GB2299623A

GB2299623A - A propulsion unit

Info

Publication number: GB2299623A
Application number: GB9507301A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Lindsay Mcculloch
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-04-07
Filing date: 1995-04-07
Publication date: 1996-10-09
Also published as: GB9507301D0

Abstract

A propulsion unit comprises a source (boiler 1) for generating a stream of fluid, at least one diverter (aerofoils 2A, 2B) for diverting the stream of fluid generally away from the direction of propulsion of the propulsion unit, and a housing disposed around the or each separate diverter. Valves 5 control the the thrust produced by the device, fluid being exhausted via outlets 4A, 4B.

Description

A PROPULSION UNIT The present invention relates to propulsion units.

The invention is a propulsion unit comprising: a source for generating a stream of fluid; and at least one diverter for diverting the stream of fluid generally away from the direction of propulsion of the propulsion unit.

Preferably, two diverters extend in opposite directions from the source, or a plurality of diverters extend in opposite directions from the source, and the diverters are arranged in series. In one embodiment, the diverters are also mounted parallel to each other.

The diverters would normally be aerofoils, and may be surrounded by a housing. The housing includes an exhaust outlet directed generally away from the direction of propulsion of the propulsion unit.

In a preferred embodiment, the source is a source of steam. The source may include a boiler. Flow regulation valves are preferably disposed between the boiler and the diverters in order to control propulsion.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a plan and elevational view of a propulsion unit according to the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a plan and elevational view of another propulsion unit according to the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1, a boiler 1 includes two outlets from which steam at high pressure is directed into two aerofoil housings 3A, 3B via flow control valves 5. Each housing 3A, 3B surrounds an aerofoil 2A, 2B and includes an exhaust outlet 4A, 4B.

In use, the high pressure steam boiler 1 heats a reservoir of water contained therein to generate steam. The steam may have a velocity of 30 metres per second. The steam is directed into the housings 3A, 3B so as to pass simultaneously over the aerofoils 2A, 2B. The steam is then exhausted from the exhaust outlets 4A, 4B in a direction opposite to the direction of propulsion. The passage of steam over the aerofoils 2A, 2B causes thrust in the direction indicated by the arrows. Thrust is controlled by the flow control valves 5 which may be adjusted to regulate the flow of steam therethrough.

Referring now to Figure 2, steam is not immediately exhausted from the housing 3A, 3B, but continues on so as to pass over a further two aerofoils which are connected in series. The aerofoils 2A, 2B are substantially parallel to each other so that the steam passes back and forth over the aerofoils. The steam is then exhausted through exhaust outlets 4A, 4B which direct the steam in a direction substantially away from the direction of propulsion. The passage of the steam past the aerofoils causes thrust in a forward direction as shown by the arrows.

In one embodiment, not shown, the steam enters the housing 3A,3B through a internal pipe which includes slots or perforations which direct the steam directly onto the aerofoils 2A,2B.

The aerofoils may be securely fixed to a vehicle so that the thrust is transmitted to that vehicle.

In another embodiment, the aerofoils may be securely fixed to a water-borne vessel.

Claims

1. A propulsion unit comprising: a source for generating a stream of fluid; and at least one diverter for diverting the stream of fluid generally away from the direction of propulsion of the propulsion unit.

2. A propulsion unit according to claim 1 including two diverters extending in opposite directions from the source.

3. A propulsion unit according to claim 1 or claim 2 including a plurality of diverters extending in opposing directions from the source.

4. A propulsion unit according to claim 3 wherein the diverters are connected in series.

5. A propulsion unit according to any preceding claim wherein the diverters are aerofoils.

6. A propulsion unit according to any preceding claim including a housing surrounding the at least one diverter.

7. A propulsion unit according to claim 6 wherein the housing includes an exhaust outlet directed generally away from the direction of propulsion of the propulsion unit.

8. A propulsion unit according to any preceding claim wherein the source for generating a stream of fluid is a source of steam.

9. A propulsion unit according to claim 8 wherein the source is a boiler.

10. A propulsion unit constructed and arranged substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

10. A propulsion unit according to any preceding claim including flow regulation valves disposed between the source and the plurality of diverters for controlling propulsion.

11. A propulsion unit constructed and arranged substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A propulsion unit comprising: a source for generating a stream of fluid; at least one diverter for diverting the stream of fluid generally away from the direction of propulsion of the propulsion unit, and a housing disposed around the or each separate diverter.

6. A propulsion unit according to any preceding claim wherein the housing includes an exhaust outlet directed generally away from the direction of propulsion of the propulsion unit.

7. A propulsion unit according to any preceding claim wherein the source for generating a stream of fluid is a source of steam.

8. A propulsion unit according to claim 7 wherein the source is a boiler.

9. A propulsion unit according to any preceding claim including flow regulation valves disposed between the source and the plurality of diverters for controlling propulsion.