10a, 10b.

The vessel which is provided with at least one wind power station 2a, 2b, which wind power station comprises a mast 3a, 3b which is provided with length regulating means 1 00a, 100b in order to regulate the length of the masts 3a, 3b along the longitudinal axis 30a, 30b, can in every way be combined with the angling means 10a, 1 0b in order to set the longitudinal axis 30a, 30b of the mast in an angle a, β in relation to the perpendicular N of the deck 1 1 . In other words, the wind power station 2a, 2b which is provided with length regulating means 100a, 1 00b can also be provided with angling means 1 0a, 10b such that the vertically adjustable mast also can be angled in all the ways which have been previously described in relation to the angling means 10a, 1 0b. Therefore, this will not be described once more.

The present invention also relates to a method for maneuvering a vessel comprising a hull 1 comprising a deckl 1 , at least one wind power station 2a, 2b comprising a mast 3a, 3b with a longitudinal axis 30a, 30b, a rotor 6a, 6b with wings 5a, 5b that form a rotation plane when rotating and a generator for producing electricity, wherein the wind power station is arranged at the deck, wherein the vessel further comprises control means 7 for controlling the wind power station 2a, 2b, wherein the maneuvering of the vessel comprises controlling the wind power station 2a, 2b such that the vessel sheers, wherein the controlling comprises setting the length of the mast along the longitudinal axis 30a, 3b, by means of the control means 7.

According to an embodiment of the method for maneuvering a vessel as shown in figures 8A and 8B comprising setting the length of the mast along the longitudinal axis 30a, 3b by means of the control means 7, the maneuvering of a vessel further comprises setting the longitudinal axis 30a, 30b of the mast in an angle in relation to the perpendicular N of the deck 1 1 . A further embodiment of the method for maneuvering a vessel as shown in figures 8A and 8B comprises tilting the mast 3a, 3b of the wind power station in the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

According to a further embodiment of the method for maneuvering a vessel, the method comprises tilting the mast 3a, 3b of the wind power station perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

It shall be noted that the tilting of the mast of the wind power station in accordance with figure 8A and 8B can comprise either tilting the mast 3a, 3b of the wind power station in the longitudinal direction of the vessel or perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the vessel, and also a combination thereof such that the tilting of the mast 3a, 3b of the wind power station is done both in the longitudinal direction of the vessel and perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

As the rotor 6a, 6b rotates, kinetic energy is transferred to the generator. The generator transforms the kinetic energy to electrical energy. The wind power station is preferably arranged to transfer the generated electrical energy to an electrical network (not shown) onboard the vessel. This electrical network preferably also comprises batteries for storing electrical energy. Typically, a transformer (not shown) is arranged between the generator and the electrical network or the batteries which adapts the electrical energy to be either fed into the electrical network or stored in one or more batteries.

A typical vessel is provided with one or more diesel engines, which primarily are used for powering one or more propellers in order to move the vessel. Usually, a vessel is also equipped with electrical generators, which are typically also powered by the diesel engines. The electricity from these electrical generators is used to supply electrical current to the vessel. It can used for everything from ordinary lighting, heating of cabins within the vessel, cooling, elevators, electrical control circuits and so on. According to an embodiment of the invention, such electrical current supply constitutes at least partly of generated electrical energy from the wind power stations instead of electrical energy generated by means of the diesel engines.

The vessel can be provided with an electrical engine (not shown) for propulsion of the vessel. The electrical energy required to power this electrical engine can entirely or partly constitute of generated electrical energy from the wind power stations.

The control means 7 which is coupled to the wind power station and arranged to control the same is also coupled to or comprises a control system (not shown). The control system has the purpose of monitoring the wind speed, the wind direction, the generator and its temperature, as well as the gearbox or transmission and an electrical braking system (which will be described later below). There is also a weathervane and an anemometer which measure wind direction and wind speed.

As has been previously described, the vessel is arranged to be maneuvered by means of the wind power station 2a, 2b. A typical vessel is provided with a rudder 8, which is used in a known manner to maneuver the vessel to hold the desired course or route. However, the use of the rudder entails braking of the vessel which leads to an increase in fuel consumption. By the vessel being arranged to be maneuvered by means of the wind power station 2a, 2b, together with the rudder, the use of the rudder can be minimized such that the vessel to the greatest extent possible is maneuvered by means of the wind power station. This has several advantages, the braking forces is reduced and the vessel can be driven forward when the wind power station also functions as sail, and the necessary electrical powering onboard can at least party be taken from the wind power station. This can result in radically reduced fuel consumption, which results in lower costs and less influence on the environment.

As has been previously described, the wind power stations are arranged to set the rotation plane in an angle in relation to the longitudinal direction of the vessel or the incident wind direction. The rotation arrangement is preferably provided with locking means (not shown) in order to lock and hold the rotation plane in a desired angle position with regards to the incident wind direction. The control system is arranged to, by means of the control means 7, continuously set the rotation plane of the wind power station with regards to a desired inputted course or route that the vessel is to follow. The control system is also arranged to calculate an angle between the longitudinal axis of the mast in relation to the perpendicular to the deck in both the longitudinal direction of the vessel and perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the vessel. The control system continuously sets a desired angle or angles by means of the control means 7 with regards to a desired course or route.

The control system is also arranged to be coupled to or comprising a GPS unit in order to continuously monitor the position of the vessel in relation to the inputted course or route.

The control system is arranged to, by means of the control means 7, control the wind power stations. The control system controls, among other things, an electrical braking system. The braking system is arranged to electrically regulate the generator, which means to regulate the braking of the wind power station or the generator. Without any braking, the generator does not generate any electricity and the rotor can be said to be disengaged. The higher the braking, the more electrical energy is generated by the generator and the slower the rotor rotates. This also means that a higher braking entails a larger force influence from the incident wind. It shall be noted that at too high a braking, the efficiency of the wind power station drops.

The wings 5a, 5b are rotatably mounted at the rotor shaft so that the wings 5a, 5b can be rotated 360° in the mounting in order to be angled against the incident wind. In relation to the rotatable mounting of the wings 5a, 5b at the rotor shaft, the mounting comprises fixation means in order to fixate the wings in a set angle position. The control system is arranged to, by means of the control means 7, angle each of the wings 5a, 5b of the wind power station so that the surface of the wings towards the wind is changed. The control system is arranged to, by means of the control means 7, also control the rudder 8 of the vessel.

According to an embodiment of the method for maneuvering a vessel, the maneuvering comprises angling the wings 5a, 5b of the wind power station, by means of the control means 7, so that the area of the wings towards the incident wind is changed.

Yet an embodiment of the method for maneuvering a vessel comprises changing the rotation plane of the wind power station 2a, 2b in relation to the wind direction, by means of the control means 7.

According to an embodiment of the method for maneuvering a vessel, the maneuvering comprises electrically regulating the generator of the wind power station 2a, 2b, by means of the control means 7, wherein the electrical regulation comprises regulating the braking of the wind power station 2a, 2b or the generator.

Yet an embodiment of the method for maneuvering a vessel, the maneuvering comprises controlling the rudder 8 of the vessel, by means of the control means 7.

Below, an exemplifying embodiment will be described. Assume a vessel according to the invention consumes 300 kW at normal operation out at sea. When the vessel is in harbor and shall be loaded and/or un-loaded, the power need temporarily increases, up to about 2000 kW. In order to meet with the power consumption of 300 kW, the vessel is provided with two wind power stations of 1 0 kW each. At such a dimensioning, up to about 90 liters of fuel is saved per operation hour. In addition to this, it is possible to save fuel when in harbor, that is at loading and un-loading of about 50 liters per hour.

This estimated fuel saving is based partly on substitute of onboard produced electricity and partly on the propulsion effect that is achieved by using the wind power stations as sails. When being in harbor, the vessel may be forced to connect its internal electrical network to the electrical network of the harbor, due to local regulations that prohibits the use of the diesel engines for powering the electrical generators. If instead this electricity can be taken from the wind power stations, this entails a saving corresponding to the electrical power consumption taken from the electrical network of the harbor.

The vessel can of course be provided with wind power stations of higher effect and greater propulsion abilities, due to longer wings which give a greater rotation area. The vessel may also be provided with more than two wind power stations. Thereby, the fuel savings can become bigger as the propulsive force from the wind power stations increases. The surplus energy generated by the generators can be stored in one or more batteries onboard. Alternatively, the surplus energy can be used to power an electrical engine which, together with the diesel engines, drives the propeller or propellers of the vessel. The vessel can also be provided with an arrangement for splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen gas as a way to store the surplus energy generated by the wind from the wind power station or the wind power stations. The hydrogen gas can then be used as an energy source for powering some sort of motor or to generate electricity.

The invention has been described according to an exemplifying embodiment. This is to be regarded as merely an example of an embodiment of the invention and not as a limitation of the invention. Several modifications and variations of the present invention is possible without departing from the scope of the invention as it is defined by the appended claims.