Direct-current power output system of unmanned ship

Abstract

The utility model relates to a direct-current power output system of an unmanned ship, and aims to solve the problems of limited space, overlarge weight, low efficiency and complex control of small and medium-sized ocean debugging unmanned ships in the prior art. By adopting a full-direct-current power supply scheme, the size and weight are effectively reduced, the energy conversion efficiency is improved, the control circuit is simplified, the data acquisition and monitoring control module is arranged, the running state of a power supply system is monitored in real time, potential faults are found and processed in time, the safety of the unmanned ship is improved, and meanwhile, the safety of the unmanned ship is improved. The system has the function of remotely controlling the opening and closing of the circuit breaker, is convenient for operators to remotely control and manage, improves the working efficiency, has the advantages of simple structure, easiness in implementation, small size, light weight, high efficiency, simplicity and convenience in control, safety, reliability and the like, is suitable for small ocean debugging unmanned ships, and has wide application prospects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of power control technology, and more specifically, to a DC power output system for use on unmanned ships. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, small marine survey unmanned surface vessels (USVs) have high requirements for the size and weight of their power systems due to their limited space and compact structure. The application of traditional AC power supply systems in small marine survey USVs presents the following problems:

[0003] Large size and weight: Traditional AC power supply systems require transformers, distribution boxes, and other components, occupying a significant amount of space and increasing the weight of the unmanned surface vessel (USV). Low efficiency: AC power supply systems require multiple energy conversions, resulting in greater energy loss and reduced system efficiency. Complex control and slightly higher cost: AC power supply systems have complex control circuits, making implementation potentially more difficult and costly than DC power supply systems. DC power supply systems offer simpler control circuits and more stable data transmission for remote monitoring.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, all-DC power supply systems have gradually become an ideal choice for small marine survey unmanned surface vessels (USVs). These systems offer real-time data acquisition and monitoring control, as well as remote circuit control and management capabilities, enhancing the USV's safety, rapid response efficiency, reliability, flexibility, and scalability.

[0005] In view of the above, this patent application is hereby filed. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention provides a DC power output system for unmanned surface vessels, aiming to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and possessing the following advantages:

[0007] Compact size and lightweight: Utilizing a full DC power supply, eliminating the need for transformers and other components, it saves space and reduces weight, making it more suitable for small unmanned surface vessels (USVs). High efficiency: Reducing energy conversion steps improves system efficiency and extends the USV's endurance. Simple control and reliable safety: The DC power supply system simplifies control circuitry, facilitating remote data acquisition and monitoring, remote circuit control and management, and enhancing the USV's safety. Strong scalability: The DC power distribution module can be expanded according to actual needs, facilitating the connection of more DC-powered payload devices.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: an unmanned surface vessel (USV) DC power output system, including a shipboard host computer system, and further including a DC power supply module, a DC power distribution module, and a data acquisition and monitoring control module. The DC power supply module includes a shaft-driven generator and a battery. The shaft-driven generator and the battery provide DC power to the DC power distribution module and the data acquisition and monitoring control module. The DC power distribution module provides DC power of different voltages to the USV, distributing power to mission payload devices with different DC voltage requirements. The data acquisition and monitoring control module is used to collect and feedback real-time data from each device and transmit it to the shipboard host computer system via the Modbus RS485 protocol.

[0009] Furthermore, the DC power distribution module adopts a DC power distribution box, which includes a circuit breaker, a DC-DC converter power supply module, and a DC power distribution management module to provide 13.8V, 24V, and DC48V DC power; the DC power distribution box includes several independent DC output terminals, allowing a maximum load connection of 30A.

[0010] Furthermore, the circuit breaker is a Schneider iC65 circuit breaker.

[0011] Furthermore, the circuit breaker is equipped with an RCA remote control accessory and an Act i9 Smart Link intelligent interface unit, thereby enabling remote control and intelligent monitoring, and improving system operating efficiency and safety.

[0012] Furthermore, the DC-DC conversion power module consists of a Winco WG9-36BC13SR82 constant current charging module, a Mean Well RSD-300B-24 DC power module, and an RSD-200B-48 DC power module.

[0013] Furthermore, the data acquisition and monitoring control module includes a data acquisition unit, a data processing unit, a status monitoring unit, and a communication unit. The data acquisition unit consists of multiple sensor nodes, each responsible for collecting specific data from a designated device. The data processing unit is responsible for preprocessing and analyzing the data collected by the data acquisition unit and generating information that can be used by the ship's host computer system. The status monitoring unit monitors the status of the DC power supply module and the DC power distribution module in real time and determines the severity of the fault. The communication unit is responsible for transmitting the data from the status monitoring unit to the ship's host computer system, which then transmits the data to the shore-based base station in real time.

[0014] It's worth mentioning that the aforementioned shipboard host computer system refers to a computer-based software system, a very mature existing technology. The host computer, typically a PC with a human-machine interface, is a computer from which a human can directly issue control commands. The screen displays various signal changes (hydraulic pressure, water level, temperature, etc.). Commands issued by the host computer are first sent to the intelligent module, which then interprets these commands into corresponding timing signals to directly control the relevant equipment. The intelligent module periodically reads equipment status data, converts it into data signals, and feeds them back to the host computer.

[0015] In summary, compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages and positive effects:

[0016] 1. Compact size and light weight: This application adopts a full DC power supply solution, which effectively reduces space occupation and weight burden, making it more suitable for the application of small unmanned boats and providing strong guarantee for the maneuverability and flexibility of unmanned boats.

[0017] 2. High efficiency: By reducing energy conversion steps, the system efficiency is significantly improved, the endurance of the unmanned vessel is extended, and stronger power support is provided for long-term operation.

[0018] 3. Simple control and reliable safety: The adoption of a DC power supply system simplifies the control circuit and facilitates remote data acquisition and monitoring, remote control and management of circuits, significantly improving the safety of the unmanned vessel and providing operators with a more convenient operating experience.

[0019] 4. High scalability: The DC power distribution module can be flexibly expanded according to actual needs, making it easy to connect more DC mission payload equipment, providing greater possibilities for the future upgrade and functional expansion of unmanned ships. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the DC power output system for unmanned ships of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the DC power supply / distribution module of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the data acquisition and monitoring control module system of this utility model; Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of this utility model, but not all embodiments.

[0024] The DC power output system for unmanned surface vessels proposed in this application is a power supply system for small marine survey unmanned surface vessels. This system can meet the problems of limited space, excessive weight, low efficiency and complex control, and provides remote data acquisition and monitoring and control functions, thereby improving the safety, reliability and ease of operation of unmanned surface vessels.

[0025] Based on the power supply requirements of the configured task equipment, the required voltmeter power consumption of each device is shown in the table below:

[0026] Equipment Name Power consumption Voltage Automatic bilge pump DC24V 36W Rudder angle indicator and sensors DC12V 36W navigation signals and lights DC24V 20W Integrated Navigation DC24V 8W Internet radio DC12V 25W hard disk recorder DC48V 50W switch DC24V 17.28W Data Acquisition Module DC24V 1W Multi-wavelength facial scanning instrument DC24V 60W Side-scan sonar system DC24V 37W Shallow profile sonar system DC24V 300W

[0027] It is evident that when designing a DC power output system, it is necessary to simultaneously provide DC power of different voltages to various task load devices.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the DC power output system of the unmanned vessel includes:

[0029] The DC power supply module can be powered by a shaft-driven generator and battery on a small marine survey unmanned surface vessel, and has sufficient output power, such as a maximum DC12V 120A, to meet the power supply requirements of DC12V mission payload equipment.

[0030] The DC power distribution module provides DC power of different voltages for the unmanned vessel and provides power support for DC power equipment and loads. This module distributes the power output from the DC-DC conversion module to the mission load equipment with different DC voltage requirements, including circuit breakers, DC power distribution management modules and DC power distribution boxes, to provide a reliable power supply for the DC load equipment on the unmanned vessel.

[0031] The data acquisition and monitoring control module collects and transmits real-time data from various circuit breakers, relays, sensors, and other devices to the host computer system via the Modbus RS485 protocol. This module includes a data acquisition unit, a data processing unit, a status monitoring unit, and a communication unit, providing real-time monitoring of the DC power supply system's operating status. It simultaneously sends alarm signals to the host computer system upon the occurrence of a fault, effectively improving the safety of the unmanned vessel and ensuring its safe operation.

[0032] Specifically, such as Figure 2As shown, to enhance the modularity, scalability, and integration efficiency of the unmanned surface vessel's (USV) DC output system, a DC distribution box can be used for the DC power distribution module. This box possesses multi-channel, multi-voltage DC power distribution capabilities, meeting the power supply needs of different loads on the USV, enabling refined power distribution management, and improving system flexibility. The power distribution capacity and number of output ports can be flexibly expanded by adding or removing distribution modules according to actual equipment usage. This scalability design reduces the cost and complexity of system upgrades. Simultaneously, the distribution box integrates remote management functionality, allowing users to expand the system via a remote communication interface. Furthermore, the DC distribution box also features remote management capabilities for switching on / off the power circuit and monitoring its status.

[0033] The DC power supply module is powered by the shaft-driven generator and battery of the unmanned vessel, providing DC power to other modules in the system. In this embodiment, two shaft-driven generators are configured to output DC12V to the DC12V battery and DC24V to the DC24V battery, respectively.

[0034] like Figure 2 The DC power distribution module shown adopts a DC distribution box, including a circuit breaker, a DC-DC converter power supply module, and a DC power distribution management module, to provide 13.8V, 24V, and DC48V DC power output to various task load devices. The DC-DC converter power supply module is a Winco WG9-36BC13SR82 constant current charging module, or a Mean Well RSD-300B-24 or RSD-200B-48 DC power supply module. The DC circuit breaker is a Schneider iC65 circuit breaker, with optional RCA remote control accessories and Act i9 Smartlink intelligent interface units. The DC distribution board output is equipped with terminal blocks for reliable connection, convenient maintenance, and improved box neatness and expandability.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, the data acquisition and monitoring control module includes a data acquisition unit, a data processing unit, a status monitoring unit, and a communication unit;

[0036] The data acquisition unit typically consists of multiple sensor nodes, each responsible for collecting specific data from designated equipment. These sensors may include voltage / current sensors, temperature sensors, vibration sensors, status indicator interfaces, etc. Corresponding sensors are installed on the corresponding equipment units according to the data to be detected. For example, it communicates with the Acti9 Smart Link intelligent interface unit in the DC distribution box via the Modbus transmission protocol for load control, circuit breaker status monitoring, basic energy metering, etc.; it connects to a network switch via the TCP / IP transmission protocol, allowing the data acquisition unit to send the collected data to the data processing unit in real time using different transmission protocols (such as Modbus, CAN, etc.) for centralized management and analysis. This architecture not only improves the efficiency of data acquisition but also enhances the system's scalability and flexibility, enabling various devices to quickly access and share information.

[0037] The data processing unit uses a high-performance embedded processor or microcontroller (MCU), such as a development board or module based on ARM Cortex-M series (e.g., STM32 series) or ESP32 chips. The data processing unit is responsible for preprocessing and analyzing the data collected by the data acquisition unit, and generating information usable by the host computer system. This typically includes the following functions: data cleaning, data conversion, data analysis, alarm handling, etc. The processed data is then packaged according to the Modbus RTU protocol or other communication protocols, ready to be sent to the ship's host computer system.

[0038] The status monitoring unit uses a threshold-based real-time monitoring method to compare key parameters and determine if they exceed preset normal ranges. It also employs trend analysis to analyze parameter change trends and predict potential errors or anomalies. Based on comprehensive information from multiple parameters, it estimates the current operating status of the monitored object.

[0039] The communication unit uses an RS485 interface to transmit data from the status monitoring unit to the ship's host computer system. The ship's host computer system then transmits data to the shore base station in real time via a ship-to-shore communication system (satellite communication, 4G / 5G communication, ad hoc network communication, etc.). Shore-based personnel access this data through a human-machine interface to monitor the ship's status in real time, perform remote diagnostics and maintenance, and make corresponding decisions.

[0040] It's worth mentioning that the ship's host computer system refers to a computer-based software system, a very mature existing technology. The host computer, typically a PC with a human-machine interface, is the computer from which a human can directly issue control commands. The screen displays various signal changes (hydraulic pressure, water level, temperature, etc.). Commands issued by the host computer are first sent to the intelligent module, which then interprets these commands into corresponding timing signals to directly control the relevant equipment. The intelligent module periodically reads equipment status data, converts it into data signals, and feeds them back to the host computer.

[0041] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A DC power output system for an unmanned surface vessel, comprising a shipboard host computer system, characterized in that: It also includes a DC power supply module, a DC power distribution module, and a data acquisition and monitoring control module. The DC power supply module includes a shaft-driven generator and a battery. The shaft-driven generator and the battery provide DC power to the DC power distribution module and the data acquisition and monitoring control module. The DC power distribution module provides DC power of different voltages to the unmanned vessel, distributing power to the mission payload equipment with different DC voltage requirements. The data acquisition and monitoring control module is used to collect and feedback real-time data from each device and transmit it to the host computer system on the ship via the Modbus RS485 protocol.

2. The unmanned vessel DC power output system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The DC power distribution module adopts a DC power distribution box, which includes a circuit breaker, a DC-DC converter power supply module, and a DC power distribution management module to provide 13.8V, 24V and DC48V DC power; the DC power distribution box includes several independent DC output terminals, with a maximum allowable load connection of 30A.

3. The unmanned vessel DC power output system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The circuit breaker is a Schneider iC65 circuit breaker.

4. The unmanned vessel DC power output system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The circuit breaker is equipped with an RCA remote control accessory and an Acti9 Smart Link intelligent interface unit, thereby enabling remote control and intelligent monitoring, and improving system operating efficiency and safety.

5. The unmanned vessel DC power output system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The DC-DC converter power module consists of a Winco WG9-36BC13SR82 constant current charging module, a Mean Well RSD-300B-24 DC power module, and an RSD-200B-48 DC power module.

6. The unmanned vessel DC power output system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The data acquisition and monitoring control module includes a data acquisition unit, a data processing unit, a status monitoring unit, and a communication unit; The data acquisition unit consists of multiple sensor nodes, each of which is responsible for collecting specific data from a designated device. The data processing unit is responsible for preprocessing and analyzing the data collected by the data acquisition unit, and generating information that can be used by the ship's host computer system. The status monitoring unit monitors the status of the DC power supply module and the DC power distribution module in real time and determines the severity of the fault. The communication unit is responsible for transmitting the data from the status monitoring unit to the shipboard host computer system, which then transmits the data to the shore-based base station in real time.

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