Patent ID: 8893634
Filing Date: 2014-11-25
Classification: B63B,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A self-powered slip plate that mounts on a hull of a marine vessel to reduce skin friction drag by generating cavitation bubbles underneath the hull, said slip plate comprising: a substantially flat, low-profile enclosure to house acoustic components, a series of ultrasonic transducers disposed in said enclosure to generate acoustic waves from a diaphragm defined by a lower surface of said enclosure, an energy extraction mechanism driven by water flow along said hull due to speed of said vessel, a power generator responsive to said energy extraction mechanism to produce electrical power, and an ultrasonic signal generator responsive to said electrical power to generate an acoustic signal to energize said transducers to produce said acoustic waves of an intensity to nucleate cavitation bubbles at a water-diaphragm interface water as said vessel proceeds over water.