Azimuthing Propulsion Crash Stop Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional emergency stopping procedures for ships with azimuthing propulsion units are inefficient and difficult to execute, especially under high-pressure conditions, often leading to suboptimal stopping distances and safety risks due to the need for manual control and extensive training.
Innovation Solution
An automated emergency stop procedure for ships with azimuthing propulsion units, involving a multi-stage control method that adjusts propeller orientation and rotation speed, allowing for symmetric and simultaneous operation of propulsion units to maintain straight course stability and override manual control for evasive actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the conventional emergency stopping procedure is used (maintaining propeller orientation towards transom and reversing rotation), then the operation is simpler and requires less training, but the stopping distance is increased and stopping efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control arrangement automatically executes the podway crash stop procedure without requiring manual intervention from the operator. The system pre-programmes the sequence of rotating propulsion units to point towards the ship head and reversing propeller rotation, eliminating the need for operators to be trained in this complex manual procedure while achieving optimal stopping performance
2Productivity
If the podway crash stop procedure is used (rotating propellers to point towards ship head), then the stopping distance is reduced and stopping efficiency is improved, but the operation becomes more complex and difficult to execute under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The control arrangement performs the complex podway crash stop procedure autonomously without requiring manual operation. The system automatically rotates the azimuthing propulsion units to the correct orientation and controls propeller rotation reversal, making the efficient stopping procedure execute itself rather than requiring skilled human operators to perform the complex manual tasks
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual control is used during emergency stopping, then the operator can respond to evasive maneuver needs, but the complexity of simultaneous control tasks increases and errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control system divides the emergency stopping function into two separate control modes: automated podway crash stop for straight-line stopping, and manual control for evasive maneuvers. This segmentation allows the system to handle different operational needs through distinct control paths, reducing overall complexity by preventing the need to simultaneously manage multiple control functions
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates generally to a control arrangement for controlling at least two azimuthing propulsion units of a ship. The control arrangement comprises a crash stop activation member for activating a crash stop procedure, after which the crash stop procedure is executed in which the orientation and propulsion speed of the azimuthing propulsion units are controlled until the propagation speed of the ship has at least been reduced from the moment when the crash stop procedure was activated.