Method and system for evaluating energy efficiency of switchable energy-saving equipment
By optimizing equipment switching strategies through digital assessment methods and DQN models, the problems of opaque assessment and lack of decision-making basis throughout the entire life cycle of ship energy-saving equipment have been solved, realizing a true and objective assessment of equipment-level energy-saving effects and full-process support.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202610114562.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-03
AI Technical Summary
The lack of transparent and objective evaluation methods for existing ship energy-saving equipment leads to the interference of the ship itself and environmental factors on the actual energy efficiency, affecting the application and promotion of the equipment, and lacking a decision-making basis for the entire life cycle.
Employing a digital assessment approach, the system evaluates the energy efficiency of single and multi-device coupling throughout the entire lifecycle, incorporates ship and environmental factors for collaborative correction, and utilizes the DQN model to optimize equipment switching strategies, providing end-to-end energy efficiency assessment and certification.
It enables a transparent, accurate, and effective assessment of energy-saving effects at the ship equipment level, provides a scientific basis for decision-making throughout the entire life cycle, eliminates the obscuring of the true performance of equipment by external factors, and ensures the objectivity and credibility of the assessment results.
Smart Images
Figure CN121599302A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of energy efficiency assessment technology, specifically to a method and system for assessing the energy efficiency of switchable energy-saving devices. Background Technology
[0002] The development of a ship energy-saving equipment assessment system is a strategic choice to address four core challenges: the global energy crisis, policy pressure, cost competition, and technological chaos. Through digital means, it achieves compliance assurance (meeting international emission reduction regulations), economic optimization (reducing total life-cycle costs), technological standardization (promoting the formulation of industry standards), and intelligent upgrading (building a data-driven energy-saving ecosystem). This not only provides shipowners with precise decision-making tools but also drives the shipping industry's transformation from "experience-driven" to "data-driven," laying the technological foundation for the green, intelligent, and sustainable development of the global shipping industry.
[0003] Currently, the application of ship energy-saving technologies and equipment faces the following core challenges: First, there are many types of existing ship energy-saving equipment, such as sails, shaft generators, and air layer drag reduction devices, etc. The energy-saving effects of these devices are mostly based on the subjective claims of each equipment manufacturer, and there is a lack of open, transparent and credible assessment methods for their actual energy-saving effects. Secondly, with so many energy-saving devices available in the industry, there is a lack of a comprehensive lifecycle solution that covers investment decision-making, design, construction, testing, operation, and delivery, leaving shipowners without a strong basis for decision-making in the early stages of ship construction.
[0004] Third, the industry currently focuses on the evaluation and research of single energy-saving equipment, lacking a superimposed energy efficiency evaluation method that combines multiple energy-saving equipment. There is an urgent need for a basis for equipment selection in complex situations, so as to effectively promote the decarbonization of global shipping. Fourth, the true energy efficiency of energy-saving equipment is affected by factors such as the ship itself and the environment, creating the illusion that the energy-saving effect of certain equipment is not ideal. The lack of means to evaluate the true energy efficiency of equipment seriously affects the application and promotion of equipment. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This invention proposes a method and system for evaluating the energy efficiency of switchable energy-saving equipment, ensuring that the evaluation results are objective and reliable, while adhering to various standards and domestic technical specifications. It covers the entire process from equipment design, installation, operation to scrapping, providing ship operators with a basis for green transformation decisions and promoting the sustainable development of the shipping industry.
[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A method for evaluating the energy efficiency of switchable energy-saving devices includes the following steps: S100: Conduct a full lifecycle assessment of a single device; Step S100 combines ship specifications and target energy-saving equipment specifications to conduct a comprehensive evaluation from both technical feasibility and economic perspectives, including: S110: During the design phase, integrate the design of the equipment performance testing and evaluation system based on the specifications and characteristics of the target vessel. S120: During the construction phase, based on the design plan, specific actions are taken on the target vessel, including equipment installation, implementation of hardware and software integration, and installation and functional testing of equipment performance evaluation systems. S130: During the delivery phase, conduct sea trials and provide sea trial reports as the basis for performance calculations; S140: During the operation phase, clarify the needs of business scenarios and continuously collect actual ship operation data as the basis for equipment performance calculation; Verified equipment performance can be shared with relevant stakeholders in a timely manner, and the energy-saving effect of the target equipment can be compared in both on and off modes. Combined with the equipment performance curve, its lifespan can be evaluated. S150: Supports energy efficiency assessment for various business scenarios; S200: Performs energy efficiency optimization for multi-device coupling; S300: Conduct collaborative corrections between the ship, environment, and equipment to obtain assessment results.
[0007] Furthermore, step S140 includes: S141: Construct the device on / off mode state function ; S142: Real-time acquisition of device power consumption The net energy saving power is calculated by combining the switch status.
[0008] Furthermore, the formula for calculating net energy saving power in step S142 is as follows: ; in, As the benchmark energy saving power, This refers to standby power consumption.
[0009] Furthermore, step S200 includes: S210: Input the energy efficiency coupling coefficient matrix of each device. ; S220: Outputs the optimal device switching combination through the DQN model and issues device switching commands to complete the energy efficiency optimization of multi-device coupling; S230: When the decision given by the coupling coefficient matrix C cannot simultaneously meet the evaluation requirements of technical and economic aspects, return to step S220. The system will transmit the signal back to the matrix, readjust the switching strategy, and give a new energy efficiency maximization evaluation result.
[0010] Furthermore, the effective coupling coefficient matrix in step S210 The formula is: ; in, Indicates equipment For equipment The weight of energy efficiency ; ; and These are codes for different types of energy-saving equipment.
[0011] Furthermore, the correction strategy in step S300 is as follows: ; in, The energy efficiency of the equipment is based on the experimental efficiency data from the equipment's factory. For hull factors, such as resistance corrections caused by changes in draft; Environmental factors, such as the reduction in power generation efficiency caused by wind and waves; This refers to coupling factors, such as airflow or thermal interference between equipment.
[0012] Another objective of this invention is to provide an energy efficiency assessment system for switchable energy-saving devices, comprising: Data Acquisition Layer: As the basic data source for system analysis and calculation, the main data acquisition objects include equipment status parameters, ship motion parameters, environmental condition parameters, and operational data.
[0013] Edge Computing Layer: Data collected through ship sensors, meteorological satellites, or other means is used for computation and analysis. A time-window-based batch processing mechanism is employed to periodically extract raw data from a cached database. Dynamic Evaluation Engine: To meet the data cleaning and verification needs of different business operations, the system integrates a dynamic rule engine to support standardized processing such as sliding window averaging and exponentially weighted averaging on data for specified time periods, while retaining the original data version for backtracking checks.
[0014] Core functional modules: The cleaned and verified data stream enters the core functional modules, where real-time calculations are performed based on the multi-dimensional energy efficiency assessment model configured in the initialization.
[0015] Visualized decision-making platform: Displays the analysis results of core functional modules, outputs energy efficiency assessment reports for various dimensions, and includes possible cause analysis and implementation suggestions.
[0016] Furthermore, the device status parameters include the current on / off status of the device, operating mode, and output power information.
[0017] Furthermore, ship motion parameters include ship heading, draft, rudder angle, speed over water / land (knots), heading (degrees), propeller speed (RPM), and torque (kN·m).
[0018] Furthermore, environmental condition parameters include wind speed (m / s), wind direction (degrees), wave height, and wave frequency.
[0019] Further operational data includes fuel consumption (tons / day) and sailing time (hours).
[0020] The working principle and beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention aims to establish a method and system for evaluating the energy efficiency of switchable energy-saving equipment throughout its entire lifecycle, enabling a transparent, accurate, and comprehensive assessment of the energy-saving effects at the "equipment level" of ships. This is primarily reflected in the adoption of digital evaluation and analysis methods, the establishment of a complete systematic solution for ship equipment-level energy efficiency evaluation, the creation of dedicated models for specific equipment, and the dual-drive approach of simulation and real-ship testing verification.
[0021] First, by introducing third-party certification of energy-saving effects, the opaque model of completely self-promotion is completely abandoned. The ship equipment-level energy-saving assessment system of this invention will, after completing its independent assessment and analysis, share the data report with authoritative and credible third parties (such as classification societies, quality certification bodies, etc.) for review. Then, it will directly or indirectly provide an objective and impartial evaluation of the authenticity of the data and the energy-saving effect, and issue relevant certification reports.
[0022] Secondly, we will establish customized models for target equipment to create a new business model for full lifecycle energy efficiency assessment. For shipowners making early-stage investment decisions, we will customize customized models for their target equipment, featuring on / off display capabilities. These models will encompass the entire lifecycle of investment decision assessment, design, construction, testing, delivery, and operation, eliminating confusion in energy-saving equipment selection.
[0023] Furthermore, in response to the trend of diversified equipment development, a superimposed energy efficiency assessment model coupling multiple devices is established. Based on mature models of single devices, and combined with different business scenarios, simulation calculations are used to analyze and identify the danger zones of "energy efficiency offsetting" among multiple energy-saving devices, ensuring the scientific application of different devices.
[0024] Finally, establish a mechanism to eliminate interference and accurately reflect the performance of specific energy-saving equipment. Eliminate complex sea conditions and ship-specific factors, comprehensively evaluate and track the true performance of energy-saving equipment, and avoid falling into the misconception that external energy consumption patterns mask the true performance of internal equipment. Attached Figure Description
[0025] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall system architecture; Figure 2 A flowchart for the full lifecycle assessment of a single device; Figure 3 A multi-device coupled energy efficiency optimization model; Figure 4 A diagram of a collaborative correction model for ship, environment, and equipment. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0028] Example 1
[0029] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, a method for evaluating the energy efficiency of switchable energy-saving devices includes the following steps: S100: Conduct a full life-cycle assessment of single equipment; through equipment-level energy efficiency assessment, combined with ship specifications and target energy-saving equipment specifications, a comprehensive assessment is conducted from both technical feasibility and economic perspectives. Starting from the entire life-cycle, a thorough feasibility study must be completed before proceeding with the full-process assessment of design, construction, and operation. Specifically, this includes: S110: During the design phase, taking into account the specifications and characteristics of the target vessel, and considering both technical and economic factors, an integrated design for the equipment performance testing and evaluation system is carried out. S120: During the construction phase, based on the design plan, specific actions are taken on the target vessel, including equipment installation, implementation of hardware and software integration, and installation and functional testing of equipment performance evaluation systems. S130: During the delivery phase, conduct sea trials and provide sea trial reports as the basis for performance calculations; S140: During the operation phase, clarify the needs of business scenarios and continuously collect actual ship operation data as the basis for equipment performance calculation; Verified equipment performance can be shared with relevant stakeholders in a timely manner, and the energy-saving effect of the target equipment can be compared in both on and off modes. Combined with the equipment performance curve, its lifespan can be evaluated. Step S140 includes: S141: Construct the device on / off mode state function ; S142: Real-time acquisition of device power consumption The net energy saving power is calculated by combining the switch status.
[0030] The formula for calculating net energy saving power in step S142 is as follows: ; in, As the benchmark energy saving power, This refers to standby power consumption.
[0031] S150: Supports energy efficiency assessment for various business scenarios; S200: Performs multi-device coupled energy efficiency optimization; this model is mainly for situations where various energy-saving devices are used in combination, and further analyzes the coupled energy efficiency performance under the mutual influence between devices. It can solve the problem of maximizing the energy efficiency of n different energy-saving devices under the dual evaluation of economic and technical feasibility.
[0032] Step S200 includes: S210: Input the energy efficiency coupling coefficient matrix of each device. ; S220: Outputs the optimal device switching combination through the DQN (Deep Q-Network) model and issues device switching commands to complete the energy efficiency optimization of multi-device coupling; S230: When the decision given by the coupling coefficient matrix C cannot simultaneously meet the evaluation requirements of technical and economic aspects, return to step S220. The system will transmit the signal back to the matrix, readjust the switching strategy, and give a new energy efficiency maximization evaluation result.
[0033] Effective coupling coefficient matrix in step S210 The formula is: ; in, Indicates equipment For equipment The weight of energy efficiency ; ; and These are codes for different types of energy-saving equipment.
[0034] S300: Conducts ship-environment-equipment collaborative correction. This model collaboratively assesses the true energy efficiency of equipment from three dimensions: the ship itself, environmental impact, and current equipment. It eliminates the risk that the true energy efficiency of equipment may be masked by complex sea conditions or factors of the ship itself, and finally obtains the assessment results.
[0035] The specific correction strategy is as follows: ; in, The energy efficiency of the equipment is based on the experimental efficiency data from the equipment's factory. For hull factors, such as resistance correction caused by draft changes (CFD simulation). Environmental factors, such as the reduction in power generation efficiency caused by wind and waves (based on wave spectrum). This is a coupling factor, such as airflow or thermal interference between equipment (Fluent flow field simulation).
[0036] Example 2
[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides an energy efficiency evaluation system for switchable energy-saving devices, used to implement Embodiment 1, including: Data Acquisition Layer: As the foundational data source for system analysis and calculation, the data acquisition objects mainly include equipment status parameters, ship motion parameters, environmental condition parameters, and operational data. Equipment status parameters include the current on / off status of the equipment, operating mode, and output power information. Ship motion parameters include ship heading, draft, rudder angle, speed over water / land (knots), heading (degrees), propeller speed (RPM), and torque (kN·m). Environmental condition parameters include wind speed (m / s), wind direction (degrees), wave height, and wave frequency. Operational data includes fuel consumption (tons / day) and sailing time (hours).
[0038] Edge computing layer: Data collected through ship sensors, meteorological satellites, or other means is used for computation and analysis. A time-window-based batch processing mechanism is employed to periodically extract raw data from a cached database. This module constructs a multi-level anomaly detection system: first, threshold verification identifies out-of-range physical quantities (such as anomalies in the Modbus protocol's 32767 / 65535 flag bits); then, statistical distribution analysis is used to locate unreasonable negative values and data points with excessive fluctuations.
[0039] Dynamic evaluation engine: To meet the data cleaning and verification needs of different businesses, the system integrates a dynamic rule engine to support standardized processing such as sliding window averaging and exponential weighted averaging on data for a specified period, while retaining the original data version for backtracking checks.
[0040] Core functional modules: The cleaned and verified data stream enters the core functional modules, where real-time calculations are performed based on the multi-dimensional energy efficiency assessment model configured in the initialization.
[0041] The visualization decision-making platform displays the analysis results of the core functional modules, outputting energy efficiency assessment reports for various dimensions, including potential cause analysis and implementation suggestions. The reports and data displayed on the visualization decision-making platform can be selectively integrated with third-party certification bodies cooperating with the system, based on the shipowner's needs, to enhance the reliability, authenticity, and fairness of the system platform.
[0042] The above-mentioned technical solutions fundamentally solve the four key technical problems that restrict the energy efficiency assessment of ship equipment.
[0043] First, it solves the problem of the disconnect between equipment energy efficiency assessment and certification. The energy-saving effects of existing marine energy-saving equipment mostly stem from self-promotion by equipment manufacturers, making it difficult to verify the accuracy of the provided energy efficiency data, and lacking direct third-party certification. This invention, based on the final report generated by the system assessment, will further submit it to an authoritative third-party review. Depending on the specific cooperation model, a certification report will be directly or indirectly output, allowing ship owners to truly obtain accurate energy efficiency data with a single click.
[0044] Secondly, it addresses the lack of technology for full lifecycle equipment energy efficiency assessment. Traditional solutions typically only provide shipowners with core parameters such as equipment energy-saving performance and current investment size, lacking objective assessment data across the entire lifecycle, thus failing to scientifically guide shipowners' investment decisions. This invention will begin with technical feasibility and economic analysis, assessing the energy efficiency of target energy-saving equipment throughout the entire process of design, construction, testing, delivery, and operation. It will dynamically monitor energy-saving data in real time and provide maintenance plans or replacement recommendations based on different situations. The on / off mode enhances the energy-saving effect, providing shipowners with a clear and concise basis for decision-making.
[0045] Third, it fills the technological gap in addressing energy efficiency offsetting in complex situations involving the coordinated operation of multiple devices. When ship owners are selecting energy-saving equipment, they may be interested in one or more devices simultaneously. Traditional solutions only have energy-saving effect evaluation models and schemes for single devices. When several different types of energy-saving settings are running simultaneously on the same ship, the overall energy consumption level obviously cannot be accurately assessed by simple addition and subtraction. This invention establishes a multi-device coupled evaluation mechanism. By acquiring real-time environmental variables and ship state parameters, it relies on a trained DQN (Deep Q-Network) model to output the optimal combination of device switching, thereby eliminating the risk of energy efficiency offsetting caused by the coordinated operation of multiple devices.
[0046] Fourth, it eliminates the blind spot where external factors obscure the true energy-saving level of equipment. During ship operation, complex sea conditions may be encountered, and other components may age, leading to increased fuel consumption throughout the voyage, even with energy-saving equipment activated. In such cases, evaluating energy-saving effects solely based on voyage fuel consumption is clearly unscientific and cannot be used to conclude that the equipment is not energy-efficient or has even failed. This invention establishes a collaborative correction mechanism involving the ship, environment, and equipment, and develops a four-dimensional influencing factor correction model. From the data acquisition layer to the computational edge layer, signal transmission is completed using ship sensors, meteorological satellites, or the Automatic Identification System (AIS), ultimately presenting the results on a visualized decision-making platform.
[0047] The above-described operating methods can be arbitrarily adjusted according to the design, provided that the hardware module supports them; this embodiment will not elaborate further. The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A method for evaluating the energy efficiency of switchable energy-saving equipment, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S100: Conduct a full lifecycle assessment of a single device; Step S100 combines ship specifications and target energy-saving equipment specifications to conduct a comprehensive evaluation from both technical feasibility and economic perspectives, including: S110: During the design phase, integrate the design of the equipment performance testing and evaluation system based on the specifications and characteristics of the target vessel. S120: During the construction phase, based on the design plan, specific actions are taken on the target vessel, including equipment installation, implementation of hardware and software integration, and installation and functional testing of equipment performance evaluation systems. S130: During the delivery phase, conduct sea trials and provide sea trial reports as the basis for performance calculations; S140: During the operation phase, clarify the needs of business scenarios and continuously collect actual ship operation data as the basis for equipment performance calculation; Verified equipment performance can be shared with relevant stakeholders in a timely manner, and the energy-saving effect of the target equipment can be compared in both on and off modes. Combined with the equipment performance curve, its lifespan can be evaluated. S150: Supports energy efficiency assessment for various business scenarios; S200: Performs energy efficiency optimization for multi-device coupling; S300: Conduct collaborative corrections between the ship, environment, and equipment to obtain assessment results.
2. The method for evaluating the energy efficiency of a switchable energy-saving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S140 includes: S141: Construct the device on / off mode state function ; S142: Real-time acquisition of device power consumption The net energy saving power is calculated by combining the switch status.
3. The method for evaluating the energy efficiency of switchable energy-saving equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The formula for calculating net energy saving power in step S142 is as follows: ； in, As the benchmark energy saving power, This refers to standby power consumption.
4. The energy efficiency evaluation method for switchable energy-saving equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, Step S200 includes: S210: Input the energy efficiency coupling coefficient matrix of each device. ; S220: Outputs the optimal device switching combination through the DQN model and issues device switching commands to complete the energy efficiency optimization of multi-device coupling; S230: When the decision given by the coupling coefficient matrix C cannot simultaneously meet the evaluation requirements of technical and economic aspects, return to step S220. The system will transmit the signal back to the matrix, readjust the switching strategy, and give a new energy efficiency maximization evaluation result.
5. The method for evaluating the energy efficiency of a switchable energy-saving device according to claim 4, characterized in that, Effective coupling coefficient matrix in step S210 The formula is: ； in, Indicates equipment For equipment The weight of energy efficiency ; ； and These are codes for different types of energy-saving equipment.
6. The method for evaluating the energy efficiency of a switchable energy-saving device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The correction strategy in step S300 is as follows: ； in, The energy efficiency of the equipment is based on the experimental efficiency data from the equipment's factory. For hull factors, such as resistance corrections caused by changes in draft; Environmental factors, such as the reduction in power generation efficiency caused by wind and waves; This refers to coupling factors, such as airflow or thermal interference between equipment.
7. A switchable energy-saving device energy efficiency evaluation system, used to implement the evaluation method as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, include: Data Acquisition Layer: As the basic data source for system analysis and calculation, the main data collected includes equipment status parameters, ship motion parameters, environmental condition parameters, and operational data; Edge computing layer: Data collected through ship sensors of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) or meteorological satellites or other means is used for calculation and analysis. A time window-based batch processing mechanism is used to periodically extract raw data from the cache database. Dynamic evaluation engine: To meet the data cleaning and verification needs of different businesses, the system integrates a dynamic rule engine to support the standardization of data for a specified period of time by performing sliding window average and exponential weighted average, while retaining the original data version for backtracking inspection. Core functional modules: The cleaned and verified data stream enters the core functional modules, where real-time calculations are performed based on the multi-dimensional energy efficiency assessment model configured in the initialization. Visualized decision-making platform: Displays the analysis results of core functional modules, outputs energy efficiency assessment reports for each dimension, and includes possible cause analysis and implementation suggestions.
8. The energy efficiency evaluation system for switchable energy-saving equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, The device status parameters include the current on / off status of the device, operating mode, and output power information.
9. The energy efficiency evaluation system for switchable energy-saving equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, Ship motion parameters include heading, draft, rudder angle, speed over water / land, heading, propeller speed, and torque.
10. The energy efficiency evaluation system for switchable energy-saving equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, Environmental parameters include wind speed, wind direction, wave height, and wave frequency; Operational data includes fuel consumption and sailing time.