Dynamic Engine Fuel Limit Calculation for Marine Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining engine fuel limits in marine propulsion systems do not account for engine-to-engine variations and do not allow for easy customization or modification to meet specific vessel requirements, leading to inconsistent power output across engines of the same type.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures an actual fuel value for each engine and calculates static fuel limit points for various engine speed points, using a configurable parameter to adjust fuel limits and create a customized fuel limit curve, allowing for engine-specific power definition and modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static fuel limit tables are used based on exemplary test engine data, then emissions compliance can be achieved, but engine-to-engine power variation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fuel limit parameter from a fixed static value to a dynamic value that is calculated based on the actual fuel value measured for each specific engine. This allows each engine to have its own customized fuel limit curve, ensuring consistent power output across all engines while maintaining emissions compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by measuring the actual fuel value for each engine and using this measurement to calculate the appropriate fuel limit points. This closed-loop approach ensures that each engine's fuel limits are tailored to its specific characteristics, eliminating power variation between engines.
2Reliability
If fixed fuel limit tables are implemented in ECU, then emissions testing requirements are met, but customization for different vessel requirements becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fuel limit table into a dynamic calculation system. Instead of using fixed values, the system calculates fuel limit points based on actual engine measurements and configurable parameters, allowing the fuel limits to be adapted to different vessel requirements and application types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves universality by creating a configurable fuel limit calculation method that can accommodate different application types (marine propulsion, generator sets, etc.) and vessel requirements through configurable parameters, while maintaining a single unified approach that satisfies emissions compliance for all applications.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard fuel limit curves are used for all engines of a type, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but field tuning and modification capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service in the field by allowing measurement of the actual fuel value for each engine and automatic calculation of customized fuel limit points without requiring complex software revisions. Users can perform field tuning by entering configurable parameters, and the system automatically generates the appropriate fuel limit curve.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining fuel limits for an engine includes measuring an actual fuel value for the engine and creating a plurality of engine speed points. The method further includes calculating respective static fuel limit points for each of the engine speed points utilizing the actual fuel value. The static fuel limit points define and limit a rated power of the engine.