Integrated Electronic Gearbox for Ship Electric Drive-Trains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical drive-train systems in ships face challenges in retrofitting to electric drive-trains due to space constraints and the need for auxiliary equipment, which is typically suited for larger vessels, making it difficult to implement in smaller ships.
Innovation Solution
An integrated electronic gear box system that replaces the mechanical reduction gear box, comprising high-speed generators, power electronic converters, and a support structure to power an electric machine, allowing for a compact and efficient electric drive-train solution that optimizes fuel efficiency and reduces the need for external hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a full integrated power system with auxiliary equipment (switchgear, cooling systems) is installed to enable electric drive-train, then fuel efficiency and electrical power are optimized, but the device complexity and space requirements increase, making it unsuitable for smaller marine vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the generator, power electronic converter, and electric machine into a single integrated assembly that replaces the mechanical reduction gear box. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate auxiliary equipment such as external switchgear and cooling systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining the fuel efficiency benefits of electric drive-train operation
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: the generator produces electrical power, the power electronic converter regulates and converts electrical signals, and the electric machine drives the propeller. This multi-functionality allows smaller vessels to achieve IPS benefits without requiring the full complement of auxiliary equipment needed for traditional electric drive-train systems
2Use of energy by moving object
If a mechanical reduction gear box is replaced with an electric drive-train system, then fuel efficiency is improved, but the volume and space constraints of existing ship hulls make installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the generator, power electronic converter, and electric machine into a single compact integrated assembly, the overall volume of the drive-train system is reduced. This allows the system to fit within the space constraints of existing ship hulls while providing the fuel efficiency advantages of electric propulsion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the power electronic converter is positioned within or adjacent to the generator and electric machine assembly. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization and minimizes the overall volume occupied by the drive-train system, enabling installation in ships with fixed hull-forms and space constraints
3Use of energy by moving object
If a hybrid solution with a smaller electrical machine coupled to an existing gear box is used, then some benefits of integrated power system are achieved, but the device complexity remains high due to coupling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical machine from the hybrid coupling approach and integrates it directly into a complete electric drive-train system that replaces the mechanical gear box entirely. This eliminates the complexity of coupling hybrid systems while achieving the same or better fuel efficiency through pure electric propulsion
Solution Approach 2:
The invention completely replaces the mechanical reduction gear box with an electric drive-train system consisting of a generator, power electronic converter, and electric machine. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical coupling components and reduces device complexity while maintaining the fuel efficiency benefits of electric propulsion
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 solution enables seamless transition and optimization of turbine speed, reduces the need for clutches and external switchgear, and provides independent control of turbine and shaft speeds, enhancing fuel economy and power density while accommodating smaller ship sizes with minimal external hardware.
Implementation Method 1
a generator (20) including a rotatable shaft (21) structured to be driven by a prime mover (1) and an output (23) providing an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
a power electronic converter (29) electrically interconnected with the output (23) of the generator (20) and structured to power the electric machine (40)
Implementation Method 3
an electric machine (40) including a rotatable shaft (42) structured to drive a propeller (44)
Data Source
AI summary
An electric drive-train for a ship includes a first generator having a rotatable shaft structured to be driven by a first prime mover and an output providing a voltage; a second generator having a rotatable shaft structured to be driven by a second prime mover and an output providing a voltage; an electric machine including a rotatable shaft structured to drive a propeller; a first power electronic converter electrically interconnected with the output of the first generator and structured to power the electric machine; and a second power electronic converter electrically interconnected with the output of the second generator and structured to power the electric machine. A support structure replaces a reduction gear box and supports the first generator, the second generator, the electric machine, the first power electronic converter, and the second power electronic converter.