System for preventing biofouling of ship

Abstract

The present invention may provide a ship pollution prevention system comprising: a sea chest; a strainer for filtering foreign substances present in seawater introduced through the sea chest; a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange using seawater provided through the strainer; a first electrode unit installed in the strainer; and a signal supply unit for generating a driving signal by mixing an AC signal and a DC signal and supplying the driving signal to the first electrode unit.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for preventing contamination of a ship caused by underwater microorganisms, etc., by utilizing special electromagnetic waves of microcurrent. Background Technology

[0002] Heat exchangers installed for purposes such as cooling the engine of a ship are undergoing various attempts to improve their functionality due to the importance of their role. Along with this, the importance of the role of strainers, which are installed on the seawater inlet side to block foreign substances or suspended matter contained in the seawater flowing in from the sea from entering the heat exchanger, is also being emphasized.

[0003] However, conventional heat exchangers and strainers are in contact with seawater for a long time, so biofouling caused by biofilm occurs frequently. This poses a problem that can reduce the efficiency of the heat exchanger and cause structural abnormalities in the strainer. The problem to be solved

[0004] The objective of the present invention, devised to solve the aforementioned problems, is to provide a ship pollution prevention system capable of effectively preventing contamination inside the hull through electromagnetic waves.

[0005] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a ship pollution prevention system that amplifies the removal effect of biofilms causing pollution by utilizing a driving signal generated by mixing AC and DC signals.

[0006] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a ship pollution prevention system capable of monitoring the contamination level of a pipeline transporting seawater. means of solving the problem

[0007] A ship pollution prevention system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a sea chest, a strainer for filtering foreign substances present in seawater introduced through the sea chest, a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange using seawater provided through the strainer, a first electrode unit installed in the strainer, and a signal supply unit for generating a driving signal by mixing an AC signal and a DC signal and supplying the driving signal to the first electrode unit.

[0008] Additionally, the device further includes a second electrode unit installed in the heat exchanger, and the signal supply unit can supply the driving signal to the second electrode unit.

[0009] Additionally, it further includes a third electrode unit installed at the seawater inlet of the above-mentioned sea chest, and the signal supply unit can supply the driving signal to the third electrode unit.

[0010] In addition, it may further include a pipe for transporting the seawater, a resistance measuring unit installed in each of a plurality of areas of the pipe, and a monitoring unit for detecting the resistance of the resistance measuring unit.

[0011] Additionally, the apparatus may further include a control unit that controls at least one of whether the driving signal is supplied, the supply time of the driving signal, the amplitude of the driving signal, the DC offset of the driving signal, and the RMS value of the driving signal in response to the resistance detected by the monitoring unit.

[0012] Additionally, the system may further include a control unit that controls at least one of the supply of the driving signal, the supply time of the driving signal, the amplitude of the driving signal, the DC offset of the driving signal, and the RMS value of the driving signal, corresponding to at least one of the position information and speed information of the vessel.

[0013] Additionally, the first electrode unit, the second electrode unit, and the third electrode unit each include a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode may be set to different polarities.

[0014] In addition, the first electrode included in the first electrode unit may be set such that at least one of its width, thickness, and electrode density is different from that of the first electrode included in the second electrode unit or the first electrode included in the third electrode unit.

[0015] Additionally, the driving signal supplied to the first electrode included in the first electrode unit may have at least one of the amplitude and DC offset set differently from the driving signal supplied to the first electrode included in the second electrode unit or the first electrode included in the third electrode unit.

[0016] A ship pollution prevention system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an electrode unit installed in at least one of a sea chest, a strainer, and a heat exchanger equipped on a ship, and a signal supply unit that generates a driving signal by mixing an AC signal and a DC signal and supplies the driving signal to the electrode unit.

[0017] Additionally, it may further include a pipe for transferring seawater introduced through the above-mentioned sea chest to the strainer and the heat exchanger, a monitoring unit for detecting the contamination level of the pipe, and a control unit for controlling at least one of whether to supply the driving signal, the supply time of the driving signal, the amplitude of the driving signal, the DC offset of the driving signal, and the RMS value of the driving signal in response to the contamination level of the pipe. Effects of the invention

[0018] According to the present invention as described above, a ship pollution prevention system capable of effectively preventing contamination inside the hull through electromagnetic waves can be provided.

[0019] In addition, according to the present invention, a ship pollution prevention system can be provided that amplifies the effect of removing biofilms that cause pollution by utilizing a driving signal generated by mixing AC signals and DC signals.

[0020] In addition, according to the present invention, a ship pollution prevention system capable of monitoring the pollution level of a pipeline transporting seawater can be provided. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0021] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a ship according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a ship pollution prevention system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 3a and 3b are diagrams illustrating the biofilm removal effect of a driving signal generated by mixing AC and DC signals. FIGS. 4a and 4b are drawings for explaining a first electrode unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5a and 5b are drawings for explaining a second electrode unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 6a to 6c are drawings for explaining a third electrode unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a signal supply unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 8a to 8c are drawings showing the waveform of a signal according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a control unit and a signal supply unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 10a and FIGS. 10b are drawings showing a signal supply unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11a is a drawing showing a first electrode unit and a second electrode unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11b is a drawing showing a partial cross-section of the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit shown in FIG. 11a, and FIG. 11c is a drawing showing a first electrode unit and a second electrode unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0022] In the following, embodiments related to the present invention are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail through the detailed description. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various different forms and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0023] In describing the components of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used. These terms are intended merely to distinguish the component from other components, and the essence, order, or sequence of the component is not limited by such terms. Furthermore, where it is stated in this specification that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but that another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between each component. In the case of "connection," "coupled," or "connected," it may be understood not only as being physically "connected," "coupled," or "connected," but also, if necessary, electrically "connected," "coupled," or "connected."

[0024] Furthermore, terms such as "comprising," "composing," or "having" as used in this specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, mean that the relevant component may be inherent; therefore, they should be interpreted as allowing for the inclusion of additional components rather than excluding other components.

[0025] Furthermore, it is intended to clarify that the classification of components in this specification is merely based on the primary function each component is responsible for. That is, two or more components described below may be combined into a single component, or a single component may be divided into two or more components based on more subdivided functions. Additionally, each component described below may additionally perform some or all of the functions of other components in addition to its primary function, and it is obvious that some of the primary functions of each component may be exclusively performed by other components.

[0026] Hereinafter, a ship pollution prevention system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings related to the embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a ship according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a ship pollution prevention system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, the ship (1) has a hull (2) in which a loading space for loading cargo, etc. is formed inside, and various facilities for operation are provided in the hull (2).

[0029] For example, the hull (2) may be equipped with a sea chest (10), a strainer (20), a heat exchanger (30), piping (40) for transporting seawater, a seawater pump (41a, 41b), etc.

[0030] Seawater flowing into the sea chest (10) according to the operation of the seawater pump (41a) is transferred to the strainer (20) through the pipe (40), and seawater from which foreign substances have been removed through the strainer (20) is transferred to the heat exchanger (30) through the pipe (40) according to the operation of the seawater pump (41b).

[0031] Generally, to operate a ship, many pieces of equipment such as a main engine, generator engine, boiler, pump, and air conditioner are operated. A large amount of heat is generated due to the operation of each of these pieces of equipment, and cooling water is supplied to each piece of equipment to dissipate this generated heat. At this time, fresh water is used as the cooling water medium to directly absorb heat from each piece of equipment. The fresh water that has absorbed heat from each piece of equipment transfers heat to the seawater by exchanging heat with the seawater through a heat exchanger (30), and the seawater is discharged into the sea, continuously dissipating the heat generated from the ship.

[0032] Afterwards, the seawater discharged from the heat exchanger (30) can be transferred to the seawater outlet (5) through the pipe (40) and discharged to the outside.

[0033] However, in the case of the above-mentioned sea chest (10), strainer (20), heat exchanger (30), and piping (40), they are in contact with seawater for a long time, and various fouling organisms attach to and inhabit them, which causes contamination inside the hull (2).

[0034] It is known that the development of fouling organisms proceeds sequentially. When the hull surface is submerged in seawater, organic matter (mainly protein components) adheres to the surface within minutes, and bacteria and microdiatoms attach before a day has passed; this is referred to as the primary biofilm. After about a week, spores of large algae attach, followed by the attachment and growth of protozoa, which is called the secondary biofilm. After two weeks to over a month following exposure, larvae of common organisms such as barnacles, bryozoans, sea anemones, mollusks, and polychaetes attach, which is called the tertiary biofilm.

[0035] Accordingly, the ship pollution prevention system according to the embodiment of the present invention aims to minimize pollution by providing electromagnetic waves specialized for biofilm removal to the internal structure of the hull (2).

[0036] Referring to FIG. 2, a ship pollution prevention system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include electrode units (11, 21, 31) installed in at least one of a sea chest (10), a strainer (20), and a heat exchanger (30).

[0037] Specifically, the first electrode unit (21) may be installed in the strainer (20), the second electrode unit (31) may be installed in the heat exchanger (30), and the third electrode unit (11) may be installed in the sea chest (10).

[0038] In addition, the ship pollution prevention system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a signal supply unit (50) that generates a driving signal specialized for removing biofilms that cause pollution and supplies it to electrode units (11, 21, 31).

[0039] Each of the first electrode unit (21), the second electrode unit (31), and the third electrode unit (11) includes a pair of electrodes and receives a driving signal from a signal supply unit (50) and provides an electromagnetic wave corresponding to the driving signal, thereby suppressing the formation of biofilm in each of the strainer (20), the heat exchanger (30), and the sea chest (10) and helping to remove the formed biofilm.

[0040] A signal supply unit (50) according to an embodiment of the present invention can generate a driving signal by mixing an AC (Alternating Current) signal and a DC (Direct Current) signal. Accordingly, the driving signal includes both AC and DC components, and a synergistic effect and resonance occur due to the simultaneous application of the AC and DC components, thereby increasing the effect of removing biofilms that cause mold and bacteria.

[0041] Resistance measuring units (71, 72, 73) can each be installed in multiple areas inside the pipe (40) and each can be equipped with at least one conductor.

[0042] For example, the first resistance measuring unit (71) may be installed in the pipe (40) installed between the sea chest (10) and the strainer (20), the second resistance measuring unit (72) may be installed in the pipe (40) installed between the strainer (20) and the heat exchanger (30), and the third resistance measuring unit (73) may be installed in the pipe (40) installed between the heat exchanger (30) and the seawater outlet (5).

[0043] Each of the resistance measuring units (71, 72, 73) may be equipped with at least one conductor, and the monitoring unit (70) may detect resistance through the conductors of the resistance measuring units (71, 72, 73), thereby monitoring the degree of contamination inside the pipe (40).

[0044] For example, the monitoring unit (70) can determine the contamination level of the resistance measuring units (71, 72, 73) by measuring the resistance of at least one conductor included in each of the first resistance measuring unit (71), the second resistance measuring unit (72), and the third resistance measuring unit (73).

[0045] Depending on the degree of biofilm formation, the resistance of the conductors included in the first resistance measuring unit (71), the second resistance measuring unit (72), and the third resistance measuring unit (73) may change, and the control unit (60) may control the driving signal in response to the contamination level of the pipe (40) measured by the monitoring unit (70).

[0046] For example, the control unit (60) can determine whether to supply a driving signal and the supply time of the driving signal in response to the resistance value measured by the monitoring unit (70), and can control the signal supply unit (50) so that the driving signal has an intensity corresponding to the resistance value measured by the monitoring unit (70).

[0047] Here, the strength of the driving signal can be determined by the amplitude and DC offset of the driving signal, or the strength of the driving signal may refer to the Root Mean Square (RMS) value of the driving signal.

[0048] Meanwhile, if the first resistance measuring unit (71), the second resistance measuring unit (72), and the third resistance measuring unit (73) are each contaminated to different degrees, the control unit (60) can control the signal supply unit (50) so that a driving signal suitable for each of the first electrode unit (21), the second electrode unit (31), and the third electrode unit (11) can be generated.

[0049] That is, the degree of contamination by biofilm can be sensed through the change in resistance of the conductors included in each of the first resistance measuring unit (71), the second resistance measuring unit (72), and the third resistance measuring unit (73), and by reflecting this, at least one of the intensity of the driving signal and the time for which the driving signal is supplied can be adjusted to suit each electrode unit, thereby increasing the effect of inhibiting and removing biofilm formation.

[0050] Specifically, the control unit (60) can control at least one of whether to supply a driving signal to the third electrode unit (11), the supply time of the driving signal, the amplitude of the driving signal, the DC offset of the driving signal, and the RMS value of the driving signal in response to the resistance value of the first resistance measuring unit (71).

[0051] Additionally, the control unit (60) can control at least one of whether to supply a driving signal to the first electrode unit (21), the supply time of the driving signal, the amplitude of the driving signal, the DC offset of the driving signal, and the RMS value of the driving signal in response to the resistance value of the first resistance measuring unit (71) and / or the resistance value of the second resistance measuring unit (72).

[0052] For example, the control unit (60) can adjust the strength of the driving signal supplied to the first electrode unit (21) in response to the difference between the resistance value of the first resistance measuring unit (71) and the resistance value of the second resistance measuring unit (72).

[0053] The control unit (60) can control at least one of whether to supply a driving signal to the second electrode unit (31), the supply time of the driving signal, the amplitude of the driving signal, the DC offset of the driving signal, and the RMS value of the driving signal in response to the resistance value of the second resistance measuring unit (72) and / or the resistance value of the third resistance measuring unit (73).

[0054] For example, the control unit (60) can adjust the strength of the driving signal supplied to the second electrode unit (31) in response to the difference between the resistance value of the second resistance measuring unit (72) and the resistance value of the third resistance measuring unit (73).

[0055] A control unit (60) according to an embodiment of the present invention can determine the degree of contamination of each pipe area where resistance measuring units (71, 72, 73) are installed from the resistance value measured by the monitoring unit (70), and can generate a screen including information indicating the degree of contamination of each pipe area and provide it to a display (80).

[0056] Here, the display (80) may be provided in a user terminal (not shown) or installed in a vessel (1).

[0057] Additionally, when at least one of the first electrode unit (21), the second electrode unit (31), and the third electrode unit (11) is in a driving state, the control unit (60) may generate a screen containing information indicating that at least one of the first electrode unit (21), the second electrode unit (31), and the third electrode unit (11) is operating (or information indicating whether a driving signal is supplied) and provide it to the display (80), and the screen may further include information indicating the strength of the driving signal.

[0058] That is, the manager can visually confirm the degree of contamination of the internal piping (40) and the contamination prevention / removal function of the ship contamination prevention system through a display (80) installed in the ship (1) or a display (80) provided on a separate terminal.

[0059] The aforementioned monitoring unit (70) and control unit (60) may each be implemented as separate processors or integrated into a single processor.

[0061] Figures 3a and 3b are diagrams illustrating the biofilm removal effect of a driving signal generated by mixing AC and DC signals.

[0062] Referring to Fig. 3a, the electric field due to the DC component induces an imbalance in the local charge distribution, thereby increasing structural stress on the biofilm, and the electric field due to the AC component can increase the permeability of the outer protective layer through the generation of specific vibrations.

[0063] The synergistic effect of these AC and DC components can be seen in Fig. 3b. That is, compared to the biofilm removal effect when the electric field from the AC component and the electric field from the DC voltage are provided individually, it can be seen that the biofilm removal effect is significantly superior when the electric field from the AC component and the electric field from the DC voltage are superimposed and provided simultaneously.

[0064] According to the driving signal supplied by the signal supply unit (50) according to an embodiment of the present invention, an electric field by a DC component and an electric field by an AC component can be simultaneously provided from the electrode unit (11, 21, 31), so that an amplified removal effect on the biofilm described above can be achieved.

[0065] That is, the first electrode unit (21), the second electrode unit (31), and the third electrode unit (11) can emit electromagnetic waves to the outside based on the electrical energy of the driving signal, and these electromagnetic waves can suppress the formation of biofilms in the strainer (20), the heat exchanger (30), and the sea chest (10), and remove the formed biofilms.

[0066] A pair of electrodes included in each of the first electrode unit (21), the second electrode unit (31), and the third electrode unit (11) may be formed from materials such as copper, brass, aluminum, a conducting polymer, a conducting silicon, and stainless steel, but are not limited thereto, and may be formed based on a metal salt composition, a nano metal composition, or a conductive composition suitable for a patterning method using a shadow mask.

[0067] Meanwhile, in FIG. 2, the first electrode unit (21), the second electrode unit (31), and the third electrode unit (11) are shown connected to a single signal supply unit (50), but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a plurality of signal supply units (50) may be provided and connected to each of the first electrode unit (21), the second electrode unit (31), and the third electrode unit (11). In addition, the first electrode unit (21), the second electrode unit (31), and the third electrode unit (11) may receive the same driving signal from the signal supply unit (50), or they may receive different driving signals.

[0069] FIGS. 4a and 4b are drawings for explaining a first electrode unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 4a, a strainer (20) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a side portion (22) and a cover portion (23).

[0071] The side portion (22) may be implemented in a tubular shape having a predetermined thickness and may include an inner surface (22a) and an outer surface (22b). Additionally, a plurality of first holes (25) may be formed in the side portion (22) so that seawater, excluding foreign substances, can move to the outside.

[0072] The cover portion (23) is formed on one side of the side portion (22) and can close one side of the side portion (22).

[0073] The first electrode unit (21) may be installed on the inner surface (22a) and / or outer surface (22b) of the side portion (22) and may include a first electrode (21a) and a second electrode (21b) spaced apart from each other.

[0074] The first electrode (21a) and the second electrode (21b) can be implemented in the form of a conductive line having a predetermined width, and a number of them can be arranged alternately with each other in the form as in FIG. 4a.

[0075] The first electrode (21a) and the second electrode (21b) can emit electromagnetic waves to the outside based on the electrical energy of the driving signal supplied from the signal supply unit (50), and these electromagnetic waves can suppress the formation of a biofilm on the strainer (20).

[0076] The first electrode (21a) and the second electrode (21b) can be set to different polarities. For example, the first electrode (21a) can be set as a positive electrode, and the second electrode (21b) can be set as a negative electrode or a ground electrode.

[0077] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4b, a plurality of second holes (26) may be formed in the electrodes (21a, 21b) included in the first electrode unit (21) according to an embodiment of the present invention. At this time, the second holes (26) are formed at positions corresponding to the first holes (25) of the side portion (22), thereby preventing the deterioration of the filtering function of the strainer (20) that occurs when the first electrode unit (21) is installed in the strainer (20).

[0078] FIG. 4b illustrates an example in which a second hole (26) is formed in the first electrode (21a), but a second hole (26) can be formed in the second electrode (21b) as well as the first electrode (21a).

[0080] FIGS. 5a and 5b are drawings for explaining a second electrode unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 5a, the heat exchanger (30) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented as a plate type heat exchanger and may include a plurality of heat transfer plates (32).

[0082] A plurality of heat transfer plates (32) are stacked sequentially, and a flow path is formed between each heat transfer plate (32) and between each heat transfer plate (32), and the heating fluid and the fluid to be heated flow alternately through this flow path.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 5b, a second electrode unit (31) may be installed on at least one heat transfer plate (32) included in the heat exchanger (30) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] For example, the second electrode unit (31) may be disposed on one side of a heat plate (32) that is in contact with seawater among a plurality of heat plates (32), and may include a first electrode (31a) and a second electrode (31b) disposed spaced apart from each other.

[0085] The first electrode (31a) and the second electrode (31b) may be implemented in the form of conductive lines having a predetermined width, and may be implemented in a form that interlocks with each other as in FIG. 5b, but this is exemplary and is not limited thereto.

[0086] The first electrode (31a) and the second electrode (31b) can emit electromagnetic waves to the outside based on the electrical energy of the driving signal supplied from the signal supply unit (50), and these electromagnetic waves can suppress the formation of a biofilm on the heat exchanger (30).

[0088] FIGS. 6a to 6c are drawings for explaining a third electrode unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 6a is a drawing showing a sea chest (10) in a state where the third electrode unit (11) is not installed, and FIGS. 6b and 6c are drawings showing the sea chest (10) in a state where the third electrode unit (11) is installed, viewed from the outside and inside, respectively.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 6a, a sea chest (10) for seawater inflow may be installed in the lower part of the hull (2). The sea chest (10) is a space partitioned by bulkheads, and seawater flowing into the sea chest (10) through a seawater inlet (11) formed on the outer surface of the hull is transferred to a necessary location within the hull through a pipe (40) connected to the sea chest (10). For example, the seawater may be used as cooling water or ballast water.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 6b and 6c, the third electrode unit (11) is installed at the seawater inlet (11) of the sea chest (10) and may include a first electrode (11a) and a second electrode (11b) spaced apart from each other.

[0091] The first electrode (11a) and the second electrode (11b) can be implemented in the form of a conductive line having a predetermined width, and a number of them can be arranged alternately with each other in the form as shown in FIG. 6b.

[0092] Additionally, the first electrode (11a) and the second electrode (11b) may be implemented in a staggered and interlocked manner as shown in FIG. 6c, but this is exemplary and not limited thereto.

[0093] The first electrode (11a) and the second electrode (11b) can emit electromagnetic waves to the outside based on the electrical energy of the driving signal supplied from the signal supply unit (50), and these electromagnetic waves can suppress the formation of a biofilm on the sea chest (10).

[0094] The first electrode (11a) and the second electrode (11b) can be set to different polarities. For example, the first electrode (11a) can be set as a positive electrode, and the second electrode (11b) can be set as a negative electrode or a ground electrode.

[0095] Additionally, the first electrode (11a) and the second electrode (11b) can be combined with a frame (13), and the frame (13) can be fixedly installed in the outer area of ​​the seawater inlet (11).

[0096] A signal supply unit (50) is placed on the vessel (1) and can be electrically connected to a first electrode (11a) and a second electrode (11b) through separate wiring (14a, 14b). For example, the signal supply unit (50) can supply a driving signal to the first electrode (11a) through the first wiring (14a), and the second electrode (11b) can receive a negative voltage or ground voltage through the second wiring (14b).

[0097] Meanwhile, a grating unit for filtering foreign substances in the seawater is installed at the seawater inlet (11) of the sea chest (10), and the third electrode unit (11) according to the embodiment of the present invention can also perform the role of a grating unit.

[0098] When the third electrode unit (11) is used as a grating unit, there is no need to install a separate grating unit, and since the formation of biofilm at the seawater inlet (11) is suppressed through the third electrode unit (11), the phenomenon of the seawater inlet (11) being blocked by contaminants, etc. can be prevented in advance.

[0099] However, an embodiment in which a grating unit is installed separately from the third electrode unit (11) is not excluded, and in this case, the same effect can be expected because the formation of biofilm in the adjacent grating unit is suppressed by the third electrode unit (11).

[0101] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a signal supply unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 8a to 8c are diagrams showing waveforms of a signal according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 8a shows a filtered AC signal (Sac'), FIG. 8b shows a DC signal (Sdc), and FIG. 8c shows a driving signal (Vd) generated by mixing the filtered AC signal (Sac') and the DC signal (Sdc).

[0102] Referring to FIG. 7, the signal supply unit (50) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a DC-DC converter (51), a signal generator (52), a filter (53), and a calibration unit (54), and may additionally include a voltage distribution unit (55).

[0103] The DC-DC converter (51) receives an external voltage (Vb) and can convert the external voltage (Vb) into an output voltage (Vo) of a predetermined level and output it.

[0104] The signal generator (52) operates based on the voltage supplied from the DC-DC converter (51) and can generate an AC signal (Sac) having a predetermined frequency using the output voltage (Vo) of the DC-DC converter (51).

[0105] The signal generating unit (52) can be implemented using a known configuration capable of generating an AC signal, such as an oscillator or a function generator.

[0106] For example, the AC signal (Sac) can be set to a frequency of 1KHz to 1000MHz. This is because if the AC signal (Sac) is set to a low frequency of less than 1KHz, the biofilm removal effect is reduced, and if the AC signal (Sac) is set to an ultra-high frequency of more than 1000MHz, the biofilm removal effect is also reduced. Meanwhile, the frequency of the AC signal (Sac) can be set to a frequency of 1MHz to 15MHz, which is suitable for biofilm removal.

[0107] In addition, the amplitude of the AC signal (Sac) can be set to 0.1mV to 10V, which is suitable for removing biofilms, but is not limited thereto. This is because it is difficult to expect a biofilm removal effect when the amplitude of the AC signal (Sac) is less than 0.1mV.

[0108] The filter (53) can perform a filtering operation on the AC signal (Sac) generated by the signal generator (52). For example, the filter (53) may include a low-pass filter to convert the AC signal (Sac) in the form of a sawtooth wave into an AC signal (Sac') in the form of a sine wave. However, the type of filter (23) is not limited to this, and various types of filters may be employed depending on the design structure.

[0109] The calibration unit (54) can generate a driving signal (Vd) by mixing a DC signal (Sdc) with an AC signal (Sac') supplied through a filter (53). For example, the calibration unit (54) can be implemented as an operating amplifier capable of summing (or superimposing) the AC signal (Sac') and the DC signal (Sdc), but is not limited thereto.

[0110] Accordingly, an offset corresponding to the DC signal (Sdc) is generated in the AC signal (Sac'), and a driving signal (Vd) containing both AC and DC components can be generated.

[0111] Since the driving signal (Vd) includes all the characteristics of an AC signal (Sac), the driving signal (Vd) can be set to a frequency of 1KHz to 1000MHz, and can also be set to a frequency of 1MHz to 15MHz, which is more suitable for biofilm removal. In addition, the amplitude of the driving signal (Vd) can be set to 0.1mv to 10V.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 8a, the calibration unit (54) can receive an AC signal (Sac') having an amplitude of A volt (V) from the filter (53), and can generate a final driving signal (Vd) as shown in FIG. 8c by superimposing a DC signal (Sdc) of B volt (V) as shown in FIG. 8b onto the AC signal (Sac').

[0113] At this time, the voltage value of the DC signal (Sdc) can be set to be greater than the amplitude of the AC signal (Sac'). Accordingly, the voltage value of the driving signal (Vd) can be set to be greater than 0.

[0114] Ultimately, the DC offset value of the driving signal (Vd) can be set to be equal to or greater than the amplitude of the driving signal (Vd).

[0115] When the DC offset value of the driving signal (Vd) is less than the amplitude value of the driving signal (Vd), a section occurs in which the voltage of the driving signal (Vd) has a negative value, and as the voltage has a negative value in the said section, a loss of electrical energy occurs.

[0116] However, as in the embodiment of the present invention, if the DC offset value of the driving signal (Vd) is set to be equal to or greater than the amplitude of the driving signal (Vd), the voltage of the driving signal (Vd) is always '0' or greater, so the loss of electrical energy can be minimized.

[0117] Meanwhile, a DC signal (Sdc) can be generated by a voltage divider (55). For example, the voltage divider (55) can receive the output voltage (Vo) of the DC-DC converter (51) and generate a DC signal (Sdc) by performing voltage division on the output voltage (Vo).

[0118] The voltage divider (55) may be composed of a resistor string for dividing the output voltage (Vo), but is not limited thereto.

[0119] If the output voltage (Vo) of the DC-DC converter (51) is suitable for direct use in generating a driving signal (Vd), the output voltage (Vo) can serve as a DC signal (Sdc). In this case, the voltage divider (55) may be omitted, and the output voltage (Vo) of the DC-DC converter (21) may be input to the calibration unit (54).

[0121] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a control unit and a signal supply unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 9, the signal supply unit (50) according to an embodiment of the present invention can change at least one of the characteristics of the driving signal (Vd) in response to an external input, and for this purpose, a control unit (60) that controls the signal supply unit (50) in response to an external input (e.g., user input) may be additionally installed.

[0123] That is, by adjusting at least one of whether the driving signal (Vd) is supplied, the supply time, and the intensity, the user can set the optimal driving signal (Vd) for inhibiting and / or removing biofilm formation in the sea chest (10), strainer (20), and heat exchanger (30), and through this function, biofilm management considering situational characteristics becomes possible.

[0124] For example, the intensity of the driving signal (Vd) can be controlled by adjusting at least one of the amplitude, DC offset, and RMS value of the driving signal (Vd).

[0125] At this time, the user input method for controlling the characteristics of the driving signal (Vd) can be set in various ways. For example, the user may input setting information for the driving signal (Vd) through a separate terminal (not shown), or may input setting information for the driving signal (Vd) through a separate control button (not shown) or input unit (not shown) installed within the vessel (1).

[0126] When setting information for a driving signal (Vd) is input by a user, the control unit (60) can control the signal supply unit (50) so that the driving signal (Vd) has characteristics (supply time, intensity, etc.) corresponding to the input setting information.

[0127] The control unit (60) can change the amplitude of the AC signal (Sac) by controlling the signal generator (52). Additionally, the control unit (60) can adjust the voltage value of the DC signal (Sdc) by controlling the DC-DC converter (51) and / or the voltage divider (55). Accordingly, the characteristics of the driving signal (Vd) can be changed.

[0128] At this time, the control unit (60) can control the voltage distribution unit (55) so that the voltage value of the DC signal (Sdc) is set to be greater than or equal to the amplitude of the AC signal (Sac'), and accordingly, the voltage value of the driving signal (Vd) can be set to be greater than or equal to 0.

[0129] Meanwhile, the control unit (60) can adjust the characteristics of the driving signal (Vd) in response to at least one of the position information and speed information of the vessel (1). That is, the degree of biofouling may vary depending on the sea area where the vessel (1) is located, and it is necessary to adjust the characteristics of the driving signal (Vd) according to the sailing speed of the vessel (1).

[0130] Accordingly, the control unit (60) receives position information and speed information of the vessel (1) input from the outside, and in response, can adjust at least one of whether to supply, supply time, and intensity of the driving signal (Vd). At this time, the intensity of the driving signal (Vd) can be controlled by adjusting at least one of the amplitude, DC offset, and RMS value of the driving signal (Vd).

[0132] FIGS. 10a and FIGS. 10b are drawings showing a signal supply unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b, a signal supply unit (90) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a DC-DC converter (91), a signal generation unit (92), a voltage drop unit (93), a filter (94), and an offset adjustment unit (95).

[0134] The DC-DC converter (91) receives an external voltage (Vb) and can convert the external voltage (Vb) into an output voltage (Vo) of a predetermined level and output it.

[0135] The signal generator (92) operates based on the voltage supplied from the DC-DC converter (91) and can generate a first AC signal (Sa1) having a predetermined frequency using the output voltage (Vo) of the DC-DC converter (91).

[0136] The signal generating unit (92) can be implemented using a known configuration capable of generating an AC signal, such as an oscillator or a function generator.

[0137] For example, the first AC signal (Sa1) can be set to a frequency of 1KHz to 1000MHz. This is because if the first AC signal (Sa1) is set to a low frequency of less than 1KHz, the biofilm removal effect is reduced, and if the first AC signal (Sa1) is set to an ultra-high frequency of more than 1000MHz, the biofilm removal effect is reduced. Meanwhile, the frequency of the first AC signal (Sa1) can be set to a frequency of 1MHz to 15MHz suitable for biofilm removal.

[0138] The voltage reduction unit (93) can be used to reduce the magnitude (e.g., peak-to-peak voltage) of the first AC signal (Sa1) output from the signal generation unit (92). For example, the voltage reduction unit (93) can be implemented as a resistor element (R), thereby allowing a second AC signal (Sa2) with a reduced magnitude compared to the first AC signal (Sa1) to be output from the voltage reduction unit (93).

[0139] The filter (94) can perform a filtering operation on the second AC signal (Sa2) supplied from the voltage drop unit (93). For example, the filter (94) can be set as a low-pass filter including a capacitor element (C) and can convert the second AC signal (Sa2) in the form of a sawtooth wave into a third AC signal (Sa3) in the form of a sine wave.

[0140] In addition, the DC offset of the unexpected second AC signal (Sa2) can be removed through the filter (94), thereby improving the precision of the driving signal (Vd).

[0141] The offset adjustment unit (95) can generate a driving signal (Vd) by mixing the third AC signal (Sa3) output from the filter (94) with the DC signal. For example, the offset adjustment unit (95) may be configured to include a plurality of resistor elements (R1, R2) and can generate a DC signal of a predetermined level by performing voltage division for a specific voltage (e.g., the output voltage (Vo) of the DC-DC converter (91).

[0142] That is, a third AC signal (Sa3) supplied through a filter (94) is superimposed on a DC signal generated at the common node (N) of the first resistor element (R1) and the second resistor element (R2) to generate a final driving signal (Vd).

[0143] In this case, the amplitude of the driving signal (Vd) can be set to 0.1mv to 10V, but is not limited thereto.

[0145] FIG. 11a is a drawing showing a first electrode unit and a second electrode unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11b is a drawing showing a partial cross-section of the first electrode unit and the second electrode unit shown in FIG. 11a, and FIG. 11c is a drawing showing a first electrode unit and a second electrode unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] The degree of contamination may vary depending on the location, shape, characteristics, etc. of the sea chest (10), strainer (20), and heat exchanger (30) provided in the ship (1). In this case, instead of applying the same method to each electrode unit (11, 21, 31), the physical characteristics and / or electrical characteristics of each electrode unit (11, 21, 31) can be controlled differently to perform optimized contamination management for each area.

[0147] Referring to FIGS. 11a and 11b, the physical characteristics of the first electrode (21a) included in the first electrode unit (21) and the first electrode (31a) included in the second electrode unit (31) can be set differently.

[0148] For example, the physical properties of each electrode may include at least one of the width, thickness, and density of the electrode.

[0149] Specifically, the width (W2) of the first electrode (31a) included in the second electrode unit (31) can be set to be larger than the width (W1) of the first electrode (21a) included in the first electrode unit (21), and the thickness (T2) of the first electrode (31a) included in the second electrode unit (31) can be set to be larger than the thickness (T1) of the first electrode (21a) included in the first electrode unit (21).

[0150] Additionally, the density of the first electrode (31a) included in the second electrode unit (31) can be set to be greater than the density of the first electrode (21a) included in the first electrode unit (21). That is, when the area of ​​the region where the first electrode unit (21) is placed and the area where the second electrode unit (31) is placed are the same, the area ratio of the first electrode (31a) included in the second electrode unit (31) can be set to be greater than the area ratio of the first electrode (21a) included in the first electrode unit (21).

[0151] Meanwhile, the physical characteristics of the second electrode (21b) included in the first electrode unit (21) and the second electrode (31b) included in the second electrode unit (31) can also be set differently in the same way as the first electrode (21a, 31a).

[0152] Although not separately described, the physical characteristics of the first electrode (21a) included in the first electrode unit (21) and the first electrode (11a) included in the third electrode unit (11) may be set differently, and the physical characteristics of the second electrode (21b) included in the first electrode unit (21) and the second electrode (11b) included in the third electrode unit (11) may also be set differently.

[0153] Additionally, the physical characteristics of the first electrode (31a) included in the second electrode unit (31) and the first electrode (11a) included in the third electrode unit (11) may be set differently, and the physical characteristics of the second electrode (31b) included in the second electrode unit (31) and the second electrode (11b) included in the third electrode unit (11) may also be set differently.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 11c, the electrical characteristics of the first electrode (21a) included in the first electrode unit (21) and the first electrode (31a) included in the second electrode unit (31) can be set differently.

[0155] If the electrical characteristics of the first electrode (21a) included in the first electrode unit (21) and the first electrode (31a) included in the second electrode unit (31) are to be set differently, the characteristics of the first driving signal (Vd1) supplied to the first electrode (21a) of the first electrode unit (21) and the characteristics of the second driving signal (Vd2) supplied to the first electrode (31a) of the second electrode unit (31) can be set differently.

[0156] For example, electrical characteristics may include at least one of the amplitude and DC offset of the driving signals (Vd1, Vd2) supplied to each electrode.

[0157] Specifically, the amplitude of the second driving signal (Vd2) can be set to be larger than the amplitude of the first driving signal (Vd1). Additionally, the DC offset of the second driving signal (Vd2) can be set to be larger than the DC offset of the first driving signal (Vd1).

[0158] Although not separately described, the electrical characteristics of the first electrode (21a) included in the first electrode unit (21) and the first electrode (11a) included in the third electrode unit (11) may be set differently, and the electrical characteristics of the first electrode (31a) included in the second electrode unit (31) and the first electrode (11a) included in the third electrode unit (11) may be set differently.

[0159] Additionally, FIGS. 11a and 11b illustrate cases where the physical characteristics of each electrode are set differently, and FIG. 11c illustrates cases where the electrical characteristics of each electrode are set differently, but the physical characteristics and electrical characteristics of each electrode may be set differently at the same time.

[0160] A person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0161] 1: Ship 2: Hull 10: Sea Chest 11: Third electrode unit 20: Strainer 21: First electrode unit 30: Heat exchanger 31: Second electrode unit 40: Piping 50: Signal supply unit 60: Control unit 70: Monitoring Department 80: Display

Claims

Claim 1 A ship pollution prevention system comprising: a sea chest; a strainer for filtering foreign substances present in seawater introduced through the sea chest; a heat exchanger for performing heat exchange using seawater provided through the strainer; a first electrode unit installed in the strainer; and a signal supply unit for generating a driving signal by mixing an AC signal and a DC signal and supplying the driving signal to the first electrode unit; wherein the voltage value of the driving signal is 0 or greater. Claim 2 A ship pollution prevention system according to claim 1, further comprising a second electrode unit installed in the heat exchanger; wherein the signal supply unit supplies the driving signal to the second electrode unit. Claim 3 A ship pollution prevention system according to paragraph 2, further comprising a third electrode unit installed at the seawater inlet of the sea chest, wherein the signal supply unit supplies the driving signal to the third electrode unit. Claim 4 A ship pollution prevention system according to paragraph 3, further comprising: a pipe for transporting seawater; resistance measuring units installed in each of multiple areas of the pipe; and a monitoring unit for detecting the resistance of the resistance measuring units. Claim 5 A ship pollution prevention system further comprising: a control unit that controls at least one of whether to supply the driving signal, the supply time of the driving signal, the amplitude of the driving signal, the DC offset of the driving signal, and the effective value of the driving signal in response to the resistance detected by the monitoring unit in paragraph 4. Claim 6 A ship pollution prevention system further comprising: a control unit that controls at least one of the supply of the driving signal, the supply time of the driving signal, the amplitude of the driving signal, the DC offset of the driving signal, and the effective value of the driving signal, corresponding to at least one of the position information and speed information of the ship in claim 1. Claim 7 In paragraph 3, the first electrode unit, the second electrode unit, and the third electrode unit each include a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode, and the first electrode and the second electrode are set to different polarities in a ship pollution prevention system. Claim 8 A ship pollution prevention system according to claim 7, wherein the first electrode included in the first electrode unit is set differently in at least one of the width, thickness, and electrode density from the first electrode included in the second electrode unit or the first electrode included in the third electrode unit. Claim 9 A ship pollution prevention system according to claim 8, wherein the driving signal supplied to the first electrode included in the first electrode unit is set differently in at least one of the amplitude and DC offset from the driving signal supplied to the first electrode included in the second electrode unit or the first electrode included in the third electrode unit. Claim 10 A ship pollution prevention system comprising: an electrode unit installed in at least one of a sea chest, a strainer, and a heat exchanger equipped on a ship; and a signal supply unit that mixes an AC signal and a DC signal to generate a driving signal and supplies the driving signal to the electrode unit, wherein the voltage value of the driving signal is 0 or greater. Claim 11 A ship pollution prevention system according to claim 10, further comprising: piping for transferring seawater introduced through the sea chest to the strainer and the heat exchanger; a monitoring unit for detecting the contamination level of the piping; and a control unit for controlling at least one of whether to supply the driving signal, the supply time of the driving signal, the amplitude of the driving signal, the DC offset of the driving signal, and the RMS value of the driving signal in response to the contamination level of the piping.

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