A system configured to self-deploy an aerodynamic structure can include an outer container, load transfer components, the aerodynamic structure, and conversion devices. The outer container can have a standardized form factor and can store the aerodynamic structure therein and deploy the aerodynamic structure therefrom. The load transfer components can transfer propulsion loads from the system to a shipping vehicle. The aerodynamic structure can include wind capturing components that convert wind forces to propulsion loads and structural components that stabilize and space apart the wind capturing components. The aerodynamic structure can be deployed to an extended configuration outside the outer container and be retracted to a stored configuration within the outer container. The conversion devices can deploy the aerodynamic structure from the stored configuration to the extended configuration and retract the aerodynamic structure from the extended configuration to the stored configuration while the system is removably installed on the shipping vehicle.

The invention relates to a Flettner rotary sail (800) capable of turning about a vertical axis, and comprising an aerodynamic surface of rotation extending between a proximal end and a distal end, comprising, between its two ends, a plurality of sections centered on the vertical axis and extending along said axis between two parallel circular hoops, respectively of diameter 2r, and 2r.sub.2, the hoops being spaced apart by a distance 2h along the vertical axis, the shape of the aerodynamic surface of the section being defined by the revolution of a continuous meridian curve comprising, between the two hoops, a groove of radius r.sub.0 less than or equal to r.sub.1 and less than or equal to r2

A braking system for waterborne propeller driven vessel which, upon activating a brake pedal or similar actuation device causes the vessel to almost immediately stop its forward movement. The system initiates a burst of highly amplified horsepower and torque, created by a controlled pulse of electrical power released from a bank of fully charged ultracapacitors. This pulse of electrical power is sent directly to AC induction-driven motors, causing oversized propellers to immediately rotate astern, thereby generating a reverse thrust in opposition to the vessel's forward movement sufficient to stop the vessel. The horsepower and torque produced by the braking system and operation of the present invention will also cause the oversize propellers to transmit this tremendous power into the water, without cavitation, to assist in stopping vessel movement.

A braking system for waterborne propeller driven vessel which, upon activating a brake pedal or similar actuation device causes the vessel to almost immediately stop its forward movement. The system initiates a burst of highly amplified horsepower and torque, created by a controlled pulse of electrical power released from a bank of fully charged ultracapacitors. This pulse of electrical power is sent directly to AC induction-driven motors, causing oversized propellers to immediately rotate astern, thereby generating a reverse thrust in opposition to the vessel's forward movement sufficient to stop the vessel. The horsepower and torque produced by the braking system and operation of the present invention will also cause the oversize propellers to transmit this tremendous power into the water, without cavitation, to assist in stopping vessel movement.

The invention relates to a Flettner rotary sail (800) capable of turning about a vertical axis, and comprising an aerodynamic surface of rotation extending between a proximal end and a distal end, comprising, between its two ends, a plurality of sections centered on the vertical axis and extending along said axis between two parallel circular hoops, respectively of diameter 2r, and 2r.sub.2, the hoops being spaced apart by a distance 2h along the vertical axis, the shape of the aerodynamic surface of the section being defined by the revolution of a continuous meridian curve comprising, between the two hoops, a groove of radius r.sub.0 less than or equal to r.sub.1 and less than or equal to r2.

A system for limiting power to a plurality of on-line consumers includes an operating characteristic sensor associated with each of a plurality of prime movers and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a maximum torque capability of each of the plurality of prime movers, determine the available electrical power response of each of the plurality of generators, determine a total available electrical power response, and determine a total maximum power demand. The controller then compares the total available electrical power response to the total maximum power demand, and upon the total maximum power demand exceeding the total available electrical power response, limits power to the plurality of on-line consumers to no more than the total available electrical power response.

A ship having improved power efficiency is provided. The ship comprises: a power grid; a power cost generator which determines the cost of power; a generator which is connected to the power grid and analyzes the cost of power so as to autonomously determine whether to produce power; an energy storage device which is connected to the power grid and analyzes the cost of power so as to autonomously determine whether to store power; and a load which is connected to the power grid and analyzes the cost of power so as to autonomously determine whether to use power.

A system for allocating power generation between a constant speed generator set and a variable speed generator set. A controller determines an operating power demand from on-line consumers, and determines an anticipated transient power demand from a new consumer or one with an increasing power demand. The controller allocates the electrical power response between the generator sets to meet both the operating power demand prior to a transient condition and the total power demand upon the occurrence of the transient condition. The allocation may be based upon operating modes of the system.

The invention relates to an apparatus for launch and recovery a submersible vessel from and to an off-shore site. The apparatus comprises an actively operated gimbal coupled between said first end of the launch/recovery cable and the submersible vessel, when the submersible vessel is suspended by the launch/recovery cable. Both the displacement unit and the winch are operated by electrical motors during displacement of the displacement unit and during winding of the launch/recovery cable. Electrical power for the electrical motors is provided by batteries of the apparatus.

A convertible bimini top for a marine vessel has a cover frame, a support arm for supporting the cover frame above the marine vessel, the support arm having a lower end configured to be pivotably coupled to the marine vessel and an upper end pivotably coupled to the cover frame, a lower actuator coupled to the lower end of the support arm, the lower actuator being configured to pivot the support arm relative to the marine vessel to move the cover frame up and down relative to the marine vessel, and an upper actuator coupled to the upper end of the support arm and to the cover frame, the upper actuator being configured to pivot the cover frame relative to the support arm.