The propulsion system has a hydraulic drive 3 connecting a first propulsor 1 co-axial with a second propulsor 2, in operation the drive exerts a torque on the first propulsor and an equal and opposite torque on the second propulsor. Also claimed is a propulsor having contra-rotating first and second propulsors 1,2 with a hydraulic drive 3 which develops a pure action-reaction torque pair between the propulsors and zero net torque-to-ground. A first unit 4 transfers oil from a stationary frame into a rotating frame of the first propulsor at a higher pressure such that most of the thrust developed is reacted internally using fluid forces within the first unit. A second unit 5 transfers oil back into the stationary frame from a rotating frame of the second propulsor at a lower pressure such that most of the thrust developed is reacted internally using fluid forces within the second unit. A set of bearings 21,22 ensures the axes of the two propulsors remain aligned and capable of carrying any residual thrust loads left after the oil-transfer units 4,5 have subtracted most of these thrusts.
Contra-rotating hydraulic drive system for propulsion
17.04.2024
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
Underwater high-speed contra-rotating direct-drive propulsion motor
Europäisches Patentamt | 2023
|