Main and auxiliary engine communication control method for multiple marine propellers

Abstract

A main and auxiliary engine communication control method for multiple ship propellers relates to the technical field of ship power control, and comprises a main control propeller and a plurality of auxiliary control propellers, the main control propeller is installed at the leftmost position of a ship body tail plate, and the auxiliary control propellers are installed at other positions of the ship body tail plate in parallel. MAC addresses with the same mark code segment are pre-burnt in the main control propeller and the auxiliary control propeller; the master control propeller establishes a bidirectional data link with the remote controller through a wireless communication protocol; a single-hop star topology network is established between the main control propeller and the auxiliary control propellers, and the main control propeller sends a composite instruction packet to each auxiliary control propeller through a single broadcast channel; and each auxiliary control thruster returns state data to the main control thruster through an independent time division multiple access uplink channel. According to the invention, the defects in the prior art are overcome, the rapid identification and accurate positioning of the equipment are realized, the management and maintenance of the system are simplified, and the flexibility and expandability of the system are greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of ship power control, and in particular to a communication control method for main and auxiliary engines of multiple ship propellers. Background Art

[0002] Compared to traditional single-thruster vehicles that rely on physical rudders for heading control, multi-thruster vehicles offer a more flexible and efficient control strategy. They precisely adjust the power output along each thruster axis and cleverly exploit the differential effect between these forces to generate the required steering force. This eliminates the need for complex physical rudder mechanisms, significantly improving the vehicle's maneuverability, reliability, and maintainability.

[0003] Current multi-thruster control systems for ships primarily employ two modes: one is a centralized control mode based on CAN bus or RS485 serial communication, where a master control unit is directly connected to all thruster motor drivers for unified control. The other is a distributed control mode, where the master controller and each thruster control board are independently connected via dedicated lines for point-to-point communication.

[0004] However, in actual application, both of the above control modes have a significant limitation. First, in actual application, both of the above modes require that the physical position of each thruster must strictly correspond and match the preset logical number. This means that once the physical position of the thruster changes, the system must be rewired or the control program must be modified accordingly to maintain the consistency of the logical number and physical position. This situation is particularly prominent when replacing equipment, because not only does it need to replace the equipment itself, but the wiring sequence also needs to be readjusted to ensure the normal operation of the system. This strict matching requirement undoubtedly greatly reduces the flexibility of the system, making the system appear more rigid when facing changes. At the same time, this also significantly increases the maintenance cost of the system, because each position change or equipment replacement requires additional time and resources to make adjustments.

[0005] In addition, when using a centralized control mode, if the system needs to add new thrusters, the hardware circuits must also be reconfigured. This process not only increases the complexity of the system because it requires redesigning and rerouting the circuits, but it may also cause communication failures due to improper configuration, affecting the stability and reliability of the system. In the distributed control mode, although each thruster is relatively independent, the connection lines between them are very numerous, which can easily cause cable confusion and make the system more difficult to manage and maintain. In addition, the complexity of the lines also greatly increases the difficulty of troubleshooting. Once a fault occurs, it may take more time and effort to check and locate the problem one by one. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In response to the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides a communication control method for the main and auxiliary engines of multiple marine thrusters, which overcomes the shortcomings of the existing technology, has a reasonable design, and realizes rapid identification and precise positioning of equipment. It not only simplifies the management and maintenance of the system, but also greatly improves the flexibility and scalability of the system.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solutions:

[0008] A method for controlling communication between a main and auxiliary engine of multiple marine propellers includes a main control propeller and multiple auxiliary control propellers, wherein the main control propeller is fixedly mounted at the leftmost position of a ship's stern plate, and the auxiliary control propellers are respectively mounted in parallel at the remaining positions of the stern plate. The main control propeller and the auxiliary control propellers are both pre-programmed with MAC addresses having the same identifier code segment; the main control propeller establishes a bidirectional data link with a remote controller via a wireless communication protocol; a single-hop star topology network is established between the main control propeller and the auxiliary control propellers, the main control propeller sends a composite instruction packet to each auxiliary control propeller via a single broadcast channel; and each auxiliary control propeller transmits status data back to the main control propeller via an independent time division multiple access uplink channel.

[0009] The main and auxiliary machine communication control method comprises the following steps:

[0010] Step S1: The master control thruster is powered on first and enters the network monitoring state;

[0011] Step S2: Each secondary control thruster is powered on in sequence from left to right, and sends a MAC address containing a flag code to the main control thruster;

[0012] Step S3: After receiving the MAC address information of the secondary control thrusters, the master control thruster verifies whether the system identification codes in the MAC addresses of the secondary control thrusters match. If they match, the master control thruster assigns an increasing logical number to each secondary control thruster in sequence according to the power-on sequence of each secondary control thruster, and proceeds to step S4. If they do not match, the master control thruster rejects the networking and issues an alarm.

[0013] Step S4: The master control thruster sends a MAC address refresh instruction to each slave control thruster, updating the variable number bit of the MAC address of each slave control thruster to the assigned logical number;

[0014] Step S5: After receiving the remote control operation command, the master control thruster parses the command content and generates a composite command packet containing the logical numbers of all the slave control thrusters, and sends it through the broadcast channel; each slave control thruster extracts the command segment that matches its own logical number and executes it;

[0015] Step S6: Each secondary control thruster uploads status data containing its own logical number to the main control thruster. The main control thruster maps the physical position of each secondary control thruster according to each logical number, and then integrates the status data to generate a global status report and outputs it to the remote control.

[0016] Preferably, the MAC address includes a fixed flag code segment and a variable number segment, the fixed flag code segment is used to identify the system affiliation of the same group of main control thrusters, the initial value of the variable number segment is unified as the default value, and is updated to the corresponding number value after the logical number is assigned in step S4.

[0017] Preferably, the variable number segment is the last byte of the MAC address, and the number writing and updating is achieved by modifying the byte in step S4.

[0018] Preferably, in step S6, the status data includes at least one of propeller speed, temperature, and fault code.

[0019] Preferably, the step S4 specifically includes:

[0020] Step S41: The master control thruster sends a MAC address refresh instruction to each slave control thruster via the Star Flash communication protocol;

[0021] Step S42: After receiving the instruction, each secondary control thruster replaces the original variable number segment in its MAC address with the assigned logical number value.

[0022] The present invention provides a method for controlling communication between the main and auxiliary engines of multiple propellers for a ship, which has the following beneficial effects: by combining a fixed identification code with a variable number segment, rapid identification and precise positioning of the equipment are achieved, so that the variable number segment in the MAC address of each auxiliary control propeller is consistent with its logical number in the network, which not only simplifies the management and maintenance of the system, but also greatly improves the flexibility and scalability of the system. Because even if the physical position of the propeller changes, or a new propeller is needed, there is no need to reconfigure the hardware circuit, and only the logical number can be reallocated at the software level, which greatly saves time and resources. In addition, since the main control propeller and the auxiliary control propeller communicate using a wireless communication protocol and a single-hop star topology network, the construction and expansion of the system become extremely flexible. Whether adding a new propeller or adjusting the layout of the existing propeller, there is no need to perform complex reconfiguration of the hardware circuit. The expansion and optimization of the system can be easily achieved through adjustments at the software level. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present invention or the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for describing the present invention or the prior art.

[0024] Figure 1 Structural principle diagram of the present invention;

[0025] Description of the numbers in the figure:

[0026] 1. Main control thruster; 2. Auxiliary control thruster; 3. Remote control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the present invention.

[0028] Examples, such as Figure 1 As shown, the present invention discloses a communication control method for a main and auxiliary engine of multiple propellers applied to a ship, comprising a main control propeller 1 and multiple auxiliary control propellers 2. The main control propeller 1 is fixedly mounted at the leftmost position of the stern plate of the hull, while the multiple auxiliary control propellers 2 are respectively mounted in parallel at the remaining positions of the stern plate of the hull. In order to ensure the consistency of communication, the main control propeller 1 and all the auxiliary control propellers 2 are pre-burned with MAC addresses with the same identification code segment when leaving the factory. The main control propeller 1 establishes a stable two-way data link with the remote control 3 through a wireless communication protocol to ensure the timely transmission and feedback of instructions. In addition, a single-hop star topology network is constructed between the main control propeller 1 and each auxiliary control propeller 2. The main control propeller 1 sends a composite instruction packet containing multiple control information to each auxiliary control propeller 2 through a single broadcast channel, and each auxiliary control propeller 2 transmits its own status data back to the main control propeller 1 through an independent time division multiple access uplink channel.

[0029] The master-slave communication control method specifically includes the following steps:

[0030] Step S1: First, the master thruster 1 is powered on first and enters the network monitoring state; waits for each slave thruster 2 to join the network;

[0031] Step S2: Each auxiliary control thruster 2 is powered on in sequence from left to right, and sends MAC address information containing a specific identification code to the main control thruster 1 for identification and verification by the main control thruster;

[0032] Step S3: After receiving the MAC address information of the secondary control thrusters 2, the master control thruster 1 verifies whether the system identification codes in the MAC addresses of the secondary control thrusters 2 match. If they match, the master control thruster 1 assigns each secondary control thruster 2 an increasing logical number in sequence according to their power-on sequence, and proceeds to the next step S4. If the verification result does not match, the master control thruster 1 refuses to form a network and issues an alarm.

[0033] Step S4: The master control thruster 1 sends a MAC address refresh instruction to each slave control thruster 2, updating the variable number bit in the MAC address of each slave control thruster 2 to the assigned logical number to ensure that each slave control thruster 2 is uniquely identified in the network. The specific implementation includes the following sub-steps:

[0034] Step S41: The main control thruster 1 sends a MAC address refresh instruction to each auxiliary control thruster 2 through the Star Flash communication protocol to ensure accurate transmission of the instruction.

[0035] Step S42: After receiving the instruction, each auxiliary control thruster 2 replaces the original variable number segment in its MAC address with the assigned logical number value, completing the update of the MAC address.

[0036] Step S5: When the master thruster 1 receives the command from the remote controller 3, it parses the command content and generates a composite command packet containing the logical numbers of all the slave thrusters 2. This packet is then sent via the broadcast channel. Upon receiving the command packet, each slave thruster 2 extracts the command segment that matches its own logical number and executes it.

[0037] Step S6: After executing the command, each secondary thruster 2 uploads status data containing its own logical number to the master thruster 1. The master thruster 1 maps the physical location of each secondary thruster 2 according to the logical number, integrates this status data, generates a global status report, and finally outputs it to the remote controller 3. The uploaded status data includes but is not limited to key information such as the thruster's speed, temperature, and fault code, ensuring comprehensive monitoring of the thruster's operating status.

[0038] Furthermore, the MAC address consists of two parts: a fixed flag code segment and a variable number segment. The fixed flag code segment is used to identify the system affiliation of the main control thruster 1 in the same group. During the networking process, the main control thruster 1 identifies the same group of devices through the fixed flag code segment to ensure the consistency of devices in the system and prevent incorrect connection. The initial value of the variable number segment is uniformly set to the default value. After the logical number is assigned in step S4, it is updated to the corresponding number value. For example, the MAC address of a certain auxiliary control thruster is XX:XX:XX:XX:AA:BB, AA is the fixed flag code, and BB is the variable number segment. The fixed flag codes of the devices in the same group are the same, while the fixed flag codes of the devices in different groups are different. More specifically, in this embodiment, the variable number segment is the last byte of the MAC address. In step S4, the writing and updating of the number can be achieved by modifying this byte.

[0039] The master control thruster of the present invention serves as the core of the entire communication network, responsible for coordinating and managing the behavior of all secondary control thrusters. It establishes a stable, two-way data link with the remote controller, ensuring the timely transmission of operational commands and real-time feedback of status data. Furthermore, the master control thruster utilizes wireless communication protocols and a single-hop star topology network to create an efficient and reliable communication environment, enabling each secondary control thruster to quickly and accurately respond to commands from the master control thruster. Furthermore, by combining a fixed identifier with a variable number segment, rapid device identification and precise location are achieved, ensuring that the variable number segment in the MAC address of each secondary control thruster 2 remains consistent with its logical number in the network. This not only simplifies system management and maintenance but also significantly improves its flexibility and scalability. Even if the physical location of a thruster changes or a new thruster is needed, there's no need to reconfigure the hardware circuitry; only logical number reassignment is performed at the software level, significantly saving time and resources. Furthermore, because each secondary control thruster is relatively independent, even if a thruster fails, it will not significantly impact the entire system, significantly improving the system's fault tolerance and reliability.

[0040] Furthermore, the use of wireless communication protocols and a single-hop star topology network between the main control thruster 1 and the secondary control thruster 2 makes system construction and expansion exceptionally flexible. Whether adding new thrusters or adjusting the layout of existing thrusters, there's no need for complex hardware reconfiguration. System expansion and optimization can be easily achieved through software-level adjustments. This wireless communication and star network design not only simplifies the system architecture but also significantly improves its reliability and stability. Wireless communication eliminates the cumbersome and cluttered wiring, reducing the risk of system failure due to cable failure.

[0041] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit the same. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling communication between main and auxiliary engines of multiple marine propellers, characterized in that: The invention comprises a main control propeller (1) and a plurality of auxiliary control propellers (2), wherein the main control propeller (1) is fixedly mounted at the leftmost position of the stern plate of the hull, and the auxiliary control propellers (2) are respectively mounted in parallel at the remaining positions of the stern plate of the hull, and the main control propeller (1) and the auxiliary control propellers (2) are both pre-burned with MAC addresses of the same identification code segment; the main control propeller (1) establishes a bidirectional data link with a remote controller (3) through a wireless communication protocol; a single-hop star topology network is established between the main control propeller (1) and the auxiliary control propellers (2); the main control propeller (1) sends a composite instruction packet to each auxiliary control propeller (2) through a single broadcast channel; and each auxiliary control propeller (2) transmits status data back to the main control propeller (1) through an independent time division multiple access uplink channel; The main and auxiliary machine communication control method comprises the following steps: Step S1: The master propeller (1) is powered on first and enters the network monitoring state; Step S2: Each auxiliary control thruster (2) is powered on in sequence from left to right, and sends a MAC address containing a flag code to the main control thruster (1); Step S3: After receiving the MAC address information of the secondary control thruster (2), the main control thruster (1) verifies whether the system identification code in the MAC address of each secondary control thruster (2) matches; if it matches, it assigns an increasing logical number to each secondary control thruster (2) in turn according to the power-on sequence of each secondary control thruster (2), and proceeds to step S4; if it does not match, the network is rejected and an alarm is issued; Step S4: the main control thruster (1) sends a MAC address refresh instruction to each auxiliary control thruster (2), and updates the variable number bit of the MAC address of each auxiliary control thruster (2) to the assigned logical number; Step S5: After receiving the operation instruction from the remote controller (3), the master control thruster (1) parses the instruction content and generates a composite instruction packet containing the logical numbers of all the slave control thrusters (2), and sends it through the broadcast channel; each slave control thruster (2) extracts the instruction segment that matches its own logical number and executes it; Step S6: Each auxiliary control thruster (2) uploads status data containing its own logical number to the main control thruster (1). The main control thruster (1) maps the physical position of each auxiliary control thruster (2) according to each logical number, and then integrates the status data to generate a global status report and outputs it to the remote control (3).

2. A method for controlling communication between main and auxiliary engines of multiple marine propellers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The MAC address includes a fixed flag code segment and a variable number segment. The fixed flag code segment is used to identify the system affiliation of the same group of master control thrusters (1). The initial value of the variable number segment is uniformly a default value and is updated to a corresponding number value after the logical number is assigned in step S4.

3. The method for controlling communication between main and auxiliary engines of multiple marine propellers according to claim 2, characterized in that: The variable number segment is the last byte of the MAC address, and the number writing and updating is achieved by modifying this byte in step S4.

4. The method for controlling communication between main and auxiliary engines of multiple marine propellers according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S6, the status data includes at least one of propeller speed, temperature, and fault code.

5. The method for controlling communication between main and auxiliary engines of multiple marine propellers according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step S4 specifically includes: Step S41: the master control thruster (1) sends a MAC address refresh instruction to each slave control thruster (2) via the Star Flash communication protocol; Step S42: After receiving the instruction, each auxiliary control thruster (2) replaces the original variable number segment in its MAC address with the assigned logical number value.

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