A system and method for optimizing a vessel operational performance

Abstract

The present invention presents a system and a method for optimizing engine performance in a vessel during operation by providing a system method for optimizing engine performance in a vessel during varying weather and sea conditions, without compromising safety operation. The present invention addresses by providing a method for optimizing engine performance in a vessel during operation, wherein a control system is configured to provide an updated propeller curve and replace a current propeller curve with the updated propeller curve, wherein the method comprises following acts of retrieving at least one maximal power load curve related to at least one vessel engine, retrieve at least one component condition information from at least one vessel engine, predicting at least one first curve from said component condition information said initial propeller curve, and said maximal power load curve, retrieving at least one ambient condition information from an ambient condition source, predicting at least one ambient condition force acting on the vessel, wherein the ambient condition force is based on said ambient condition information, predicting at least one second curve, from said ambient condition force, combining the first and the second curve to a required curve, generating said updated propeller curve based on the relationship between said maximal power load curve and said required curve, replacing a vessel propeller curve with said updated propeller curve, such that the vessel is capable of operating at a maximal allowable performance during operation, and at the same time ensure safe operation.

Description

[0001] A system and method for optimizing a vessel operational performance.

[0002] Field of invention

[0003] The present invention relates to optimizing vessel operational performance.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Increasingly stringent regulations on emission and energy optimization demands for more efficient vessel performance. For example, the fuel consumption of a vessel may depend on the propulsion factors related to propeller performance and engine performance during operation, wherein the performance may depend on propeller pitch, rotational speed, speed of advance in water and external influences, such as wind load, sea load, towing load, and similar.

[0006] The document, US20100274420, describes a method and system, which are provided for improving the efficiency of a vessel's propulsion system, by dynamically reconfiguring propulsion system settings in response to varying vessel operating conditions. The method comprises independently adjusting each engine setting and a propeller setting responsive to estimated vessel operating data, wherein the estimated data is estimated in real-time. The estimated data is then used to update a propeller performance map or curve in real-time, and an engine performance map or curve in real-time. The calculations can be performed based on dynamical mathematical models of the ship.

[0007] The problem related to the solution, presented in the document, US20100274420, is related to retrieving reliable amount of data, to provide the information needed for optimizing the performance of the engine and propeller settings relative to the vessel operation in real time, because it is found that a large amount of the data may get corrupted, non-comparable, or lost due to various reasons, while being retrieved or being processed. The data may become inaccessible, unreadable, unretriev- able, for example due to noise, related to the vessels operating circumstances. Furthermore, it will take a lot of time to retrieve and process data, based on the lack of valid data.

[0008] Using operational performance and condition data as input for a calculation of the mathematical model of the vessel often lacks reliable data. The data, which is retrieved, is in a poor state, wherein the data is corrupted, non-comparable or invalid. The data retrieved is therefore unreliable and must be checked, recalculated and approved before use. A lot of data have to be discarded for the same reason. To provide a useful amount of data, a lot of data must be collected, tested and validated, which is very time consuming. This is a huge problem in real-time vessel operating systems using real-time measured data.

[0009] Another document, WO 2019 / 086086 Al, describes a method for propulsion control, by means of an additional propulsion control system to a propulsion control system, PCS, wherein the purpose is to minimize the fuel consumption during propulsion of a vessel. The propulsion control system is designed to cooperate with an existing propulsion control system. One of the problems related to the solution, presented in the document, WO 2019 / 086086 Al, is related to retrieving reliable amount of data, to provide the information needed for optimizing the performance of the engine and propeller settings relative to the vessel operation, especially when estimating save settings for a propeller curve. The reason is that a large amount of the data may be corrupted, non-comparable, or lost due to various reasons, while being retrieved or being processed. The data may become inaccessible, unreadable, unretrievable, for example due to noise, related to the vessels operating circumstances. This makes an estimation very uncertain and inaccurate. It will take a lot of time to retrieve and process data to provide reliable data. This will limit the optimization, the performance of the engine and propeller settings relative to the vessel operation.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to overcome these problems, by providing a system method for optimizing engine performance in a vessel during varying weather and sea conditions, without compromising safety operation.

[0012] The present invention addresses by providing a method for optimizing engine performance in a vessel during operation, wherein a control system comprising a processing unit and a communication unit, wherein the control system is configured to provide an updated propeller curve, and replace a current propeller curve with the updated propeller curve in a main vessel control system, wherein the method comprises following acts: retrieving at least one maximal power load curve related to at least one vessel engine, retrieving at least one component condition information from a component measurement device configured to measure at least one vessel engine’s condition, predicting at least one first limitation curve using a vessel model from at least one of following: said component condition information, said initial propeller curve, and said maximal power load curve, retrieving at least one ambient condition information from an ambient condition source, predicting at least one ambient condition force acting on the vessel, wherein the ambient condition force is based on said ambient condition information relative to the vessel's direction during operation, predicting at least one second limitation curve from said ambient condition force, combining the first and the second limitation curve to a required limitation curve based on the first and the second limitation curve, generating said updated propeller curve based on the relationship between said maximal power load curve and said required limitation curve, replacing a current propeller curve in said main vessel control system with said updated propeller curve, such that the main vessel control system is configured to operate the vessel at an optimized performance during operation.

[0013] Optimizing engine performance in a vessel during operation requires a careful management of the engine or engines, to avoid any damage to the engine and alternatively to avoid any damage other equipment in the vessel. A vessel may comprise a vessel main control system, which monitors the vessel’s equipment performance during operation to avoid any overload or damage of the equipment. If the equipment preforms at the maximum of the equipment’s capacity, there will be a high risk of overload or damage of the equipment during operation. The vessel may be exposed to external forces or other conditional impact on the vessel, such as wind and sea condition, which may cause the equipment to be loaded more than maximum capacity.

[0014] A vessel may be operated relative to a propeller curve, which ensures safe vessel operation. The vessel main control system may as default control the engines based on a predefined initial propeller curve, ensuring that the vessel’s equipment is operated in a safe distant from the maximal power load curve. When operating the vessel equipment according to the initial propeller curve reduced the engine performance. The term ‘limitation curve’ shall be understood as being a safety line in a distance from the maximal power load curve for driving the vessel safely. The limitation may be referred to as a curve but may be other limitation references as such. The limitation curve may be a dynamic curve, which may be altered relative to the vessel components state of condition and ambient condition acting on the vessel, for example, the ambient condition may change when manoeuvring the vessel during operation, due to the ambient impact on the vessel.

[0015] A control system may be configured to provide an optimized propeller curve, such that the engine performance in the vessel is optimized during operation. The control system may comprise means for calculating, predicting and generate information, such as data. The control system may be a vessel main control system or part of a vessel main system. The control system may be an external control system in data communication with the vessel main control system. The vessel main control system may be configured to monitor and control a vessels engine or engines relative to a propeller curve, and if provided; vessel propulsion information related to the vessel or vessels. The vessel propulsion information may be information related to operational vessel setting, which may be used during vessel operation. The propeller curve is replaceable with an updated optimized propeller curve provided by the control system. The term ‘updated propeller curve’ relates to a new propeller curve, which is calculated or estimated using the lates information retrieved by the control system in a predetermined interval.

[0016] The control system is configured to provide an updated propeller curve, and replace a current propeller curve in a vessel main control system with the updated propeller curve. The control system is configured to retrieve at least one maximal power load curve related to at least one vessel engine. The power load curve may for example be provided by a manufacturer of the engine or engines. Alternative, the information related to the maximal power load curve may be based on information retrieved from the vessel main control system during or after a sea trial. The control system may furthermore be configured to retrieve at least one initial propeller curve related to at least one vessel propeller. The initial propeller curve may for example be provided by a manufacturer of the propeller or propellers. Alternative, the information related to the propeller curve may be retrieved from the vessel main control system during a sea trial.

[0017] The control system may be also configured to retrieve at least one component condition information, from at least one vessel engine component, and at least one ambient condition information, from an ambient condition source. The ambient condition source may be provided weather and sea condition, current condition states and forecasts. The control system provides an updated propeller curve, based on the relationship between said maximal power load curve and the required limitation curve, such that the vessel is capable of operating at a maximal allowable performance during operation, and at the same time ensure safe operation. The required limitation curve may be based on the current condition information, or predicted forecasts of the weather and sea conditions, and the components current state or predicted state. The required limitation curve may also be based on prior required limitation curve information. The required limitation curve may be a combination of the first and the second limitation curve.

[0018] The control system may be configured to calculate and / or predict at least one first limitation curve using a vessel model. The vessel model may calculate and / or predict the first limitation curve from at least one of following: the component condition information, and the initial propeller curve, and the maximal power load curve. The maximal power load curve may be known. The maximal power load curve may be predetermined in relation to the vessel’s components. The initial propeller curve may also be predetermined in relation to at least one of the vessel’s components. The component condition information may relate to the condition of a component, the state of the component, or if provided, the prediction of the state of the component. The component condition information may comprise information retrieved from at least one measuring device, which may be configured to measure the state of the vessel component. The measuring device may for example be configured to retrieve information from the vessel component, such as temperature, sound, image, flow, electromagnetic field etc. The required limitation curve may depend on the weariness of the vessel component or components measured. If the component is new, the required limitation curve may be different than if the component is worn out. If the component is new, the required limitation curve may be closer to the maximal power load curve. If the component is worn out the required limitation curve may be further away from the maximal power load towards or below the initial propeller curve. A weariness factor, scale or similar of a vessel component may be predetermined. The component condition information may comprise a value, which define the weariness of the component or components measured.

[0019] The ambient condition force may be related to at least one weather condition and at least one sea condition, which affects the vessels performance during operation. The ambient condition force may for example be calculated relative to at least one or more of the following: wind speed, wind direction, wave height, wave period, wave direction, swell, water current, water dept, water tides. The control system may also be configured to calculate or predict at least one ambient condition force acting on the vessel. The ambient condition force may be based on the ambient condition information, and if provided, the state of the vessel or the vessel’s components. The control system may be configured to calculate or predict at least one second limitation curve from the ambient condition force. The control system may combine the first and the second limitation curve to a required limitation curve. The control system may be configured to generate said updated propeller curve based on the relationship between said maximal power load curve and said required limitation curve, such that the vessel may be operated at a maximal allowable performance during operation, and at the same time ensure safe operation. The required limitation curve may be based on at least the first and the second limitation curve. The first and the second limitation curve may be weighted relative to each other, when generating the required limitation curve. The first and the second limitation curve may be predetermined relative to each other, when generating the required limitation curve.

[0020] The present invention provides a solution for optimizing engine performance during vessel operation, such that the propeller and the engine may be driven at more optimal settings related to speed, load, power consumption etc., without the risk of damaging the engine or any equipment related to the engine. The present invention provides a solution for minimizing the working distance to the maximal power load curve needed to ensure a safe operation of the vessel, and thereby increasing the efficiency of the engine performance.

[0021] The condition information may comprise at least one of following: weather condition information, sea condition information, manoeuvring information, vessel condition information, equipment condition information. The condition information may comprise weather condition information, which related to the vessel’s current or predicted situation relative to a current or predicted ambient weather condition. The weather condition affects the vessels performance during operation. The weather condition information may relate to one or more of following: wind speed, wind squall / gust, wind direction, rain, etc. The condition information may comprise sea condition information related to the vessel’s current or predicted situation relative to a current or predicted ambient sea condition. The sea condition affects the vessels performance during operation. The sea condition information may relate to one or more of following: wave height, wave period, wave direction, swell, water current, water dept, water tides, etc.

[0022] In an advantageous method of the invention said method comprises further acts: retrieving at least one vessel condition information, wherein said vessel condition information comprise a draft and trim information, calculating a draft and trim setting relative of said initial propeller curve or updated propeller curve.

[0023] The condition information may comprise manoeuvring information related to the vessel’s current, or predicted manoeuvring situation relative to a current, or predicted manoeuvring of the vessel, which may be affected by the ambient sea and weather conditions. Manoeuvring affects the vessel’s performance during operation.

[0024] The vessel may be affected by the ambient sea and weather conditions, when the vessel changes direction, position, or speed, and when adjustments are made to the vessel’s course, orientation, or velocity. The draft and trim setting of the vessel may affect the force, acting on the vessel and the manoeuvring properties of the vessel. The control system may be configured to retrieve at least one vessel condition information. The vessel condition information may comprise a current draft and trim information. The control system may be configured to calculate or predict a preferred draft and trim setting relative to said propeller curve or calculate or predict the updated propeller curve relative to the retrieved draft and trim settings. The control system may transfer the preferred draft and trim setting to the vessel main control system.

[0025] In a further advantageous method of the invention, wherein said method comprises further acts:

[0026] - transferring a first updated propeller curve from the control system to the main vessel control system before vessel operation,

[0027] - transferring consecutively further updated propeller curves from the control system to the main vessel control system within a predefine interval during operation.

[0028] The control system may be in data communication with the main vessel control system. The main vessel control system may comprise an initial propeller curve. The control system may transfer a first updated propeller curve to the main vessel control system before the vessel’s operation. The control system may consecutively transfer further updated propeller curves from the control system to the main vessel control system, when needed, to ensure a safe operation, it may be needed to update the propeller curve when the state of the vessel components change, or the ambient conditions change. The criteria for how much at least one of the vessel components or the ambient conditions need to change before providing an updated propeller curve may be predefined, alternative predicted.

[0029] In a still further advantageous method of the invention, said condition information is retrieved within a predetermined time interval.

[0030] The condition information, such as weather condition information, sea condition information, manoeuvring information, vessel condition information and equipment condition information may be retrieved in real time. The condition information, such as weather condition information, sea condition information, manoeuvring information, vessel condition information and component condition information may be retrieved within a time interval. The condition information may furthermore be predicted, such that the first and second limitation curve may be calculated with a minimum safety margin to the maximum power load curve or propeller curve, and still ensuring safe operation of said engine or engines. The condition information may be retrieved in real time, such that the propeller curve and, if provided, other vessel propulsion information may be calculated based on a continuous flow of information. Alternatively, the condition information may be retrieved within a first predetermined time interval. The updated propeller curve and, if provided, other vessel propulsion information may be generated within a second predetermined time interval.

[0031] The condition information may be retrieved within the first predetermined time interval during operation. The vessel condition information and the ambient condition information may alternatively be retrieved within two different time intervals, if needed. The weather and sea may change rapidly or slow, and the component condition information, such as speed and RMP, may change rapidly or slow. The updated propeller curve and, if provided, vessel propulsion information may be updated within a second predetermined time interval, wherein the second predetermined time interval may be different than the first predetermined time interval.

[0032] The updated propeller curve and, if provided, vessel propulsion information may be transferred to the vessel main computer system, replacing a prior vessel propulsion information. The propeller curve may be updated within a predetermined time frame. The time interval between the updates of the updated propeller curve and if provided vessel propulsion information may be 6 hours or more, preferably 12 hours or more. More preferably, 24 hours or more. The vessel performance may have an increased efficiency, when using the updated propeller curve and, if provided, vessel propulsion information during operation.

[0033] In a still further advantageous method of the invention, the method comprises further acts of: generating a first propeller curve related to a first engine, and a first propeller based on the relationship between a first maximal power load curve and a first required limitation curve, generating a second propeller curve related to a second engine and a second propeller, based on the relationship between a second maximal power load curve and a second required limitation curve, wherein the first propeller curve is different from the second propeller curve, such that the vessel is capable of operating at a maximal allowable performance according to the first or the second propeller curve during operation, and at the same time ensure safe operation.

[0034] The vessel may comprise a first and a second engine. The first and the second engine may be controlled simultaneously from the vessel main control system. The state of the first engine may be different than the state of the second engine. The first engine may be different than the second engine. The first and the second engine may be controlled separately, but still at the same time.

[0035] In a further advantageous method of the invention, wherein at least one main engine may be different than at least one support engine, and a main propeller curve may be different than a support propeller curve.

[0036] The vessel may comprise a main engine and a support engine. The main engine may be different than the support engine. The control system may generate respective updated propeller curves for each of the engines, relative to the component condition information and the ambient condition information. The control system may generate an updated main propeller curve, which may be different than an updated support propeller curve. The main engine and the support engine may be controlled separately relative to the respective updated propeller curves. The state of the main engine and the state of the support engine may be different. Manoeuvring the vessel may affect the vessel’s engine differently during operation. The weather and sea condition may affect the propellers related to the respective engines.

[0037] In a still further advantageous method of the invention, wherein said vessel model is a trained vessel model. The control system is configured to generate at least one updated propeller curve during operation related to a specific vessel. The control system may be configured to provide the updated propeller curve using a trained vessel model. The trained model may use the at least one condition information as input to the model. The model generates the updated propeller curve as an output from the trained vessel model. The term trained vessel model should be understood in the context of machine learning model and artificial intelligence model, as a computer program that has learned patterns, information, or representations from a dataset during a training process. Machine learning or data analysis model may be suitable for the specific objectives and type of data information, which may be collected.

[0038] These trained vessel models are used to make predictions, classify data, or generate responses based on the patterns learned. The trained vessel model may be a machine learning, ML, based model / Artificial intelligence, Al, based model. The trained vessel model may serve as predictive model. Common models include regression, classification, time series analysis, or deep learning models.

[0039] The trained vessel model may be based on a ML or Al based model. Preferably the trained vessel model may be capable of predicting the condition impact on the vessel, such that the power curve value has a safety margin to the maximal power load value. A feedback loop may be provided in the model, wherein the vessel model's outputs may be used to adjust the first and the curve second limitation curve. Monitor how these adjustments impact one or both of the vessels and the engine performance during operation.

[0040] The trained vessel model may be capable of predicting the condition impact on the vessel when predicting at least the power variability information from said condition information, such that the power curve may be in a safe distance to the maximal power load value. The trained vessel model may be further trained, based on the condition information used during the operation, to provide a more reliable model, which is capable of providing a more optimized engine performance.

[0041] In a still further advantageous method of the invention, said trained vessel model is trained on at least one sea trial data information, and at least one operative data information.

[0042] The trained vessel model may be trained on at least one sea trial data information, and at least one operative data information. The sea trail data information may be retrieved according to a predetermined initial sequence. The initial sequence may comprise a plurality of predetermined consecutive combinations of propeller pitch and propeller revolutions per minute, RPM, measured relative to each other. The vessel may be operated the according to the initial sequence within a test period. The data information related to each of the plurality of combinations of propeller pitch and propeller RPM measured relative to each other. At least one component condition information may be retrieved from a component measurement device and if present an ambient condition information. The vessel model may be trained on initial condition information related to the state of said vessel component. An operational sequence may comprise a measuring interval. The operational sequence may be activated, when the initial sequence may be completed. The operational sequence may be active during operation. The operational sequence may comprise at least one operational data information related to the operational combination of propeller pitch and propeller RPM. The trained vessel model may be trained during operation, such that the vessel model may be optimized and relates to the vessel’s current operational condition.

[0043] The control system, which comprise the trained vessel model, may be configured to: predict at least one first limitation curve, from said component condition information, said initial propeller curve, and said maximal power load curve, predict at least one ambient condition force acting on the vessel, wherein the ambient condition force is based on said ambient condition information, predict at least one second limitation curve, from said ambient condition force, combine the first and the second limitation curve to a required limitation curve, generating said updated propeller curve based on the relationship between said maximal power load curve and said curve required limitation curve, when using the trained model.

[0044] In a further advantageous method of the invention, wherein said vessel model is trained on one or both of at least one sea trial data information, and at least one operative data information.

[0045] No vessel performance is exactly the same. The vessel performance depends for example on the equipment installed on or in the vessel. Every equipment part has a deviation within the type of the equipment model. Every combination of equipment may form a vessel performance signature. A vessel may be assessed in performance, functionality and safety. Sea trials are typically conducted by the shipbuilder, boat manufacturer or repair facility, often in the presence of the owner, potential buyers or maritime authorities. The results of the sea trial help determine whether the vessel is fit for the intended purpose, and if any adjustments or repairs are necessary before it can be put into regular service. During the sea trail, a large amount of data information may be collected. Data information collected during sea trail may be used to train a vessel model for at specific vessel. Data information related to the equipment installed in the vessel may be provided by the manufacturers, and the data information may be comprised in the training of the vessel model. The vessel model may be a unique model, based on the state of the vessel and the condition of the information retrieved over time.

[0046] A second aspect of the invention relates to a control system for optimizing engine performance in a vessel during operation, wherein the control system comprises:

[0047] - at least one communication unit for communicating with at least one external source, and at least one vessel main control system,

[0048] - a processing unit, wherein the processing unit is configured to generating at least one propeller curve, wherein the control system is configured to generate an updated propeller curve and replacing the vessel main control system’s propeller curve with said updated propeller curve, such that the vessel is capable of operating at a maximal allowable performance during operation, and at the same time ensure safe operation.

[0049] The present invention presents a solution, where the load of the engine or engines may be controlled relative to the vessel’s performance characteristics and / or the condition of the vessel component or components, such that the load may be kept below the maximum load curve of the engines, with a minimum required limitation curve.

[0050] The maximal power load information may be initial information provided by the manufacture of the engines. Alternatively, the maximal power load information may be provided during a sea trial procedure. The power load curve may comprise a plurality of power load values. The maximal power load curve may comprise maximal power load value or values relates to the engine’s power output vs. engine RPM. The maximal power load curve may furthermore comprise maximal power load value or values related to the engine’s torque vs. engine RPM.

[0051] A control system or the vessel main control system may comprise means for monitoring and controlling the equipment. The control system may be the main control system or part of the main control system. The means may be part of the vessel main control system. The control system may comprise a processing unit for processing the information. The control system may be in direct or indirect communication with the measurement device or devices when retrieving information. The control system may be in communication with external condition information sources. The control system may be an external control system, which may be in data communication with the vessel main control system.

[0052] The control system may be configured to retrieve at least one condition information and predicting at least one propeller curve from said condition information. The condition information may comprise equipment condition information related to the vessel’s current or predicted equipment state, such as the state of engine or engines, state of fuel pump or fuel pumps, state of propeller or propellers, state of a vessel hull etc.

[0053] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, wherein the control system is an external control system arranged fully or partially located away from the vessel, or a part of the main vessel control system.

[0054] The control system may be part of the main vessel control system or a control system a vessel. Alternatively, the control system may be an external control system arranged fully or partially located away from the vessel. The control system may be configured to be a could solution or similar. The control system may be in communication with a plurality of main vessel control systems in vessels.

[0055] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the processing unit is configured to process data information, with the use of a trained vessel model having machine learning and / or artificial intelligence features.

[0056] A plurality of data information may be used to train the model. These features may comprise conditions information retrieved during operation and in present data information retrieved during sea trial, and if present data information provided by manufacturers. The term machine learning and / or artificial intelligence features should be understood that a model may comprise algorithm related to mathematical models and tools to perform the tasks.

[0057] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the trained vessel model comprises one or both of following models:

[0058] - a learning model,

[0059] - a neural network model,

[0060] - a predictive model, - an iterative model.

[0061] The control system may comprise means for using machine learning and artificial intelligence features related to at least one vessel model, when generating updated propeller curve and, if provided, vessel propulsion information related to the vessel or vessels. The control system may comprise means for using a predictive model and may be used in scheduling maintenance and ensures that equipment remains in a reliable working condition during operation. The predictive may enhance equipment reliability and expand the lifespan. Furthermore, improve safety by preventing unexpected failures. The control system may comprise means for using an iterative model, which may be used for training the vessel model. Algorithms may be trained on data information in multiple iterations, with adjustments and refinements made in each round to improve accuracy and performance of the vessel model.

[0062] Monitoring operational performance and condition of the vessel, using a trained vessel model, handles important tasks for optimizing operational performance and reducing maintenance costs. The control system may assess the correct functioning of the system and for early detection of incipient failures.

[0063] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, wherein the control system is an external control system arranged fully or partially located away from the vessel, or a part of the main vessel control system.

[0064] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, wherein the control system is an external control system configured to be in data communication with one or more of following: at least one the vessel main control system, at least one external weather condition source, at least one manufactory information source.

[0065] The control system may be an external control system comprising a data communication unit. The external control system may be configured to be in data communication with at least one the vessel main control system. The external control system may be configured to be in data communication The external control system may be configured to retrieve information from at least one condition source. The external control system may be configured to be in data communication with at least one external ambient condition source, wherein the external ambient condition source, e.g., a weather condition source, may not be located on the vessel. The external control system may be configured to be in data communication with at least one supplier or manufacture information source.

[0066] A third aspect of the invention relates to a vessel main control system for controlling a vessel relative to an updated propeller curve, wherein the vessel comprises at least one engine, at least one propeller, wherein the vessel main control system is configured to be in data communication with a control system, wherein the vessel main control system is configured to transmit vessel data information to the control system, and the vessel main control system is configured to receive said updated propeller curve from the control system before and during operation, and control the vessel’s engine and propeller according to the updated propeller curve during operation.

[0067] The vessel main control system the vessel main control system may be configured to be in data communication with a control system. The control system may be located on the vessel or located away from the vessel. The vessel main control system may be configured to transmit data information to the control system. The vessel main control system may be configured to receive said updated propeller curve from the control system before and during operation. The term ‘operation’ should be understood as the vessel may be performing a task after the vessel has been certified. The vessel main control system may be configured to control the vessel’s engine and propeller according to the updated propeller curve during operation.

[0068] This invention has now been explained with reference to a few embodiments and methods, which have only been discussed to illustrate the many varying possibilities achievable, with the system and method according to the present invention.

[0069] Brief description of the drawings

[0070] The embodiments of the invention are described in the following with reference to:

[0071] Fig. 1 : Illustrating a maximal and initial engine and propeller curve.

[0072] Fig. 2: Illustrating an engine and propeller curve comprising curve variation.

[0073] Fig. 3: Illustrating a block-diagram of a vessel model.

[0074] Fig. 4: Illustrating a flowchart of a method for providing an updated propeller curve.

[0075] Fig. 5: Illustrating an embodiment of a control system interaction with a vessel.

[0076] In the explanations of the figures, identical or corresponding elements will be provided with the same designations in different figures. Therefore, no explanation of all details will be given in connection with each single figure / embodiment.

[0077] Detailed description

[0078] Embodiments of the invention are explained in the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its scope to the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0079] Fig. 1 illustrates a maximal and initial engine and propeller curve. In this example the engine and propeller curve provides information related to a work capacity of a specific engine model type and a propeller model type in a vessel. A vessel may comprise more than one engine and propeller, each having their own propeller curve. The vessel main control system controls the engine and propeller relative to each other. The maximal power load curve, Pmax, indicates the maximum power relative to the speed to avoid any hazard situations, wherein the speed may be defined as the engine RPM or the propeller RMP. The maximal power load curve, Pmax, and the initial power load curve, P initial, may be curves provided by the engine manufacturers or others. The initial propeller curve may be determined based on the initial power load curve, P initial, wherein initial propeller curve may be the first propeller curve installed in the vessel main control system as a default propeller curve. The vessel main control system may prevent the engine to perform at a setting that go beyond the initial power load curve, P initial, during operation. By providing an updated propeller curve having a safety margin to the maximal power load curve, Pmax, wherein the safety margin is defined by a limitation curve, P limit. This allows the engine to optimize the performance during operation, because the engine may be driving closer to the maximal power load curve, Pmax, if preferred.

[0080] Fig. 2 illustrates an engine and propeller curve comprising limitation curve variation. In this example the control system retrieves at least one component condition information from at least one vessel engine, and at least one ambient condition information from an ambient condition source. The control system may replace the initial power load curve, P initial, with an updated propeller curve or a previous updated propeller curve, with a new updated propeller curve. The control system may provide a propeller curve, which is capable of being safe during a predetermined interval, before an updated propeller curve can be provided. The control system calculate, and if needed, predict at least one first limitation curve, from said component condition information relative to maximal power load curve. The control system calculate, and if needed, predict at least one ambient condition force acting on the vessel. The ambient condition force is based on ambient condition information retrieved by the control system and the vessel’s condition information, for example how the vessel behaves during different ambient conditions. The control system also calculate, and if needed, predict the first limitation curve, from said component condition information relative to maximal power load curve, and second limitation curve from said ambient condition force. The control system also calculate, and if needed, predict the second limitation curve from said ambient condition force, which affects the vessel during operation. When combining the first and the second limitation curve, a required limitation curve, P limit, is provided. The required limitation curve, P limit, has a variation safety margin to the maximal power load curve, P max. The vessel main control system may continuously keep the curve distance to the maximal power load curve, P max, during operation, to ensure a safe operation. The propeller, which is driving, illustrated by P propeller, may vary during operation, illustrated by Voperation. The required limitation curve, P limit, may vary, due to the ambient condition and the component condition. The updated propeller curve may preferably not exceed the required limitation curve, P limit.

[0081] Fig. 3 illustrates a block-diagram of a vessel model. In this example the control system 1 is configured to process a vessel model 2 using a processing unit. The vessel model 2 comprise at least one first input 3. The first input 3 is component condition information from at least one component’s current state. The vessel model 2 may comprise a second input 4. The second input 4 is ambient condition information. The third input 3 may relate to limits, such as predetermined interval, and some other limits may be constant depending on the vessel’ s operation. The fourth input 6 may relate to the maximal power load curve, P max. The fifth input 7 may relate to a feedback input. The feedback may come from other prediction models or from the vessels operating settings etc.

[0082] The vessel model 1 may comprise a first output 8. The first output 8 may be required limitation curve information, e.g., a propeller curve defined by the curve information. The vessel model 1 may furthermore comprise a second output 9. The second output 9 may be information related to optimised vessel settings, e.g., trim and draft settings etc.

[0083] Fig. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method for providing an updated propeller curve. In this example the control system 1 calculates and / or predicts useful and safe updated propeller curves. The updated propeller curve replaces a current propeller curve for each predefined time interval. a) The control system is provided with a maximal power load curve, Pmax. b) The control system retrieves component condition information, such as engine information. c) The control system retrieve ambient condition information. d) The control system may calculate, and if needed, predicted variabilities of retrieved the condition information. e) The control system calculate a required limitation curve and predict an updated propeller curve, wherein the propeller curve is optimized, such that the vessel is capable of operating at a maximal allowable performance during operation, and at the same time ensure safe operation.

[0084] Fig. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a control system interaction with a vessel. The control system 1 may comprise an external control unit 12 arranged at an external location away from the vessel. The external control unit 12 may be in direct communication with the vessel main control system 11 and the measuring units related to the first and second input 3,4. Alternatively, the control system 1 comprise, in this example, a vessel unit 13 arranged in the vessel, and an external control unit 12 arranged at an external location away from the vessel. The external control unit 12 may be in communication with the vessel unit 13. The vessel unit may be in direct communication with the vessel main control system 11 and the measuring units related to the first and second input 3,4. The external control unit 12 may be in communication with a plurality of the vessel units 13 located on a plurality of vessels. The external control unit 12 may comprise a vessel model trained for each of the vessels separately. The external control unit 12 may for example be capable for providing respective propeller curve and maintenance schedule for each of the vessels.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS1. A method for optimizing engine performance in a vessel, wherein a control system is configured to provide an updated propeller curve and replace a current propeller curve in a main vessel control system with the updated propeller curve, wherein the method comprises following acts: retrieving at least one maximal power load curve related to at least one vessel engine, retrieving at least one component condition information from a component measurement device configured to measure at least one vessel engine condition, predicting at least one first limitation curve using a vessel model from at least one of following: said component condition information, said initial propeller curve, and said maximal power load curve, retrieving at least one ambient condition information from an ambient condition source, predicting at least one ambient condition force acting on the vessel, wherein the ambient condition force is based on said ambient condition information relative to the vessel's direction during operation, predicting at least one second limitation curve, from said ambient condition information ambient condition force, combining the first and the second limitation buffer curve to a required limitation curve based on the first and the second limitation curve, generating said updated propeller curve based on the relationship between said maximal power load curve and said required limitation curve, replacing a current propeller curve in said main vessel control system, with said updated propeller curve, such that the main vessel control system operates the vessel at an optimal performance during operation.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein said method comprises further acts: retrieving at least one vessel condition information, wherein said vessel condition information comprise a draft and trim information,calculating a draft and trim setting relative of said initial propeller curve or updated propeller curve.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said method comprises further acts:- transferring a first updated propeller curve from the control system to the main vessel control system before vessel operation,- transferring consecutively further updated propeller curves from the control system to the main vessel control system.

4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprise a further act of retrieving said ambient condition information and component condition information within a predetermined time interval.

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises further acts of: generating a first propeller curve related to a first engine and a first propeller based on the relationship between a first maximal power load curve and a first required limitation curve, generating a second propeller curve related to a second engine and a second propeller, based on the relationship between a second maximal power load curve and a second required limitation curve, wherein the first propeller curve is different from the second propeller curve, such that the vessel is capable of operating at a maximal allowable performance according to the first or the second propeller curve during operation, and at the same time ensure safe operation.

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one main engine is different than at least one support engine, and an updated main propeller curve is different than an updated support propeller curve.

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vessel model is a trained vessel model.

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said trained vessel model is trained on one or both of at least one sea trial data information, and at least one operative data information.

9. A control system for optimizing engine performance in a vessel during operation, wherein the control system is configured to perform the method according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the control system comprises: at least one communication unit for communicating with at least one external source, and at least one vessel main control system, a processing unit, wherein the processing unit is configured to generating at least one propeller curve, wherein the control system is configured to generate an updated propeller curve, and replacing the vessel main control system’s propeller curve with said updated propeller curve.

10. Control system according to claim 9, the control system is an external control system arranged fully or partially located away from the vessel, or a part of the main vessel control system.

11. Control system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the processing unit is configured to process data information with the use of a trained vessel model having machine learning and / or artificial intelligence features.

12. Control system according to claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the trained vessel model comprises one or more of following type models:- a learning model,- a neural network model,- a predictive model,- an iterative model.

13. Control system according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the control system is an external control system configured to be in data communication with one or more of following: at least one the vessel main control system, - at least one external weather condition source, at least one manufactory information source.

14. A vessel main control system for controlling a vessel relative to an updated propeller curve, wherein the vessel comprises at least one engine and at least one propel- ler, wherein the vessel main control system is configured to be in data communication with a control system according to any one of the claims 9-13, wherein the vessel main control system is configured to transmit vessel data information to the control system, and the vessel main control system is configured to receive said updated propeller curve from the control system before and during operation, and control the ves- sei’s engine and propeller according to the updated propeller curve during operation.

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