Dual-Engine Generator System for Marine Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tugboats and similar marine vessels face inefficiencies due to widely varying propulsion loads, leading to increased fuel consumption and pollutant emissions, as well as the need for multiple engines to provide both high and constant frequency electrical power, which occupies more space and increases maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a high power engine and a low power engine, each operably coupled to a common generator frame, with a controller selecting the appropriate engine based on load operation requirements to optimize power usage and reduce unnecessary engine operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a high power engine is used for propulsion, then the engine can handle high load periods, but the engine operates inefficiently during low load periods resulting in increased fuel consumption and emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is segmented into two separate engines with different power ratings - a high power engine for high load periods and a low power engine for low load periods. This allows each engine to operate in its optimal efficiency range according to the actual propulsion demands, resolving the contradiction between having sufficient power and maintaining energy efficiency.
2Power
If a high power engine is used for propulsion, then the engine can handle high load periods, but the engine emits greater amounts of pollutants
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the propulsion system into two engines of different power sizes, the low power engine can be used during low load periods when it operates more efficiently and produces fewer emissions per unit of power. This resolves the contradiction between having adequate propulsion power and minimizing pollutant emissions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple engines are used to provide both high power and constant frequency electrical power, then the system can meet all power requirements, but the system occupies more space and increases maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
Both the high power engine and low power engine are designed to be capable of driving the generator to provide constant frequency electrical power for auxiliary loads, in addition to their primary propulsion function. This multi-functionality allows the system to meet all power requirements with just two engines rather than requiring separate dedicated engines for each function, thereby reducing the total space occupied.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple engines are used to provide both high power and constant frequency electrical power, then the system can meet all power requirements, but the system increases maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
Both engines are designed with universal capability to drive the generator for electrical power generation in addition to propulsion. This reduces the total number of engines from four (two for propulsion, two for electrical power) to just two, thereby reducing maintenance costs while still meeting all power requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for more efficient engine operation by using the higher power engine during high load periods and the lower power engine during low load periods, reducing fuel consumption and emissions while maintaining the ability to provide fixed frequency electrical power for auxiliary loads.
Implementation Method 1
a generator configured to generate electrical power for a load operation of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing mechanical and electrical power in a vehicle or other engine-driven platform includes a first engine having a first power rating and a second engine having a second power rating that is less than the first power rating. The system further includes a first generator (for example, an alternator) for generating electrical power for a load operation (such as vehicle propulsion), and a second generator (for example, a DFIG) for generating fixed frequency electrical power; both generators are operatively connected to and powered by the first and/or second engines. The first and/or second engines may be selected to power the first generator for generating power for vehicle propulsion or another load operation depending upon situational power requirements of the engine-driven platform.