초록 ▼

An energy efficient system for reducing the water friction on the hull of a marine vessel. The contact of water with the portion of the outer surface of the hull of a marine vessel which normally engages the water is reduced by the strategic induction of pressurized or compressed air or gas to cover

An energy efficient system for reducing the water friction on the hull of a marine vessel. The contact of water with the portion of the outer surface of the hull of a marine vessel which normally engages the water is reduced by the strategic induction of pressurized or compressed air or gas to cover that outer surface. The compressed air is retained on the outer surface by various grooves, channels or semi-flat surfaces running the length of the vessels bottom and in certain applications vertical sides, which prevent the flow of the compressed gas to the surface of the water. The pressurized air or gas is recaptured before exiting the stern or sides and recycled to the bow through an energy efficient circulation system, thus recovering the energy in the compressed air or gas which has flowed from bow to stern. The larger and the deeper the hull displacement, the greater is the efficiency realized by the recycling of the compressed air or other gas.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system for reducing the friction between the hull of a vessel and the water through which the vessel is moving comprising:A. a source of compressed gas,B. a distribution system, said distribution system receiving compressed gas from said source of compressed gas and dis

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system for reducing the friction between the hull of a vessel and the water through which the vessel is moving comprising:A. a source of compressed gas,B. a distribution system, said distribution system receiving compressed gas from said source of compressed gas and distributing it to the outer surface of the hull, so as to provide an air interface between the outer surface of the hull and the water,C. compressed gas recovery means for recovering the compressed gas after it has passed over the outer surface of the hull,D. separation means for separating entrained water from the recovered compressed gas, andE. recycling means for returning the recovered compressed gas to the distribution system, whereby the friction between the outer surface of the hull and the water is reduced, and the energy in the compressed gas is recovered.