WHEEL-TYPE POWERHELM UNIT OF ARTIC VOYAGE SHIP Russian patent published in 2012 - IPC B63H1/04 B63H5/03 

FIELD: transport.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to water transport. Powerhelm unit comprises two paddle wheels mounted at head and two wheels at end, paddle wheel depth adjustment device, and device to reduce negative pressure under ship in shallow water. Floats are rigidly mounted on paddle wheels in symmetry about ship centre plane. Every paddle wheel has independent-control drive. Floats extend relative to wheel axes. Paddle wheels feature variable diametre to be inscribed in truncated cone with diametre increasing from side to centre plane and axes out of ship centre plane square. Floats feature screw shape with optimum entrance angles in side zone and exit angles in ship centre plane. Floats are made up of shell cylindrical surfaces secured onto star-like discs. Toothing is made on float edges. Float paddle wheel width exceeds ship hull design waterline width. Ship head paddle wheel teeth represent hexagon barrel with cutting tools clamped therein. Device to reduce negative pressure under ship in shallow water includes aerator tube with air intakes. Paddle wheels are furnished with diffusion nozzle.

EFFECT: higher efficiency and controllability.

2 dwg