Hybrid Marine Propulsion Controller Boost Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine propulsion systems lack a controllable, on-demand source of boosting power, limiting the operator's ability to enhance vessel speed and efficiency during varying operations.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid marine propulsion system that includes an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, and a controller allowing for selective operation in modes such as Engine Mode, Electric Mode, Hybrid Mode, and Boost Mode, enabling the operator to add power from the electric motor to the internal combustion engine for increased performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a marine vessel uses only an internal combustion engine for propulsion, then the system structure is simple and reliable, but the operator lacks the ability to selectively boost power for enhanced performance or improve fuel efficiency during varying operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an internal combustion engine and an electric motor into a hybrid propulsion system that shares a common propulsor. The engine and motor are merged through a coupling mechanism that allows them to operate independently or together, providing adaptable power delivery while maintaining system simplicity through integrated control logic that automatically selects optimal operating modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion system is designed with multi-functionality, allowing the same propulsor to be driven by the engine alone, the electric motor alone, or both together. The controller provides universal control across multiple operating modes (engine-only, electric-only, hybrid, and boost modes), enabling the system to adapt to various operational requirements without requiring separate propulsion systems.
2Power
If the operator needs enhanced vessel speed and performance, then additional power from an electric motor can be added, but the system complexity increases with multiple power sources and control modes
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control that automatically adjusts the operating mode based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors engine output, battery charge levels, and operator demands to dynamically select between engine-only operation, electric boost mode, or hybrid operation. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to provide enhanced power when needed while maintaining simple operation through automatic mode selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the interaction between the engine and electric motor. It coordinates power delivery from both sources, ensuring smooth transitions between operating modes and optimizing the combination of engine and motor output. The intermediary control system simplifies the complexity of managing multiple power sources by providing unified, automated coordination.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the system operates in hybrid mode with both engine and electric motor, then fuel efficiency can be improved during low-speed operations, but the device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different power sources based on operating conditions. During low-speed operations, the controller can engage electric motor assistance or electric-only mode, fundamentally changing the energy consumption pattern from engine-driven to electric-driven. This parameter change enables improved fuel efficiency in specific operating ranges while maintaining overall system simplicity through condition-based automation.
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
The system provides an on-demand power boost, enhancing vessel speed and operator control, improving fuel efficiency and reducing noise during low-speed operations, while allowing for real-time power adjustments based on battery charge levels.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor that selectively powers the marine propulsor
Implementation Method 2
an internal combustion engine that selectively powers the marine propulsor
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a hybrid marine propulsion system includes a marine propulsor that propels a marine vessel; an internal combustion engine that selectively powers the marine propulsor; an electric motor that selectively powers the marine propulsor; a controller that controls operation of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor according to a plurality of modes including an engine mode wherein the engine alone powers the marine propulsor and a boost mode wherein the engine and the electric motor together power the marine propulsor; and a user input device that inputs a user-initiated command to the controller to thereby change control from the engine mode to the boost mode. Upon input of the user-initiated command, the controller can maintain an existing output of the internal combustion engine such that the power provided by the electric motor is added to the power already being provided by the internal combustion engine.