US 12,630,261 B2 · System and method for enhanced marine vessel efficiency using integrated hull optimizations

Abstract

A system and method for enhancing marine vessel efficiency through integrated hull optimizations is disclosed. The system includes automated bow thruster covers that reduce hull drag and condition water flow, coupled with strategically positioned air lubrication nozzles that create and maintain an air layer under the vessel. The bow thruster covers may be configured as circular doors or parallel panels, optionally incorporating air discharge ports or working in conjunction with dedicated air jets. An intelligent control system optimizes the integrated components using real-time sensor data and computational fluid dynamic analysis. The system modulates air distribution and cover positions based on sea conditions and vessel speed, maintaining optimal efficiency during operation. External surfaces may incorporate superaerophilic structures to enhance air retention and reduce drag. The comprehensive integration of these components provides improved hydrodynamic efficiency while maintaining full bow thruster functionality when required.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A hydrodynamically optimized submerged surface of a marine craft, comprising:

at least one moveable transverse tunnel cover;
an air lubrication nozzle assembly, wherein said air lubrication nozzle assembly includes a sea chest having an open cavity therein, wherein said sea chest includes a gas flow inlet, and an open lower boundary;
a flow modulating nozzle flap, wherein said flap is configured to modulate a direction and flow rate of a gaseous flow;
said open lower boundary is configured to receive said flow modulating nozzle flap;
said sea chest having at least one longitudinal engagement area, wherein said at least one longitudinal engagement area is a rigidly fixed semi-circumferential bracket for mounting said flow modulating nozzle flap, wherein said rigidly fixed semi-circumferential bracket is affixed semi-circumferentially at a border of said open lower boundary;
said flow modulating nozzle flap is coupled to said at least one longitudinal engagement area;
wherein said air lubrication nozzle assembly is operable in a submerged environment;
and
an engaged air layer created from an air supply of said gaseous flow.

6 more elements

A method for increasing efficiency of a watercraft by reducing drag, the method comprising:

configuring portions of a watercraft's hull for air delivery to said watercraft's hull's lower surface by providing at least one air delivery nozzle, wherein each of said at least one air delivery nozzle is an
air lubrication nozzle assembly, wherein said air lubrication nozzle assembly is capable of being immersed continuously in a liquid, and said air lubrication nozzle assembly includes:
a main body having an open cavity therein, wherein said main body includes a gas flow inlet, and an open air-interface boundary is disposed at a lower horizontal plane of a submerged hull of said watercraft surrounding said air-interface boundary;
and
wherein said air lubrication nozzle assembly is operable in a submerged environment;
providing a stratified flow of water to said open interface boundary disposed at said lower horizontal plane by providing a pair of transverse tunnel covers at distal openings of each of said at least one submerged transverse tunnel at a bow of said watercraft, whereby water flows over an exposed surface of each of said transverse tunnel covers thereby reducing turbulence and hydrodynamic drag caused by non-hydrodynamically optimized surfaces, wherein each of said transverse tunnel covers further comprises:
a moveable panel;
and
an air discharge port positioned at an interior edge of said moveable panel, whereby said air discharge port provides air distribution when said moveable panel is partially opened during forward movement of said watercraft;
and
wherein each of said moveable transverse tunnel covers is disposed in a submerged substantially vertical plane.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System and method for enhanced marine vessel efficiency using integrated hull optimizations

Life of this patent

System and method for enhanced marine vessel efficiency using integrated hull optimizations

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15