Method for operating a ship, in particular an electric ship, ship, in particular an electric ship

Abstract

A method for operating a ship, in particular an electric ship, is proposed, wherein a ship's captain selects a driving mode (A, B, C, D) from a plurality of different driving modes, wherein an engine torque of the ship is limited based on the selected driving mode, wherein upon switching to a driving mode (B, C, D) that allows a higher engine torque than another driving mode (A; B; C), the engine torque is continuously increased. A ship is also proposed.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a ship according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular an electric ship. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a ship, in particular an electric ship.

[0002] In addition to the use of ships for the transport of goods or passengers, water sports are an important part of shipping. Here, a distinction can be made between the use of sailing ships, where the focus is on converting natural forces into propulsion, and the use of purely motorized vessels. The latter focuses primarily on the pleasure of sailing.

[0003] Even in the leisure sector, a wide variety of driving situations arise. Skillful maneuvering is required when docking and unmooring the vessel. If longer distances are to be covered, for example on day trips, the available range and thus the vessel's energy consumption become the focus. Sporting activities in which the vessel is used solely as a means of propulsion, such as water skiing, require consistently higher speeds. Range or precise maneuvering are less important in this case. Finally, there are situations in which the captain simply wants to have fun driving. In these cases, endurance, range, and precise maneuvering are less important than the short-term high power output of the vessel's engine.

[0004] Balancing all these diverse requirements isn't easy. Steering a ship, in particular, which is supposed to cover all driving situations evenly, typically seems unsatisfactory, which directly impacts the driving experience.

[0005] From the publication DE 10 2016 121 747 A1, a method for operating a vessel is known in which the vessel's engine torque is limited in one driving mode and an overload operation is provided in another driving mode, in which the engine torque limit is shifted upwards. The publication US 2022 / 0 081 094 A1 discloses a method for operating a vessel in which the vessel is operated in a slow-speed mode for fishing or a normal mode.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide methods for operating a ship and a ship which do not have the disadvantages of the prior art described, but rather enable the ship to be operated satisfactorily in many very different driving situations and thus provide the ship's captain with an optimal driving experience.

[0007] This object is achieved by a method for operating a ship according to claim 1 and by a ship according to claim 11.

[0008] The method according to the invention provides that a ship's captain selects a driving mode from a plurality of different driving modes. Depending on the selected driving mode, the ship's engine torque is limited. This advantageously makes it possible to adapt the ship's driving behavior and operation to different driving situations. In particular, it is possible to make the resolution of a ship's thrust lever selectable. For example, in one driving mode, the entire available range of engine torque can be selected via the adjustment travel of the thrust lever, while in another driving mode only a fraction of the available range of engine torque can be selected, which enables more sensitive operation.

[0009] A vessel within the meaning of the present invention also includes boats. In particular, the vessel can be a recreational vessel or pleasure craft. The vessel within the meaning of the present invention includes an engine. It is conceivable that the vessel is a motor vessel without sail support. However, it is also conceivable that the vessel is a motor vessel with sail support or a sailing vessel with engine support.

[0010] The ship's captain within the meaning of the present invention is the operator of the ship's control components, in particular the steering wheel or rudder and the thrust lever.

[0011] Particularly preferably, the vessel is an electric vessel. An electric vessel within the meaning of the present invention is a vessel that has an electric drive motor in addition to an internal combustion engine, or that has only an electric drive motor and no internal combustion engine.

[0012] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and the description with reference to the drawings.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vessel's travel speed is also limited based on the selected travel mode. This advantageously enables not only the engine torque to be sensitively controlled depending on the situation, but also the travel speed to be optimally adjusted depending on the situation. The travel speed within the meaning of the present invention is the speed over ground.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, it is preferred that the vessel's propeller speed be limited based on the selected driving mode. Regulating the propeller speed can directly influence the vessel's driving dynamics.

[0015] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ship's pilot selects the driving mode using a selector switch. This allows for simple and safe selection of the appropriate driving mode. Preferably, the selector switch is located on the thrust lever. This ensures highly intuitive operation.

[0016] In particular, it is envisaged that the majority of driving modes include a dock mode for mooring and undocking the vessel and / or a range mode for maximizing the vessel's range and / or a sport mode for constant cruising at regular top speed and / or a sport+ mode for temporarily releasing the maximum available engine power. This advantageously covers most driving situations. The vessel can be optimally adjusted in this way, and yet the number of driving modes is not so high that it would overwhelm the captain. The limitation of the engine torque or driving speed depends on the type and size of the vessel. Preferred values are given below as a guide. It is conceivable that in dock mode the engine torque could be limited to 300 Nm to 500 Nm, preferably to 400 Nm and / or the driving speed to 5 to 20 km / h, preferably to 10 km / h and / or the propeller speed to 800 to 2.000 rpm, preferably 1,500 rpm. It is conceivable that in Range mode the engine torque is limited to 300 Nm to 500 Nm, preferably 400 Nm and / or the driving speed to 20 to 50 km / h, preferably 35 km / h and / or the propeller speed to 2,000 to 3,500 rpm, preferably 2,800 rpm. It is conceivable that in Sport mode the engine torque is limited to 500 Nm to 900 Nm, preferably 700 Nm and / or the driving speed to the maximum possible driving speed under continuous load and / or the propeller speed to 4,000 to 6,000 rpm, preferably 5,000 rpm. It is conceivable that in Sport+ mode the engine torque is limited to 500 Nm to 900 Nm, preferably to 700 Nm and / or the driving speed is not limited and / or the screw speed is limited to 7,000 to 9,000 rpm, preferably to 8,000 rpm.

[0017] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that an overload of the ship's engine is temporarily released in Sport+ mode. This advantageously makes it possible to utilize the ship's maximum power. It is conceivable that, to protect the ship's engine, the ship automatically switches from Sport+ mode to Sport mode after a predetermined time. It is also conceivable that, after use of Sport+ mode, re-selecting Sport+ mode is not possible for a predetermined waiting time. In particular, it is provided that selection of Sport+ mode is only possible when the ship's engine temperature falls below a threshold.

[0018] According to the invention, the permitted engine torque is continuously increased when changing from one driving mode to a driving mode that allows a higher engine torque than another driving mode. Preferably, the permitted engine torque is continuously increased by 10 Nm / s to 45 Nm / s, and in particular by 25 Nm / s, when changing from one driving mode to a driving mode that allows a higher engine torque than another driving mode. This prevents jerky and abrupt driving behavior of the vessel.

[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, when switching to a driving mode that only allows lower engine torque, the engine torque is immediately reduced to a permissible value. This advantageously provides a finer resolution of the thrust lever immediately. The immediate loss of a portion of the engine torque has only a minor, if any, impact on the comfort of the vessel. Unpleasant jerking is not to be expected.

[0020] It is also conceivable that when switching to a driving mode that only allows a lower speed, the ship is not actively braked. The ship can then coast to the lower speed. This also prevents jerky and sudden driving behavior.

[0021] To enhance intuitive operation of the vessel with a direct driving feel, it is preferably provided that the engine torque is directly controlled by an input from the ship's pilot on the thrust lever in one or more driving modes with a low permitted engine torque. In one or more driving modes with a higher permitted engine torque, the propeller speed is directly controlled by an input from the pilot on the thrust lever. Preferably, the driving modes with a low permitted engine torque are Dock Mode, Range Mode, and Sport Mode, and the driving mode with a higher permitted engine torque is Sport+ Mode.

[0022] A further object of the present invention for solving the initially stated problem is a ship, in particular an electric ship, wherein the ship is configured for operation according to the method according to the invention.

[0023] All details, features and advantages previously disclosed in connection with the method according to the invention also relate to the ship according to the invention.

[0024] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, which do not limit the inventive concept. Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a ship according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a vessel 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the vessel 100 is an electric vessel and has a thrust lever 3 on which a selector switch 2 is arranged. With the selector switch 2, a vessel's captain can select a driving mode A, B, C, D (see Fig. 2) to choose from a variety of different driving modes A, B, C, D.

[0026] The vessel 100 is typically operated in very different driving situations. For example, when docking and undocking the vessel 100, high precision maneuvering is essential. High speeds, high engine torques, and high propeller speeds are undesirable in such situations. The situation is quite different when driving in open waters, where the vessel's captain desires maximum performance.

[0027] The ship 100 meets these very different requirements by having the different driving modes A, B, C, D realize different driving parameters of the ship 100.

[0028] In the example shown here, the vessel 100 can be operated in a dock mode A for mooring and undocking the vessel 100. Furthermore, a range mode B is available, which enables very efficient operation of the vessel 100 and thus maximizes the range of the vessel 100. This mode can be used, for example, for day trips. Furthermore, the vessel 100 has a sport mode C, which enables constant driving at regular top speed. It is conceivable that the sport mode C is used for water sports activities, for example, water skiing. Furthermore, a sport+ mode D is provided, which serves to temporarily release the maximum available engine power. The sport+ mode D can be selected, for example, for sporty driving with the vessel 100.

[0029] With the selector switch 2 you can switch between the driving modes A, B, C, D. This is in Fig.2 shown.

[0030] The driving modes A, B, C, and D have different influences on the engine torque, the driving speed, and / or the propeller speed of the vessel 100. For example, in Dock Mode A, the driving speed is limited to a low value, such as 10 km / h. Furthermore, in this mode, the propeller speed is limited to 1,500 rpm and the engine torque to 400 Nm. In Dock Mode A, the engine torque is directly controlled using the throttle lever 3. In the embodiment shown here, in Range Mode B, the driving speed is limited to a medium and comfortable value, such as 35 km / h. It is conceivable that the propeller speed is also limited to 2,800 rpm and the engine torque to 400 Nm. In Range Mode B, the engine torque is also directly controlled using the throttle lever 3. In Sport Mode C, the driving speed is limited to the maximum possible regular speed under continuous load.This allows for very fast cruising over extended periods. It is conceivable that in Sport Mode C, the propeller speed could be limited to 5,000 rpm and the engine torque to 700 Nm. In Sport Mode C, the engine torque is directly controlled using the throttle lever 3. In Sport+ Mode D, short-term cruising with the ship's engine overload is permitted. For example, the propeller speed is limited to 6,000 rpm and the engine torque to 700 Nm. In Sport+ Mode D, the propeller speed is directly controlled using the throttle lever 3.

[0031] To avoid engine damage, it is conceivable that after a certain time the system automatically switches from Sport+ mode D to Sport mode C. It is also conceivable that after switching from Sport+ mode D to Sport mode C, it is not possible to switch back to Sport+ mode D for a certain waiting time.

[0032] In order to avoid jerky driving behavior, it is intended that when switching from a mode A, B, C, in which only a lower engine torque is permitted, to a mode B, C, D in which a higher engine torque is permitted, the engine torque limit is increased continuously and not suddenly. However, if the system switches from a mode B, C, D in which a higher driving speed or a higher propeller speed is permitted to a mode A, B, C in which a lower driving speed or a lower propeller speed is permitted, the respective limit is implemented immediately. However, it is not intended that the vessel 100 is actively braked to reach the lower driving speed. Rather, it is allowed to slide. List of reference symbols 100 ships 2 selector switches 3 thrust levers A Dock mode B Range mode C Sport mode D Sport+ Mode

Claims

[1] Method for operating a ship (100), in particular an electric ship, wherein a ship's captain selects a driving mode (A, B, C, D) from a plurality of different driving modes (A, B, C, D), wherein an engine torque of the ship (100) is limited based on the selected driving mode (A, B, C, D), characterized by that when changing to a driving mode (B, C, D) which allows a higher engine torque than another driving mode (A; B; C), the permitted engine torque is continuously increased. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the speed of the ship (100) is also limited based on the selected driving mode (A, B, C, D). [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the screw speed of the ship (100) is also limited based on the selected driving mode (A, B, C, D). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the driving mode (A, B, C, D) is selected by the skipper using a selector switch (2). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the plurality of driving modes (A, B, C, D) comprises a dock mode (A) for mooring and undocking the vessel (100) and a range mode (B) for maximizing the range of the vessel (100) and a sport mode (C) for constant driving at regular top speed and a sport+ mode (D) for temporarily releasing the maximum available engine power. [6] Method according to claim 4, characterized by that in a Sport+ mode (D) an overload of a ship's engine is temporarily released. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat when changing to a driving mode (B, C, D) which allows a higher engine torque than another driving mode (A; B; C), the permitted engine torque is increased continuously by 10 Nm / s to 45 Nm / s and in particular by 25 Nm / s. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that when changing to a driving mode (A, B, C) which only allows lower engine torque, the engine torque is immediately reduced to a permitted value. [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 7, characterized by that when changing to a driving mode (A, B, C) which only allows a lower driving speed, the ship (100) is not actively braked. [10] Method according to claim 5, characterized bythat by an input from the ship's captain on a thrust lever (3) of the ship (100) in one or more driving modes (A, B, C) with a low permitted engine torque, the engine torque is directly regulated and in one or more driving modes (D) with a higher permitted engine torque, the screw speed is directly regulated, wherein the driving modes (A, B, C) with a low permitted engine torque are preferably the Dock mode (A), the Range mode (B) and the Sport mode (C) and the driving mode (D) with a higher permitted engine torque is the Sport+ mode (D). [11] Ship (100), in particular electric ship, wherein the ship (100) is configured to operate according to a method according to one of the preceding claims.

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