Hybrid Driveline Speed Threshold Control for Smooth Marine Transitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid marine vessels face inefficiencies in transitioning between electric and combustion propulsion sources, particularly during acceleration, leading to suboptimal energy optimization, emissions, and noise generation.

Innovation Solution

A computer system controls the hybrid driveline by determining target speeds for both propulsion sources based on a speed threshold, optimizing the utilization of electric and combustion engines to smooth transitions and achieve efficient energy use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the marine vessel uses a hybrid driveline with both electric and combustion propulsion sources, then energy optimization and emission reduction are improved, but the complexity of controlling transitions between propulsion sources increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy optimizationVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts operational parameters including speed thresholds, power distribution ratios, and transition points between electric and combustion propulsion sources. By continuously monitoring vessel speed, power demand, and battery state of charge, the system optimizes the mix of propulsion sources to minimize energy consumption while managing transition smoothness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements closed-loop feedback control where the actual speeds of electric and combustion propulsion sources are continuously measured and compared against target speeds. The control unit adjusts power distribution in real-time based on feedback signals, ensuring smooth transitions and optimal energy utilization while maintaining vessel performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If the marine vessel accelerates rapidly using electric propulsion source, then acceleration performance is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacceleration performanceVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control system applies partial electric propulsion power during acceleration phases rather than maximum power, strategically combining electric and combustion propulsion. By providing just enough electric power to achieve acceptable acceleration while supplementing with combustion power, the system reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic switching between electric and combustion propulsion sources during acceleration, alternating between electric-only mode, combined mode, and combustion-only mode based on real-time conditions. This periodic action allows the battery to recharge during combustion phases and discharge during electric phases, optimizing energy utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the marine vessel operates in a specific operating region with optimized propulsion source utilization, then energy efficiency is improved, but the adaptability to different operating conditions decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to operating conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adapts the speed threshold and power distribution strategy based on real-time operating conditions including vessel speed, power demand, battery state of charge, and environmental factors. The system transitions between different operational modes (electric-only, hybrid, combustion-only) to maintain optimal energy efficiency across varying operating regions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid driveline control system is designed to handle multiple operating scenarios including low-speed cruising, high-speed acceleration, maneuvering, and stationary operation. By implementing a universal control strategy that can operate in electric-only mode, hybrid mode, or combustion-only mode depending on conditions, the system maintains both energy efficiency and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4699924A1Hybrid driveline control

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 VOLVO PENTA AB

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AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a computer system comprising processing circuitry configured to: obtain a wanted speed of a marine vessel comprising a hybrid driveline; determine a first target speed for an electric propulsion source connected to the hybrid driveline based on the wanted speed and a speed threshold; determine a second target speed for a combustion propulsion source connected to the hybrid driveline based on the wanted speed and the speed threshold; wherein a difference between the first target speed and the second target speed decreases with a difference between said target speeds and the speed threshold.