A marine main engine test station integrated electrical control system and method

Abstract

This invention discloses an integrated electrical control system and method for a marine main engine testing station, comprising a movable control cabinet and an integrated turning gear control unit, tool charging unit, and safety storage unit. The turning gear control unit controls the operation of the turning gear, and its front operation panel centrally displays control buttons, status indicator lights, measuring instruments, and a switch. The turning gear control unit also houses a switchable main contactor and a thermal relay. The tool charging unit has multiple independent charging sockets. The safety storage unit includes a telescopic cable reel, a magnetic fixing structure, and a dedicated bracket. This invention achieves centralized integration and unified management of functions such as turning gear control, power distribution, power tool charging, and fire equipment storage, significantly improving the safety, convenience, and overall efficiency of testing operations, and enhancing the system's adaptability to different testing machine models.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine main engine bench testing technology, and to an integrated electrical control system and method for a marine main engine testing station. Background Technology

[0002] After assembly, marine main engines (i.e., the ship's main propulsion engines) must undergo rigorous bench testing on a dedicated test rig to verify their performance, reliability, and safety. The testing process involves multiple stages, including cranking, break-in, and load testing, requiring a complete electrical control system to provide power control, equipment power supply, tool support, and safety protection.

[0003] Currently, the electrical control system of marine main engine testing stations typically adopts a distributed functional unit architecture. Specifically, the control unit of the turning gear (the power equipment used to slowly rotate the main engine crankshaft), the power distribution unit for supplying power to various testing instruments and lighting, the charging equipment for power tools, and fire-fighting equipment are all independent devices, placed separately on site and temporarily connected.

[0004] In practice, the shortcomings are as follows: Existing technology poses significant safety hazards, with numerous on-site risk points. The existing turning gear control handles and cables lack fixed storage points, being haphazardly placed on the ground or around the platform, easily leading to tripping hazards or cable damage from being stepped on. The handles also lack physical protection, posing a risk of accidental activation of the turning gear due to accidental contact. Furthermore, temporary or exposed wiring is often used between independent units, resulting in chaotic wiring layouts and potential hazards such as insulation wear, loose connections, and even short circuits, making it difficult to guarantee electrical safety and reliability.

[0005] In summary, the existing electrical control systems, which employ a "distributed layout and temporary connection" approach, can no longer meet the growing demands of modern marine main engine testing for operational safety, system compatibility, operational efficiency, and standardized management. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention proposes an integrated electrical control system and method for marine main engine testing stations. Through an integrated and modular design, this invention achieves centralized integration and unified management of functions such as turning gear control, power distribution, power tool charging, and fire equipment storage, thereby significantly improving the safety, convenience, and overall efficiency of testing operations, and enhancing the system's adaptability to different testing machine models.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, the present invention provides an integrated electrical control system for a marine main engine testing station, comprising: A mobile control cabinet and a turning gear control unit, a tool charging unit, and a safe storage and handling unit integrated on the mobile control cabinet; The turning machine control unit is used to control the operation of the turning machine. Its front operation panel has control buttons, status indicator lights, measuring instruments and switching switches. The turning machine control unit is equipped with a switchable main contactor and thermal relay. The tool charging unit has multiple independent charging sockets. The safe storage and storage unit includes a telescopic cable reel, a magnetic fixing structure and a special bracket.

[0008] As an alternative implementation, the mobile control cabinet also integrates a power socket box, which includes multiple aviation plugs and multiple five-hole sockets, each of which is independently equipped with a miniature circuit breaker and a waterproof protective cover.

[0009] As an optional implementation, the control buttons include a start button, a stop button, and a mushroom-shaped emergency stop button; the status indicator lights include a power indicator light and a running alarm indicator light; the measuring instruments include an ammeter and a wattmeter; and the switching switches include a manual / automatic switching switch and a power conversion switch.

[0010] As an alternative implementation, the bottom of the movable control cabinet is equipped with universal casters with brakes and a space is reserved for forklift insertion. The top of the movable control cabinet is provided with lifting lugs, and the lifting lugs adopt a three-point lifting layout. The lifting lugs include two lugs symmetrically installed on the left and right sides of the control cabinet, and one lug installed in the middle of the front panel of the control cabinet.

[0011] As an alternative implementation, the telescopic cable reel includes a first telescopic cable reel and a second telescopic cable reel; and both the first telescopic cable reel and the second telescopic cable reel are spring-loaded self-retracting cable reels.

[0012] As an alternative implementation, the first telescopic cable reel is fixed inside the upper left door of the movable control cabinet for storing and retrieving the cable connecting the turntable control handle; the second telescopic cable reel is fixed inside the lower left door of the control cabinet for storing and retrieving the system power supply cable.

[0013] As an alternative implementation, the magnetic fixing structure is installed on the outside of the upper left door of the movable control cabinet, and the magnetic fixing structure is equipped with a protective cover to prevent accidental contact.

[0014] As an alternative implementation, the dedicated bracket uses stainless steel straps to secure the fire extinguisher, and the dedicated bracket is installed inside the left side of the movable control cabinet.

[0015] Secondly, the present invention provides an integrated electrical control method for a marine main engine test station, based on an integrated electrical control system for a marine main engine test station as described in any one of the first aspects, comprising: The control buttons on the movable control cabinet are used to start, stop, and perform emergency stop operations on the turning machine, and to monitor the operating status of the turning machine; a power socket box provides a power interface for external test equipment; a tool charging unit provides an isolated charging circuit for multiple power tools; and a dedicated mounting rack stores portable fire extinguishers in designated locations.

[0016] As an alternative implementation, the operating status of the turning gear includes current and power; when the turning gear is operated, an audible and visual alarm interlocked with the operating status is triggered to provide a warning.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: This invention completely eliminates the risks of tripping, trampling, and accidental activation caused by haphazard equipment placement by designing a magnetic fixing device and adding an anti-accidental-touch protective cover, along with a retractable junction box for standardized cable and handle storage. Secondly, all external connections adopt a standardized plug-in design, and power distribution and tool charging modules are integrated into the cabinet, eliminating the electrical fire and electric shock hazards associated with traditional temporary wiring and exposed wiring. Finally, a dedicated fire extinguisher holder is integrated into the control cabinet, achieving fixed-point and stable storage of fire-fighting equipment, ensuring rapid access in emergencies, and fully complying with on-site safety regulations.

[0018] Advantages of additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a front view of an integrated electrical control system for a marine main engine testing station, with a front door, according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a front view of the integrated electrical control system for a marine main engine test station according to the present invention, without the front door. Figure 3 The diagram shows the power distribution schematic and the main circuit schematic of the turning locomotive power conversion in the integrated electrical control system of this invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the main circuit and control circuit of the turntable in the integrated electrical control system of the present invention; Figure 5This is a left view with an outer door of an integrated electrical control system for a marine main engine testing station according to the present invention; Figure 6 This is a left view of the integrated electrical control system for a marine main engine test station of the present invention, with the outer door removed. Figure 7 This is a right view with an outer door of an integrated electrical control system for a marine main engine testing station according to the present invention; Figure 8 This is a right view of the external door of an integrated electrical control system for a marine main engine testing station according to the present invention. Among them, 1 is the turning machine control handle, 2 is the turning machine control power output socket, 3 is the power input plug, 4 is the lifting lug, 5 is the first telescopic cable reel, and 6 is the second telescopic cable reel. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0022] It should be noted that the following detailed description is exemplary and intended to provide further illustration of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0023] Example 1 This embodiment provides an integrated electrical control system for a marine main engine test station. The system integrates all functional modules into a movable control cabinet, realizing the centralization and modularization of electrical control and supporting services for the test station.

[0024] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, an integrated electrical control system for a marine main engine test station includes a movable control cabinet and a turning gear control unit, a power socket box, a tool charging unit, and a safety storage and handling unit integrated on the movable control cabinet.

[0025] This embodiment adopts an integrated design, with all functional components integrated into a robust steel structure movable control cabinet. The bottom of the movable control cabinet is equipped with universal casters with brakes, which facilitates hydraulic forklift towing and manual pushing, and reserves space for forklift insertion.

[0026] In this embodiment, the top of the movable control cabinet is provided with lifting lugs, and the lifting lugs adopt a three-point lifting layout. The lifting lugs include two lugs symmetrically installed on the left and right sides of the control cabinet, and one lug installed in the middle of the front panel of the control cabinet, to ensure the balance and stability of the lifting process and facilitate the overall lifting by a crane or hoist. The system as a whole is provided with a unified system nameplate, which identifies the system name, specifications, factory serial number and other information.

[0027] In this embodiment, the turning machine control unit is used to control the operation of the turning machine. Its front operation panel centrally displays control buttons, status indicator lights, measuring instruments, and selector switches. The control buttons include a start button, a stop button, and a mushroom-shaped emergency stop button. The status indicator lights include a power indicator light and a running alarm indicator light (combining sound and light to alert workers that the turning machine is running). The running alarm indicator light, combined with sound and light, can effectively alert workers to the turning machine's operating status even in noisy environments, avoiding information transmission risks during collaborative operations. The measuring instruments include an ammeter (for real-time monitoring of the turning machine motor's operating current) and a wattmeter (for monitoring the turning machine's operating power). The selector switches include a manual / automatic selector switch and a power conversion switch.

[0028] Furthermore, the turning gear control unit is powered by 24V DC voltage and is equipped with a switchable main contactor and thermal relay. Both the main contactor and thermal relay are available in two models and can be easily switched to adapt to the output requirements of motors with different power. This design allows the same turning gear control system to cover 50 to 80 models, improving the system's versatility and adaptability.

[0029] like Figure 5 and 6 As shown, the safe storage and organization unit is designed on the left side of the movable control cabinet. The safe storage and organization unit includes a telescopic cable reel, a magnetic fixing structure, and a special bracket.

[0030] In this embodiment, the telescopic cable reel includes a first telescopic cable reel and a second telescopic cable reel; and both the first and second telescopic cable reels are spring-loaded self-retracting cable reels. The first telescopic cable reel is fixed inside the upper left door of the movable control cabinet and is used to reel in and out the cable connecting the control handle of the turntable, with a standard cable length of 15 meters; the second telescopic cable reel is fixed inside the lower left door of the control cabinet and is used to reel in and out the system power input cable, with a standard cable length of 25 meters.

[0031] The magnetic fixing structure is installed on the outside of the upper left door of the movable control cabinet, and the magnetic fixing structure is equipped with an anti-accidental touch protective cover, which can effectively prevent accidental touch of the remote control.

[0032] The dedicated bracket uses stainless steel straps to securely hold fire extinguishers (portable carbon dioxide fire extinguishers), complying with fire safety regulations. The bracket is installed inside the left side of the movable control cabinet. This integrated bracket ensures that fire equipment is stored properly, easily accessible, and meets on-site safety standards.

[0033] On the left side of the movable control cabinet, there is also a power output socket for the turning gear control. The power output socket is located outside the lower left cabinet door, and the plug-in connection design effectively ensures electrical safety and reliability. All external wiring is replaced by a plug-in design, completely eliminating electrical safety hazards such as external wiring, messy exposed wiring, and loose connections.

[0034] The magnetic fixing device, special telescopic cable reel, and anti-accidental activation protective cover ensure that the control handle and cable of the turning machine are stored in an orderly manner, eliminating the risk of tripping, stepping, and accidental activation caused by random placement.

[0035] like Figure 7 and 8 As shown, both the power socket box and the tool charging unit are located on the right side of the movable control cabinet. The power socket box includes multiple aviation plugs and multiple five-hole sockets. Each socket is independently equipped with a miniature circuit breaker and a waterproof protective cover. In this embodiment, there are two aviation plugs each for 380V, 220V, and 24V; and two five-hole sockets.

[0036] The tool charging unit is equipped with multiple independent charging sockets. Specifically, it has four independent explosion-proof small boxes inside, each containing a 220V five-hole socket (charging socket) specifically for charging the batteries of power tools such as walkie-talkies, electric drills, and headlamps. Each socket is equipped with an independent circuit breaker to achieve isolation protection and prevent the failure of a single charger from affecting other circuits.

[0037] This embodiment solves the problems of traditional test systems, such as scattered layout, poor security, insufficient compatibility and lack of auxiliary functions, through integrated design. It has the advantages of high integration, convenient mobility, safe operation, convenient maintenance and flexible adaptation, and is suitable for electrical control and supporting services of various marine main engine test benches.

[0038] Example 2 This embodiment provides an integrated electrical control method for a marine main engine testing station, including the following technical solutions: The control cabinet uses control buttons to start, stop, and perform emergency stop operations on the turning machine, and monitors its operating status. It provides a power interface for external testing equipment via a power socket box; provides isolated charging circuits for multiple power tools via a tool charging unit; and stores portable fire extinguishers in designated locations using a dedicated rack. The turning machine's operating status includes current and power; and when the turning machine is operated, an audible and visual alarm interlocked with the operating status is triggered for warning purposes.

[0039] It should be noted that the above modules correspond to the steps in Embodiment 1, and the examples and application scenarios implemented by the above modules and their corresponding steps are the same, but are not limited to the content disclosed in Embodiment 1. It should also be noted that the above modules can be executed in a computer system as part of the system.

[0040] In further embodiments, the following is also provided: An electronic device includes a memory and a processor, as well as computer instructions stored in the memory and running on the processor, which, when executed by the processor, perform the method described in Embodiment 1. For brevity, further details are omitted here.

[0041] It should be understood that in this embodiment, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), or it can be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0042] A computer-readable storage medium for storing computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform the method of Embodiment 1.

[0043] The method in Example 1 can be directly executed by a hardware processor, or it can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor. The software modules can reside in readily available storage media in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, or registers. This storage medium is located in memory; the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, a detailed description is not provided here.

[0044] A computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method in Embodiment 1.

[0045] The present invention also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as instructions included in program modules, which execute in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the processes / methods described above. Typically, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functionality of program modules can be combined or divided among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions for the program modules can execute within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, the program modules can reside in both local and remote storage media.

[0046] The computer program code used to implement the methods of the present invention may be written in one or more programming languages. This computer program code may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, such that when executed by the computer or other programmable data processing device, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a computer, partially on a computer, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server.

[0047] In the context of this invention, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, and the like. Examples of signals may include electrical, optical, radio, sound, or other forms of propagation signals, such as carrier waves, infrared signals, etc.

[0048] While the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort based on the technical solutions of the present invention are still within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated electrical control system for a marine main engine testing station, characterized in that, include: A mobile control cabinet and a turning gear control unit, a tool charging unit, and a safe storage and handling unit integrated on the mobile control cabinet; The turning machine control unit is used to control the operation of the turning machine. Its front operation panel has control buttons, status indicator lights, measuring instruments and switching switches. The turning machine control unit is equipped with a switchable main contactor and thermal relay. The tool charging unit has multiple independent charging sockets. The safe storage and storage unit includes a telescopic cable reel, a magnetic fixing structure and a special bracket.

2. The integrated electrical control system for a marine main engine testing station as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The movable control cabinet also integrates a power socket box, which includes multiple aviation plugs and multiple five-hole sockets. Each socket is independently equipped with a miniature circuit breaker and a waterproof protective cover.

3. The integrated electrical control system for a marine main engine testing station as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control buttons include a start button, a stop button, and a mushroom-shaped emergency stop button; the status indicator lights include a power indicator light and a running alarm indicator light; the measuring instruments include an ammeter and a wattmeter; and the switching switches include a manual / automatic switching switch and a power conversion switch.

4. The integrated electrical control system for a marine main engine testing station as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the movable control cabinet is equipped with universal casters with brakes and a space is reserved for forklift insertion. The top of the movable control cabinet is equipped with lifting lugs, and the lifting lugs adopt a three-point lifting layout. The lifting lugs include two lugs symmetrically installed on the left and right sides of the control cabinet, and one lug installed in the middle of the front panel of the control cabinet.

5. The integrated electrical control system for a marine main engine testing station as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The telescopic cable reel includes a first telescopic cable reel and a second telescopic cable reel; and both the first telescopic cable reel and the second telescopic cable reel are spring-loaded self-retracting cable reels.

6. The integrated electrical control system for a marine main engine testing station as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first telescopic cable reel is fixed inside the upper left door of the movable control cabinet and is used to store and retract the cable connecting the control handle of the turntable; the second telescopic cable reel is fixed inside the lower left door of the control cabinet and is used to store and retract the system power supply cable.

7. The integrated electrical control system for a marine main engine testing station as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic fixing structure is installed on the outside of the upper left door of the movable control cabinet, and the magnetic fixing structure is equipped with a protective cover to prevent accidental contact.

8. The integrated electrical control system for a marine main engine testing station as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The dedicated bracket uses stainless steel straps to secure the fire extinguisher, and is installed inside the left side of the movable control cabinet.

9. An integrated electrical control method for a marine main engine test station, based on the integrated electrical control system for a marine main engine test station as described in any one of claims 1-8, comprising: The control buttons on the movable control cabinet are used to start, stop, and perform emergency stop operations on the turning machine, and to monitor the operating status of the turning machine; a power socket box provides a power interface for external test equipment; a tool charging unit provides an isolated charging circuit for multiple power tools; and a dedicated mounting rack stores portable fire extinguishers in designated locations.

10. The integrated electrical control method for a marine main engine test station as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The operating status of the turning gear includes current and power; when the turning gear is operated, an audible and visual alarm interlocked with the operating status is triggered to provide a warning.

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