Active roll stabilisation system for ships

Abstract

An active roll stabilisation system for ships is described. The system comprises a rotatable stabilisation element extending below the ship's water line on a side of the ship, sensor means for sensing the ship's movements and delivering control signals on the basis thereof to driving means for rotatably driving the stabilisation element for the purpose of damping the ship's movements that are being sensed, as well as moving means for moving the stabilisation element with respect to the ship. The rotatable stabilisation element can only rotate in one direction.

1 . An active roll stabilisation system for ships, comprising
 at least one first rotatable stabilisation element extending below the ship's water line on a side of the ship,   sensor means for sensing the ship's movements and delivering control signals on the basis thereof to   driving means for rotatably driving the stabilisation element for the purpose of damping the ship's movements that are being sensed, and   moving means for moving the at least one stabilisation element with respect to the ship, wherein said at least one rotatable stabilisation element can only rotate in one direction.   
     
     
         2 . The active roll stabilisation system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a further rotatable stabilisation element assembled with the first rotatable stabilisation element, which further stabilisation element can only rotate in one direction opposite the direction of rotation of the first stabilisation element. 
     
     
         3 . The active roll stabilisation system according to  claim 1 , wherein the moving means for each assembly alternately impart a pivoting movement with respect to the ship to the at least one rotatable stabilisation element while the ship is sailing. 
     
     
         4 . The active roll stabilisation system according to  claim 3 , wherein the at least one stabilisation element is connected to the ship through a universal joint. 
     
     
         5 . The active roll stabilisation system according to  claim 1 , wherein the stabilisation element is accommodated in a guide formed in or on the ship's hull. 
     
     
         6 . The active roll stabilisation system according to  claim 5 , wherein said guide extends at least partially in the longitudinal direction of the ship. 
     
     
         7 . The active roll stabilisation system according to  claim 5 , wherein the at least one stabilisation element is accommodated in a recess formed in the ship's hull. 
     
     
         8 . The active roll stabilisation system according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one stabilisation element is provided on each long side of the ship. 
     
     
         9 . The active roll stabilisation system according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one of stabilisation element is provided at the front side of the ship.