Display devices, and ships

Abstract

To provide a display device that allows for easy understanding of the situation on a ship, and a ship itself. [Solution] The display device 64 visualizes the operating status of the hull 11 in relation to environmental information. When the environment, such as wind direction and wind speed, changes for the ship 1, and the operation of each piece of equipment 63, including the wind propulsion unit 10, is adjusted accordingly, the display device 64 can visualize the operating status of the hull 11 accordingly. Therefore, by looking at the information visualized on the display device 64, the crew can easily grasp the operating status of the hull 11. As a result, the situation on the ship 1 can be easily understood.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device and a ship.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, ships that generate thrust using renewable energy such as wind power are known for reducing GHGs such as CO2. For example, the ship described in Patent Document 1 includes a wind propulsion unit that propels the hull by wind power on the hull in addition to a propeller-based propulsion device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, in the ship as described above, the operating conditions of the hull, such as the situation of the wind propulsion unit, vary appropriately according to the environment such as the wind direction and wind speed. Even if such operating conditions of the ship can be grasped by an experienced crew member, there is a problem that it is difficult for some crew members to grasp them. From the above, it has been required to easily grasp the situation in the ship.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a display device and a ship that can easily grasp the situation in the ship.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The display device according to the present invention is a display device that displays information related to a ship provided with a wind propulsion unit on the hull, and visualizes the operating conditions of the hull with respect to environmental information.

[0007] The display device according to the present invention visualizes the operating status of a ship in relation to environmental information. When environmental conditions such as wind direction and wind speed change for a ship, and the operation of various equipment, including the wind propulsion unit, is adjusted accordingly, the display device can visualize the operating status of the ship in response. Therefore, by viewing the information visualized on the display device, the crew can easily grasp the operating status of the ship. As a result, the conditions on board the ship can be easily understood.

[0008] The display device may visualize the moments acting on the hull based on the forces generated by the wind propulsion units. In this case, the crew can easily understand, through the visualized information, what forces and moments are acting on the hull from each wind propulsion unit.

[0009] The display device may visualize the forces generated by the wind propulsion units. In this case, the crew can easily understand what kind of forces are being generated in each wind propulsion unit.

[0010] The display device may visualize the relationship between the ship's speed and the required power output, as well as the contribution of the wind propulsion unit to that required power output. This allows the crew to easily understand the extent to which the wind propulsion unit contributes to the ship's operation.

[0011] The display device may visualize the battery charge level. This allows crew members to easily understand the battery charge level and perform battery charging and discharging at the appropriate time.

[0012] A vessel has at least three navigation modes: a motor-driven mode propelled only by the propellers, a motor-sail mode propelled by both the propellers and a wind-powered propulsion unit, and a sail mode propelled only by the wind-powered propulsion unit. The display device may visualize the currently set navigation mode. In this case, the crew can easily understand which navigation mode the vessel is currently operating in, given that multiple navigation modes exist.

[0013] The display device may visualize the power balance on board the vessel. This allows the crew to easily understand the power balance on board.

[0014] The display device may visualize the fuel efficiency benefits of the wind propulsion system. This allows crew members to easily understand the fuel efficiency benefits of the wind propulsion system, thereby improving their environmental awareness.

[0015] The display device may share visualization information with land-based personnel. This allows land-based workers to easily understand the status of the vessel.

[0016] The display device according to the present invention is a display device that displays information about a ship equipped with a wind propulsion unit on its hull, and visualizes in real time the ratio of use of engine propulsion using a propeller and wind propulsion using the wind propulsion unit.

[0017] The display device according to the present invention visualizes in real time the utilization ratio of engine propulsion using a thruster and wind propulsion using a wind propulsion unit. This allows the display device to show in real time the extent to which the wind propulsion unit contributes to the ship's operation. Therefore, by viewing the information visualized on the display device, the crew can easily grasp the current contribution of the wind propulsion unit. As a result, the situation on the ship can be easily understood.

[0018] The display device may visualize the forces and moments acting on the hull based on the forces generated by the wind propulsion system. In this case, the crew can easily understand in real time the extent to which the wind propulsion system contributes to the movement of the hull.

[0019] The display device according to the present invention is a display device that displays information about a ship equipped with a wind propulsion unit on its hull, and visualizes the amount of energy that can be reduced in consumption by using the wind propulsion unit compared to when a propeller is used.

[0020] The display device according to the present invention visualizes the amount of energy whose consumption can be suppressed by using a wind propulsion unit as compared with the case of using a propeller. Thereby, the display device can display visualization information about how much energy consumption can be suppressed by using the wind propulsion unit. Therefore, by looking at the information visualized by the display device, a crew member can easily grasp the effect of suppressing energy consumption by using the wind propulsion unit and can improve environmental awareness. From the above, the situation in the ship can be easily grasped.

[0021] The display device may visualize the amount of energy whose consumption can be suppressed by turning by the moment acting on the hull based on the thrust by the wind propulsion unit as compared with the case of performing steering. In this case, by turning by the moment by the wind propulsion unit, it is possible to easily grasp how much the effect of suppressing energy consumption can be obtained as compared with the case of turning by this rudder.

[0022] The ship according to the present invention includes the above-described display device.

[0023] According to the ship, the same operations and effects as those of the above-described display device can be obtained.

Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, a display device that can easily grasp the situation in a ship and a ship can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a ship according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] (a) is a diagram for explaining the principle of a rotor sail, and (b) is a plan view of a ship. [Figure 3] It is a schematic side view of the structure on the stern side of the ship. [Figure 4]This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the mechanisms involved in the energy exchange within a ship's control system. [Figure 5] This is another conceptual diagram showing the mechanisms involved in the energy exchange within a ship's control system. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the control system. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating the display content of a model showing the operating status of a ship. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating the display content of a model showing the operating status of a ship. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating the display content of a model showing the operating status of a ship. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating the display content of a model showing the operating status of a ship. [Figure 11] This is a diagram illustrating the display content of a model showing the operating status of a ship. [Figure 12] This is an example of an image that visualizes the ship's operational status in relation to environmental information, as displayed by a display device. [Figure 13] This is an example of an image that visualizes the ship's operational status in relation to environmental information, as displayed by a display device. [Figure 14] This is an example of an image displayed by a display device that visualizes in real time the ratio of engine propulsion using thrusters to wind propulsion using wind power units. [Figure 15] This is an example of an image displayed by a display device that visualizes in real time the ratio of engine propulsion using thrusters to wind propulsion using wind power units. [Figure 16] This is an example of an image displayed by a display device that visualizes the battery charge level. [Figure 17] This is an example of an image displayed by a display device that visualizes the power balance on a ship. [Figure 18] This is an example of an image displayed by a display device that visualizes the power balance on a ship. [Figure 19] This is an example of an image displayed by a display device that visualizes the power balance on a ship. [Figure 20]This is an example of an image displayed by a display device that visualizes the power balance on a ship. [Figure 21] This is an example of an image displayed by a display device that visualizes the power balance on a ship. [Figure 22] This is an example of an image that visualizes the saving effect using a display device. [Figure 23] This is an example of an image that visualizes the saving effect using a display device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the terms "forward" and "backward" correspond to the bow-stern direction of the hull, the term "lateral" corresponds to the left-right (width) direction of the hull, and the terms "up" and "down" correspond to the vertical direction of the hull.

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention. Vessel 1 is a vessel that transports petroleum-based liquid cargo such as crude oil or liquid gas, and is, for example, an oil tanker. However, the vessel is not limited to an oil tanker, and may be a bulk carrier, a car carrier, or any other type of vessel.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the vessel 1 comprises a hull 11, a propeller 12, and a plurality of wind propulsion units 10. The hull 11 has a bow 2, a stern 3, an engine room 4, a pump room 5, and a cargo room 6. An upper deck 19 is provided on top of (or inside) the hull 11. The bow 2 is located on the forward side of the hull 11. The stern 3 is located on the rear side of the hull 11.

[0029] The bow section 2 has a shape designed to reduce wave resistance, for example, when the ship is fully loaded and under draft. The propeller 12 mechanically generates thrust for the hull 11, and a propeller is used, for example. The propeller 12 is installed below the waterline (water surface of the sea W) at the stern section 3 when propelled. Also installed below the waterline at the stern section 3 is an azimuth propeller 15, which also functions as a rudder for adjusting the direction of propulsion. In the example shown in Figure 1, the ship 1 is equipped with multiple propellers 12A, 12B. The multiple propellers 12A, 12B are arranged to face each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0030] The engine room 4 is located adjacent to the bow of the stern section 3. The engine room 4 is a compartment for housing the main engine 16 that provides driving force to the propeller 12 (forward propeller 12A). On the upper deck 19, above the engine room 4, are the living quarters 22 and the exhaust chimney 23. The pump room 5 is located adjacent to the bow of the engine room 4. The pump room 5 is a compartment where pumps 17 and other equipment are located. The cargo room 6 is located between the bow section 2 and the pump room 5. The cargo room 6 is a compartment for storing petroleum-based cargo. The cargo room 6 employs a double-hull structure of outer plating 20 and inner bottom plate 21, and is divided into multiple cargo oil tanks 26 and multiple ballast tanks 27. The cargo oil tanks 26 are used to store petroleum-based cargo transported by the ship 1. The ballast tanks 27 are used to store ballast water in amounts appropriate to the size of the ship.

[0031] The wind propulsion unit 10 is a mechanism that propels the hull 11 using wind power. In this embodiment, a Magnus rotor type wind propulsion mechanism is used as the wind propulsion unit 10. Multiple wind propulsion units 10 (four in this case) are provided on the upper deck 19 of the hull 11, arranged in the front-to-back direction. As shown in Figure 2(a), the wind propulsion unit 10 comprises a cylindrical rotor sail 31 extending in the vertical direction and an electric motor 32 that rotates the rotor sail 31. When wind WD blows onto the rotor sail 31 from the side, the direction of rotation of the rotor sail 31 and the direction of wind WD are opposite at the rear, while the direction of rotation of the rotor sail 31 and the direction of wind WD coincide at the front. This creates a pressure difference between the front and rear of the rotor sail 31, generating a forward thrust PF (Magnus effect). As shown in Figure 2(b), when wind WD blows from the side of the hull 11, the thrust PF of each wind-powered propulsion unit 10 causes the hull 11 to move forward. As shown in Figure 1, the rotor sail 31, which is a wind-powered propulsion unit 10, may be installed on the wall of the cargo bay 6. This allows the rotor sail 31, which is a heavy structure, to be supported by being installed on the wall of the cargo bay 6, thereby acting as a reinforcing member to support the rotor sail 31.

[0032] Referring to Figure 3, the structure of the stern of the vessel 1 will be described in detail. Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the structure of the stern of the vessel 1. The multiple propellers 12 of the vessel 1 are composed of counter-rotating propellers 35. The forward propeller 12A has a forward propeller 33 attached to the hull 11 and driven by the main engine 16. The propeller 12A is connected to the main engine 16 in the engine room 4 via a shaft 34 that extends forward from its front end. An electric motor 36 is provided at an intermediate position on the shaft 34 to recover electricity from the rotational force of the shaft. A clutch 16a is provided on the shaft 34 between the main engine 16 and the electric motor 36. The rear propeller 12B has a rear propeller 37 that is rotatably mounted outside the hull 11, positioned opposite the forward propeller 33, and driven by an electric motor 38. The rear propeller 37 is attached to an azimuth propeller 15 that also functions as a rudder. As the rear thruster 12B, an azimuth thruster is employed, in which a rear propeller 37 is attached to a pod that can rotate 360° horizontally. The counter-rotating propeller 35 has the front propeller 33 and rear propeller 37 rotating in opposite directions. The energy of the rotational flow from the front propeller 33 is recovered by the rear propeller 37 and rectified into an axial flow, eliminating energy loss due to rotational flow and leaving only an axial flow at the rear, thereby improving energy efficiency. A diesel generator 39 is provided in the engine room 4. The generator 39 comprises an electric motor 39a and an engine 39b. For example, a battery 40 is provided in the stern section 3.

[0033] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the mechanism involved in the energy exchange of the hull 11 within the control system 100 of the ship 1. The control system 100 controls the wind propulsion unit 10 and the propellers 12A and 12B according to the wind conditions obtained. The control system 100 may also use the propellers 12 for regeneration when the hull 11 is moving due to the wind propulsion unit 10. As shown in Figure 4, the control system 100 includes the aforementioned wind propulsion unit 10 (rotor sail 31, electric motor 32), the forward propeller 12A (main engine 16, electric motor 36, forward propeller 33, shaft 34), the rear propeller 12B (electric motor 38, rear propeller 37), a generator 39, and a battery 40. The control system 100 also has a management system 50 that manages the energy of each of the above-mentioned devices. The management system 50 is a system that handles the exchange and distribution of electric current within the control system 100. Furthermore, the control system 100 may have the configuration shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 shows a configuration in which the front thruster 12A is omitted and the thruster 12 has only the rear thruster 12B.

[0034] Referring to Figure 6, the system configuration of the control system 100 will be described in more detail. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of the control system 100. As shown in Figure 6, the ship 1 includes a control unit 60. The control unit 60 is configured, for example, by a computer system. The computer system physically includes, for example, a processor (arithmetic circuit), memory, a communication interface, and a data storage unit. The memory includes, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The data storage unit includes, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). The control unit CU may be configured, for example, by a microcontroller or an integrated circuit.

[0035] The control unit 60 performs various calculations, for example, by executing a program stored in memory on the CPU. Through this process, the control unit 60 includes the functional elements shown in Figure 6. Specifically, the control unit 60 includes the aforementioned management system 50, information acquisition unit 51, navigation mode setting unit 52, calculation unit 53, visualization information processing unit 54, and storage unit 56. The control unit 60 detects detection information from the sensor 61. The sensor 61 detects various types of information, including environmental information. For example, the sensor 61 detects at least the wind direction and wind speed of the wind WD (see Figure 2(b)). The sensor 61 also detects sea conditions. In addition, the sensor 61 detects position information, heading, rotational speed of the forward propeller 33 and aft propeller 37, rudder angle of the azimuth thruster 15, rotational speed of the rotor sail 31, hull inclination, turning angular velocity, etc. The control unit 60 acquires input signals from the input unit 62. The input unit 62 is a device in which the user inputs various types of information. The input unit 62 can include a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, etc.

[0036] The control unit 60 outputs signals to the equipment 63 and receives signals from the equipment 63. The control system 50 of the control unit 60 controls the exchange of power between the equipment 63. The equipment 63 includes the wind propulsion unit 10, the thruster 12, the generator 39, and the battery 40. The control unit 60 outputs signals containing display content to the display device 64. The display device 64 is a monitor. The display device 64 may be installed in the cabin of the ship 1, or it may be a monitor on a crew member's portable terminal. If a touch panel is used as the display device 64, the input unit 62 is incorporated into the display device 64.

[0037] The information acquisition unit 51 of the control unit 60 acquires various information for controlling the ship 1. The information acquisition unit 51 acquires detection information detected by the sensor 61. The information acquisition unit 51 may also acquire information obtained through communication means other than the sensor 61. The navigation mode setting unit 52 sets the navigation mode of the ship 1. The navigation mode will be described later. The calculation unit 53 calculates various information. Based on the set navigation mode, the calculation unit 53 calculates the control content for controlling the operation of the equipment 63. The calculation unit 53 also calculates various information indicating the operating status of the ship 1 and the status of each piece of equipment 63. For example, the calculation unit 53 calculates thrust information and power information related to the wind propulsion unit 10 and the propeller 12 from the display content of the display device 64. The visualization information processing unit 54 performs image processing on the visualization information visualized by the display device 64. That is, the visualization information processing unit 54 generates the images shown in the figures showing the display device 64, which will be described later.

[0038] The display device 64 may transmit the visualization information to be displayed to the land-based equipment 65. This allows the display device 64 to supply visualization information to the land. The mechanism for communicating with the land-based equipment 65 may be provided inside the display device 64 or in the control unit 60. If the control unit 60 is provided with a communication unit, the communication unit shall be included in the "display device" as defined in the claim.

[0039] Here, the navigation modes will be explained with reference to Figures 7 to 11. The control system 100 has at least three navigation modes for the vessel 1: an engine-driven mode propelled only by the propeller 12, an engine-sail mode propelled by the propeller 12 and the wind-powered propulsion unit 10, and a sail mode propelled only by the wind-powered propulsion unit 10. Figures 7 to 10 show the navigation modes when the vessel 1 has the equipment 63 shown in Figure 5. Figure 11 shows the navigation modes when the vessel 1 has the equipment 63 shown in Figure 4. In Figures 7 to 11, lines where power is supplied are indicated by solid arrows, and lines where power is not exchanged are indicated by dashed lines.

[0040] Figure 7 shows the operation of the vessel 1 when the full sailing mode is set as the navigation mode and the battery 40 is being charged. As shown in Figure 7, in sailing mode, the control system 100 stops the generator 39, operates the wind power propulsion unit 10, and controls the rear propeller 12B to generate electricity. The rear propeller of the propeller 12B rotates freely in the water as it receives water flow during sailing. This causes the electric motor 38 to generate power and supply it to the management system 50. The management system 50 supplies power from the propeller 12A to the wind power propulsion unit 10. The management system 50 also supplies power to the battery 40 to charge it. As a result, the vessel 1 is propelled only by the wind power propulsion unit 10. Figure 8 shows the operation of the management system 50 when the full sailing mode is set as the navigation mode and the battery 40 is being discharged. As shown in Figure 8, the control system 100 controls the battery 40 to discharge and supply power to the management system 50. The management system 50 supplies power from the battery 40 in addition to the power from the electric motor 38 to the wind power propulsion unit 10. As a result, the ship 1 is propelled solely by the wind power propulsion unit 10.

[0041] Figure 9 shows the operation of the vessel 1 when the engine-driven mode is set as the navigation mode. As shown in Figure 9, in engine-driven mode, the control system 100 controls the generator 39 to operate the propeller 12B and to stop the wind propulsion unit 10. The power generated by the generator 39 is supplied to the management system 50. The management system 50 supplies power from the generator 39 to the propeller 12B. As a result, the vessel 1 is propelled solely by the propeller 12B.

[0042] Figure 10 shows the operation of the vessel 1 when the motor-sailing mode is set as the navigation mode. As shown in Figure 10, in motor-sailing mode, the control system 100 controls the operation of the generator 39, the propeller 12B, and the wind propulsion unit 10. The power generated by the generator 39 is supplied to the management system 50. The management system 50 supplies the power from the generator 39 to the propeller 12B and the wind propulsion unit 10. As a result, the vessel 1 is propelled by the propeller 12B and the wind propulsion unit 10.

[0043] Figure 11 shows the operation of a vessel 1 having counter-rotating propellers (see Figure 4) when it is set to full sailing mode and the battery 40 is being charged. As shown in Figure 11, in sailing mode, the control system 100 controls the generator 39 to stop, the wind propulsion unit 10 to operate, the front thruster 12A to stop, and the rear thruster 12B to generate power. The thruster 12B generates power and supplies it to the management system 50. The management system 50 supplies power from the thruster 12A to the wind propulsion unit 10. The management system 50 also supplies power to the battery 40 to charge it. As a result, the vessel 1 is propelled only by the wind propulsion unit 10. Note that in engine-driven mode and engine-sailing mode, the front thruster 12A of the vessel 1 having counter-rotating propellers may also be operated. In this case, the management system 50 may use power from the front thruster 12A instead of the generator 39.

[0044] Next, the display device 64 according to this embodiment will be described in detail. The display device 64 is a device that displays various information about a vessel 1 equipped with a wind propulsion unit 10 on its hull 11. The display device 64 displays various information to support the navigation of the vessel 1. In the following example of images displayed by the display device 64, the calculation unit 53 performs calculations for items that require calculation for display, and the visualization information processing unit performs image processing for displaying the images.

[0045] As shown in Figures 7 to 11, the display device 64 visualizes the currently set navigation mode and may also display a model diagram of the ship 1 that visualizes the operating status of each piece of equipment 63 of the ship 1 based on the navigation mode. In the examples shown in Figures 7 to 11, the display device 64 displays the names of the equipment 63 in English or by English abbreviations. However, the language of the text information displayed by the display device 64 is not particularly limited and may be changed as appropriate to Japanese, other foreign languages, etc. The same applies to the following drawings. The display device 64 displays the status of the main engine 16 (operating, standby, warming up, etc.), the wind power propulsion unit 10, the generator 39, the propeller 12, and the battery 40.

[0046] The display device 64 visualizes the operating status of the hull 11 in relation to environmental information. The display device 64 may visualize the forces and moments acting on the hull 11 based on the forces (thrust and lateral force, etc.) generated by the wind propulsion unit 10. Environmental information refers to information about the environment of the navigation of the vessel 1 that may affect the navigation of the vessel 1, and includes information such as wind conditions (wind direction, wind speed, wind fluctuations, etc.), sea conditions (wave height, wave direction, period, etc.), weather, the movements of other vessels, currents, and water depth. The operating status of the hull 11 refers to the status of the operation of the hull 11 when the vessel 1 is in navigation, and includes various information such as ship speed, propulsion direction, thrust or resistance from the propeller 12, thrust from the wind propulsion unit 10, turning moment from the rudder, turning moment from the wind propulsion unit 10, heading, and angle of oblique sailing. The display device 64 may display the status of the propeller (rotation speed, pitch angle, thrust, horsepower, etc.) and rudder angle.

[0047] Figures 12 and 13 are examples of images that visualize the operating status of the hull 11 in relation to environmental information displayed by the display device 64. In Figure 12, the wind direction relative to the hull 11 is indicated by an arrow, and the direction of the thrust generated by each wind propulsion unit 10 is indicated by an arrow. The length of the arrow indicates the magnitude of the thrust. The direction of the rudder of the propeller 12 is shown by an illustration. In addition, the direction of travel of the hull 11 is indicated by an arrow. Various other information is shown as text information.

[0048] In Figure 13, the wind direction relative to the hull 11 is indicated by arrows, and the direction of thrust generated by each wind-powered propulsion unit 10 is indicated by arrows. The length of the arrows indicates the magnitude of the thrust. The rotation direction and rotation speed of each wind-powered propulsion unit 10 are indicated by the direction and length of the arrows. The rotation direction and rotation speed of the propellers of the thrusters 12A and 12B are indicated by the direction and length of the arrows. The thrust from the thrusters 12A and 12B is indicated by arrows. The direction of travel of the hull 11 is also indicated by arrows. The direction and magnitude of the moment generated by each wind-powered propulsion unit 10, and the turning moment TM generated in the hull 11 by the action of the thrusters 12A and 12B are indicated by the direction and length of the arrows. Note that the rotation direction, speed, and magnitude of the wind-powered propulsion unit 10, the propellers of the thrusters 12A and 12B, and the turning moment TM may be displayed as animations. The thrust of the wind propulsion unit 10 is shown as a resultant force, but it may also be shown broken down into the bow direction and the beam direction. In Figures 12 and 13, the hull 11 is always shown in a "hull-fixed coordinate system," but it may also be shown in a "ground coordinate system," where up is always the specified direction (east, west, north, south, etc.).

[0049] The display device 64 may visualize in real time the ratio of engine propulsion using the thruster 12 to wind propulsion using the wind propulsion unit 10. Figures 14 and 15 are examples of images that visualize this information. In Figure 14, the display device 64 visualizes the status of forces (thrust, lateral force, etc.) generated by the wind propulsion unit 10. The display device 64 displays illustrations of each wind propulsion unit 10 installed on the hull 11 and shows the wind force generated by each wind propulsion unit 10 in percentage. The maximum thrust that the wind propulsion unit 10 can generate is set to 100%. The display device 64 shows the percentage of thrust generated by each wind propulsion unit 10 with a color gradient. In addition, when the thruster 12 is generating thrust, the display device 64 shows that thrust as text information. In the example shown in Figure 14, the display device 64 displays the rotation speed of the thruster 12 because it is rotating freely. The display device 64 indicates the total thrust of the hull 11 with an arrow 101, showing the proportion of engine thrust in area 101a and the proportion of wind thrust in area 101b.

[0050] In Figure 15, the display device 64 visualizes the relationship between the ship speed of vessel 1 and the required output, as well as the involvement of the wind propulsion unit 10 in that required output. The display device 64 displays a graph on the display unit 102 showing the relationship between the ship speed and the required output to obtain that ship speed. "MCR" is the maximum output of vessel 1. Note that the graph on the display unit 102 may be omitted. The display device 64 displays on the display unit 103 the ratio of output from engine propulsion and output from wind propulsion at a certain ship speed (ship speed v1). Region 103a shows the output from engine thrust handled by the propeller 12. Region 103a may be calculated from the shaft horsepower system or fuel consumption. Region 103b shows the output from wind propulsion handled by the wind propulsion unit 10. Region 103b may be calculated by subtracting the output of the propeller 12 from the required output, or it may be calculated from the thrust of each wind propulsion unit 10. Region 103c represents the remaining power up to the maximum power (MCR). The lengths of each region 103a, 103b, and 103c vary depending on their proportion to the total. The sum of regions 103a and 103b represents the required power at ship speed v1. The required power can be estimated from horsepower curves (including performance in calm water or actual sea areas) or actual operational data, or it can be calculated by adding the output of the propeller 12 and the output of the wind propulsion unit 10.

[0051] The display device 64 may visualize the charge level of the battery 40. Figure 16 shows an example of an image visualizing the charge level of the battery 40. In Figure 16(a), the display device 64 displays a bar graph 104 showing the charge level of the battery 40. The total length of the bar graph 104 represents the maximum charge level (100%) of the battery 40. The colored area 104a of the bar graph 104 represents the charge level, and the white area 104b represents the available capacity of the battery 40. The line VL1 at the boundary between area 104a and area 104b represents the current charge level. The display device 64 shows the charge level X hours ago with line VL2 and the charge level Y hours later with line VL3. This allows the user to confirm that charging is progressing during charging and to understand the remaining time until the charge runs out during use. The display device 64 may also display the remaining time until the charge runs out or the remaining time until charging is complete. The battery 40 of ship 1 does not charge quickly like a mobile device, but takes a long time, so it is useful for the user to know the charge level after several hours. In addition, the display device 64 may display a bar graph 104 as an illustration of the battery, as shown in Figure 16(b). Note that each line VL1, VL2, and VL3 is for the same purpose as in Figure 16(a).

[0052] Furthermore, the display device 64 may also visualize the charge level of the battery 40 within the model diagrams of ship 1 shown in Figures 7 to 11. The display device 64 displays a region 40a indicating the charge level and a region 40b indicating the available capacity within the illustration of the battery 40. In the examples of Figures 9 and 10, where the battery 40 is not in use, the battery 40 is depleted, and the entire area is region 40b.

[0053] The display device 64 may visualize the power balance of the ship 1. The power balance may show the relationship between the power consumed within the ship 1 and the power supplied to power-consuming equipment, or the relationship between the power consumed within the ship 1 and the power obtained through regeneration. Figures 17 to 21 are examples of images in which the display device 64 visualizes the power balance of the ship 1. Of the items shown in Figures 17 to 21, "Sail power consumption" is the power consumed by the operation of the wind propulsion unit 10. "POD regenerative power" is the amount of regenerative power generated by the propeller 12. "POD power consumption" is the amount of power consumed by the propeller 12. "Battery charge amount" is the amount of power charged into the battery 40. "Battery discharge amount" is the amount of power discharged by the battery 40. "Axle generator power generation amount" is the amount of power generated by the generator 39. "Steering power consumption" is the power consumed by steering the rudder of the propeller 12. In Figures 17, 18, and 21, the graphs extending upwards show the electricity generated within the vessel 1 and the electricity charged and discharged by the battery 40, while the graphs extending downwards show the electricity consumed within the vessel 1.

[0054] In Figure 17(a), the display device 64 visualizes the power balance of the vessel 1 in full sailing mode. The propeller 12 generates electricity, and a portion of the generated electricity is used to charge the battery 40, while the wind propulsion unit 10 consumes electricity. The amount of electricity obtained by subtracting the amount of charge of the battery 40 from the amount of regenerative power generated by the propeller 12 balances the amount of electricity consumed by the wind propulsion unit 10. In Figure 17(b), the display device 64 visualizes the power balance of the vessel 1 in engine-driven mode. The generator 39 generates electricity, and the generated electricity is consumed by the propeller 12. The amount of electricity generated by the generator 39 balances the amount of electricity consumed by the propeller 12.

[0055] In Figure 18(a), the display device 64 visualizes the power balance of the vessel 1 in motor-sailing mode. The generator 39 generates electricity, and the generated electricity is consumed by the wind-powered propulsion unit 10 and the thruster 12. The amount of electricity generated by the generator 39 is balanced by the amount of electricity consumed by the wind-powered propulsion unit 10 and the thruster 12. In Figure 18(b), the display device 64 visualizes the power balance of the vessel 1 in motor-sailing mode. The generator 39 generates electricity, the battery 40 discharges, and the generated electricity is consumed by the wind-powered propulsion unit 10 and the thruster 12. The amount of discharged battery 40 and the amount of electricity generated by the generator 39 are balanced by the amount of electricity consumed by the wind-powered propulsion unit 10 and the thruster 12. Note that the amount of power saved per unit time can be calculated by subtracting the amount of electricity generated by the generator 39 in Figure 18(a) from the amount of electricity generated by the generator 39 in Figure 17(b). The amount of savings refers to the amount of fossil fuel that does not need to be consumed by using the wind propulsion unit 10. The amount of savings may be expressed in terms of fuel quantity or fuel cost. When calculating the amount of savings in motor-sailing mode, it is sufficient to use an estimated value of the amount of power that would be required if the ship speed at that time were to be operated in motor-sailing mode. The cumulative value of the amount of savings may be graphed by integrating it over time. In this case, for example, the cumulative value of the amount of savings since departure and the cumulative value of the amount of savings for each day may be calculated.

[0056] The display device 64 may visualize the situation in Figure 17(a) as shown in Figure 19(a). In Figure 19(a), the display device 64 shows the amount of power consumed and the amount of regenerated power on a balance scale, tilting towards the larger value. In Figure 19(a), since the regenerated power is greater, surplus power is generated, and it can be seen that the battery 40 is being charged by the amount of this surplus power. The display device 64 may also visualize the situation in Figure 18(b) as shown in Figure 19(b). In Figure 19(b), the display device 64 shows the amount of power consumed and the amount of power supplied (generation and discharge) on a balance scale. This makes it possible to visualize equations and inequalities. By accurately reflecting the area of ​​each item, it is possible to visually understand which item is dominant. The display device 64 may also visualize the situation in Figure 18(b) using a waterfall chart as shown in Figure 20. This makes it possible to visually understand whether the energy balance is in equilibrium or swinging to either positive or negative.

[0057] Here, in sailing mode, when maintaining the direction of travel of the hull 11, the direction of travel can be controlled by the turning moment TM (see Figure 13) acting on the entire hull 11 by controlling the rotational speed of each wind propulsion unit 10 (referred to as controlled sailing mode). The power balance at this time is shown in Figure 21(a). As shown in Figure 21(a), power consumption due to ruddering can be eliminated. On the other hand, the direction of travel of the hull 11 can also be maintained by ruddering in sailing mode (referred to as rudder sailing mode). The power balance at this time is shown in Figure 21(b). As shown in Figure 21(b), power consumption due to ruddering occurs. Figure 21(c) shows the power balance when the same ship speed as in Figures 21(a) and (b) is achieved in motor-driven mode. The control system 100 can calculate the amount of power saved by sailing mode compared to motor-driven mode by comparing the power balances in Figures 21(a) and 21(c). Specifically, the saving amount is calculated by subtracting the amount of power or fuel consumed in controlled sailing mode from the amount of power or fuel consumed in motor-driven mode. In controlled sailing mode shown in Figure 21(a), fuel consumption is zero because the energy to propel the hull 11 is supplied by regenerative power. The control system 100 can calculate the saving amount by controlling the moment of the wind propulsion unit 10 by comparing the power balance in Figure 21(a) and Figure 21(b). Specifically, the saving amount is calculated by subtracting the amount of power or fuel consumed in controlled sailing mode from the amount of power or fuel consumed in controlled sailing mode.

[0058] The display device 64 may visualize the fuel efficiency effect of the wind propulsion unit 10. The display device 64 can visualize the fuel efficiency effect of the wind propulsion unit 10 using the calculation results of the savings amount described above. The control system 100 can visualize not only the instantaneous value of the savings amount in real time, but also the savings amount every hour and the savings amount from departure to the present by accumulating it over time. The savings amount may be shown in units of "kW", or converted to fuel amount (tons), fuel cost (dollars or yen), CO2 equivalent (tons), forest equivalent (km²). 2) may be visualized using a line graph. The display device 64 may visualize the fuel efficiency effect using a line graph, as shown in the display unit 110 in Figures 22 and 23. In the display unit 110, the amount of savings due to the effect of sailing (comparison of Figure 21(a) and Figure 21(c)) is shown in graph G1, and the amount of savings due to the effect of moment control (comparison of Figure 21(a) and Figure 21(b)) is shown in graph G2. Here, the amount of savings for each day is shown in a line graph. However, the type of graph is not particularly limited and may be shown as a bar graph or the like.

[0059] Furthermore, the method of representing fuel efficiency effects is not limited to graphs; it can also be visualized using the size and number of oil barrels, the number of dollar bills, the size of a forest, or the number of trees. For example, as shown in the display unit 111 of Figure 22, the display device 64 visualizes the fuel costs saved through the saving effect by accumulating dollar bills. Here, the display pattern of the bills is changed daily to make it easier to check the daily saving effect. Also, as shown in the display unit 112 of Figure 23, the display device 64 visualizes the CO2 emissions saved through the saving effect by equating them with the number of trees in a forest. Here, the display pattern of the trees is changed daily to make it easier to check the daily saving effect. In this way, by assigning evaluation points to the amount of savings, it is possible to improve the environmental awareness of seafarers.

[0060] Next, the operation and effects of the display device 64 and the ship 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0061] First, let's explain conventional technology. In a typical ship propelled by a screw propeller, the propeller's thrust acts in the forward and backward direction, and the rudder acts in the direction that generates the turning moment. In contrast, in the case of wind propulsion, the direction and amount of thrust generated by the wind propulsion unit (including rotor sails and kites) depends on the wind direction, wind speed, the ship's direction of travel, and ship speed. These four components determine the so-called relative wind direction (or angle of attack when the sail is considered as a wing) and relative wind speed. This is common to all types of wind propulsion units (rigid sails, cloth sails, rotor sails, suction sails, etc.). Therefore, it is currently very difficult to understand in what direction and how much force the wind propulsion unit is generating. Even if the saving effect of the wind propulsion unit is displayed quantitatively, it is difficult to grasp what percentage of the overall effect that has been achieved. While experienced sailors may be able to estimate the approximate force of the wind propulsion unit from information such as anemometers and GPS, this is merely know-how acquired through experience and cannot be guaranteed in terms of accuracy.

[0062] In contrast, the display device 64 according to this embodiment is a display device 64 that displays information about a ship 1 equipped with a wind power propulsion unit 10 on its hull 11, and visualizes the operating status of the hull 11 in relation to environmental information.

[0063] The display device 64 according to this embodiment visualizes the operating status of the hull 11 in relation to environmental information. When the environment surrounding the ship 1, such as wind direction and wind speed, changes, and the operation of each piece of equipment 63, including the wind propulsion unit 10, is adjusted accordingly, the display device 64 can visualize the operating status of the hull 11 accordingly. Therefore, by looking at the information visualized on the display device 64, the crew can easily grasp the operating status of the hull 11. As a result, the situation on the ship 1 can be easily understood.

[0064] The display device 64 may visualize the forces and moments acting on the hull 11 based on the forces generated by the wind propulsion units 10. In this case, the crew can easily understand, through the visualized information, what forces and moments are acting on the hull 11 by each wind propulsion unit 10.

[0065] The display device 64 may visualize the forces (thrust and lateral force, etc.) generated by the wind propulsion unit 10. In this case, the crew can easily understand what kind of forces are being generated in each wind propulsion unit 10.

[0066] The display device 64 can visualize the relationship between the ship's speed and the required output, and may also visualize the extent to which the wind propulsion unit 10 contributes to that required output. This allows the crew to easily understand the extent to which the wind propulsion unit 10 contributes to the operation of the ship 1.

[0067] The display device 64 may visualize the charge level of the battery 40. This allows the crew to easily understand the charge level of the battery 40, and thereby perform charging and discharging of the battery 40 at the appropriate time.

[0068] The vessel 1 has at least three navigation modes: an engine-driven mode propelled only by the propeller 12, an engine-sail mode propelled by the propeller 12 and the wind-powered propulsion unit 10, and a sail mode propelled only by the wind-powered propulsion unit 10. The display device 64 may visualize the currently set navigation mode. In this case, the crew can easily understand which navigation mode the vessel 1 is currently operating in, given that multiple navigation modes exist.

[0069] The display device 64 may visualize the power balance on the ship 1. This allows the crew to easily understand the power balance within the ship 1.

[0070] The display device 64 may visualize the fuel efficiency effect of the wind power propulsion unit 10. This allows the crew to easily understand the fuel efficiency effect of the wind power propulsion unit 10, thereby improving their environmental awareness.

[0071] The display device 64 may share the visualization information with the land. This allows land-based workers to easily understand the status of the vessel 1.

[0072] The display device 64 according to this embodiment is a display device 64 that displays information about a ship 1 equipped with a wind power propulsion unit 10 on its hull 11, and visualizes in real time the ratio of use of engine propulsion using the propeller 12 and wind power propulsion using the wind power propulsion unit 10.

[0073] The display device 64 according to this embodiment visualizes in real time the utilization ratio of engine propulsion using the thruster 12 and wind propulsion using the wind propulsion unit 10. As a result, the display device 64 can display in real time visualization information on the extent to which the wind propulsion unit 10 contributes to the operation of the ship 1. Therefore, by looking at the information visualized on the display device 64, the crew can easily grasp the current contribution of the wind propulsion unit 10. Thus, the situation on the ship can be easily understood.

[0074] The display device 64 may visualize the forces and moments acting on the hull 11 based on the forces (thrust and lateral force, etc.) generated by the wind propulsion unit 10. In this case, the crew can easily understand in real time the extent to which the wind propulsion unit 10 contributes to the operation of the hull 11.

[0075] The display device 64 according to this embodiment is a display device 64 that displays information about a ship 1 equipped with a wind power propulsion unit 10 on its hull 11, and visualizes the amount of energy that can be reduced by using the wind power propulsion unit 10 compared to when using a propeller 12.

[0076] The display device 64 according to this embodiment visualizes the amount of energy that can be reduced by using the wind power propulsion unit 10 compared to when using the propeller 12. This allows the display device 64 to display visualized information on how much energy consumption can be reduced by using the wind power propulsion unit 10. Therefore, by viewing the information visualized on the display device 64, the crew can easily grasp the energy consumption reduction effect of using the wind power propulsion unit 10 and improve their environmental awareness. As a result, the situation on the vessel 1 can be easily understood.

[0077] The display device 64 may visualize the amount of energy that has been reduced in consumption compared to steering by turning the vessel using the moment acting on the hull 11 based on the thrust from the wind propulsion unit 10. In this case, it is easy to understand how much energy consumption can be reduced by turning using the moment from the wind propulsion unit 10 compared to turning with the rudder.

[0078] The vessel 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with the above-described display device 64.

[0079] According to ship 1, the same functions and effects as the display device 64 described above can be obtained.

[0080] As described above, the display device 64 visualizes the thrust generated by the wind propulsion unit 10, allowing even ordinary sailors with no sailing experience to constantly understand the status of the wind propulsion unit 10. This provides advantages such as being able to operate the ship like a normal vessel, considering the optimal route, and quickly noticing any abnormalities. Furthermore, by allowing sailors to experience the effects of the wind propulsion unit 10, their environmental awareness of sailing improves. The display device 64 can also be used during motor-sailing, where the wind propulsion unit 10 is used as auxiliary power. By digitizing and recording the thrust of the wind propulsion unit 10, secondary effects can be obtained, such as calculating fuel consumption reductions as a real-world record of the voyage, crew training, sailing optimization through AI learning, and safety verification (acting like a black box in aircraft).

[0081] The display device 64 can perform the following roles with the aim of assisting the crew in switching between sailing mode, engine-sailing mode, and engine-only mode, and in making decisions regarding course determination. Specifically, in a vessel 1 equipped with a wind-powered propulsion unit 10 that is capable of engine-sailing or sailing (including both), the display device 64 can display wind direction, wind speed, heading, direction of travel, ship speed, and the amount and direction of thrust generated by the wind-powered propulsion unit 10 in (almost) real time. In addition, the display device 64 can visualize the effect of moment control by the wind-powered propulsion unit 10 (turning control by turning moment TM in Figure 13). Furthermore, the display device 64 can graphically represent the thrust or fuel savings generated by the wind-powered propulsion unit 10, allowing the crew to intuitively recognize them. The display device 64 can also display other information necessary for the crew when considering sailing, such as wind conditions (wind speed, wind direction, and wind fluctuations, etc.) and sea conditions (wave height, wave direction, period, etc.). The display device 64 can display information on the optimal course and the range of sailable courses based on the current wind conditions. The display device 64 can issue an alert when the wind propulsion unit 10 cannot provide effective thrust toward the target course due to wind conditions or other reasons (e.g., stall, separation). The display device 64 can display the status of the main engine 16 (running, standby, warming up, etc.), the generator 39, and the battery 40. The display device 64 can display the status of the propeller (rotation speed, pitch angle, thrust, horsepower, etc.) and the rudder angle. The above visualization information may be illustrated as an infographic.

[0082] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0083] The structure of the hull 11 is not limited to that shown in Figure 1 and may be modified as appropriate depending on the application. In the above embodiment, a rotor sail was given as an example of a wind propulsion unit, but it is not particularly limited as long as it uses wind power, and rigid sails, cloth sails, suction sails, etc. may be used.

[0084] The images illustrated in the above drawings are merely examples and may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 1…ship, 11…hull, 10…wind propulsion unit, 12…propeller, 64…indication device.

Claims

1. A display device that displays information about a ship equipped with a wind power propulsion unit on its hull, A display device that visualizes the operating status of the ship's hull in relation to environmental information.

2. The display device according to claim 1, which visualizes the moment acting on the hull based on the force generated by the wind propulsion unit.

3. The display device according to claim 1, which visualizes the state of the force generated by the wind propulsion unit.

4. The display device according to claim 1, which visualizes the relationship between the ship's speed and the required output, and visualizes the involvement of the wind power propulsion unit in the output within the required output.

5. A display device according to claim 1, which visualizes the battery charge level.

6. The aforementioned vessel, as its mode of navigation, In the machine-propelled mode, which is propelled only by thrusters, A motor-sail mode propelled by the aforementioned propulsion device and wind-powered propulsion unit, It has at least a sailing mode in which it is propelled solely by the wind power propulsion unit, The display device according to claim 1, which visualizes the navigation mode being set.

7. The display device according to claim 1 for visualizing the power balance of the aforementioned vessel.

8. The display device according to claim 1, which visualizes the fuel efficiency effect of the wind power propulsion unit.

9. The display device according to claim 1, which shares visualization information with land.

10. A display device that displays information about a ship equipped with a wind power propulsion unit on its hull, A display device that visualizes in real time the ratio of engine propulsion using a thruster to wind propulsion using the wind power propulsion unit.

11. The display device according to claim 9, which visualizes the moment acting on the hull based on the force generated by the wind propulsion unit.

12. A display device that displays information about a ship equipped with a wind power propulsion unit on its hull, A display device that visualizes the amount of energy that can be reduced in consumption by using the wind-powered propulsion unit compared to when a thruster is used.

13. The display device according to claim 11, which visualizes the amount of energy that can be reduced in consumption compared to when steering is performed, by turning the ship due to a moment acting on the hull based on the thrust from the wind propulsion unit.

14. A ship equipped with a display device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images