Maglev Linear-Mass Stabilizer for Low-Noise Vessel Roll Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stabilizers for floating structures, such as marine vessels, face challenges in effectively reducing pitch and roll in rough seas while maintaining speed and minimizing fuel consumption, with many systems generating noise, vibration, and requiring frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An all-electric stabilizer system utilizing a DC linear motor with a planar stator and a mover equipped with permanent motor magnets and active magnetic bearings, allowing for a mover to be levitated and moved along a track to counteract pitching and rolling movements, featuring redundant power and magnetic bearing systems for fault tolerance and minimal contact with the track.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional mechanical stabilisers are used, then stabilising effect is achieved, but noise and vibration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical stabiliser systems with an electric linear motor system. The linear motor uses electromagnetic fields to directly drive the stabilising mass along the track, eliminating mechanical contacts, gears, and linkages that generate noise and vibration. This substitution maintains effective stabilisation through precise electromagnetic control while dramatically reducing harmful acoustic and vibrational outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces active magnetic bearings as an intermediary between the linear motor and the stabilising mass. These magnetic bearings levitate the mover, providing contactless support that eliminates mechanical friction and vibration. The magnetic bearing acts as a mediator that transfers the stabilising force without the noise and vibration associated with traditional mechanical bearings and support structures.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical stabilisers with moving parts are used, then stabilising function is provided, but maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical drive systems with an electric linear motor system that has no moving parts requiring mechanical maintenance. The linear motor uses electromagnetic fields to propel the stabilising mass, eliminating gears, belts, chains, and other mechanical components that wear out and require maintenance. This substitution maintains reliable stabilisation through electromagnetic control while dramatically reducing maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The active magnetic bearings provide self-aligning and contactless support for the mover, automatically adjusting to positional variations without mechanical wear. The system uses feedback control to maintain optimal magnetic field configuration, enabling the stabiliser to self-regulate and minimize maintenance needs while maintaining reliable operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If passive ballasts or bilge keels are used, then simple structure is achieved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic active stabilisation system where the linear motor actively controls the position and movement of the stabilising mass in real-time based on vessel motion sensors. Unlike passive ballasts or fixed bilge keels, this system continuously adjusts its configuration to counteract rolling and pitching movements, providing efficient stabilisation that reduces drag and fuel consumption while maintaining manageable complexity through modern control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters including the position of the stabilising mass along the track, the strength of magnetic fields in the linear motor, and the configuration of active magnetic bearings. These parameter changes enable the system to adapt to varying sea conditions and vessel speeds, optimising fuel efficiency while maintaining acceptable structural complexity through electronic control rather than mechanical complexity.
4Reliability
If active fins or gyroscopes are used, then stabilising performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical stabilising systems like active fins and gyroscopes with an electric linear motor system. The linear motor provides direct linear propulsion of the stabilising mass without requiring complex mechanical linkages, hydraulic systems, or rotating components. This substitution maintains high stabilising performance through precise electromagnetic control while reducing overall system complexity by eliminating multiple mechanical subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear motor system serves multiple functions: it propels the stabilising mass along the track, positions it at optimal locations, and provides the stabilising force itself. The active magnetic bearings simultaneously provide support, alignment, and damping. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed compared to traditional systems, lowering overall complexity while maintaining superior stabilising performance.
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 effective roll reduction of over 90% with low noise and vibration, minimal maintenance, and operates efficiently at various speeds without increasing water resistance, suitable for large civilian and military marine vessels.
Implementation Method 1
at least one active magnetic bearing for selectively levitating the mover
Implementation Method 2
a direct current (DC) linear motor comprising a planar stator that extends along the track, and a mover that is adapted to move forwards and backwards along the track
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an electric stabiliser for stabilising a floating structure that includes a track for guiding a mover as a moving stabiliser mass. A direct current (DC) linear motor includes a planar stator that extends along the track and the mover that is adapted to move forwards and backwards along the track as the stabiliser mass. The planar stator includes a polyphase stator winding with winding coils connected. The mover includes permanent motor magnets facing the polyphase stator winding that define mover poles of alternating polarity along the track direction. Two active magnetic bearings is positioned between the track and a main body of the mover for selectively levitating the mover. In use, the active magnetic bearings levitate the mover above the track and the DC linear motor is controlled to move the mover backwards and forwards along the track to dampen a rolling/pitching movement of the floating structure.