Marine Charge Distribution Circuit for Isolated Battery Priority

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing charge distribution systems for alternators in marine vessels fail to prioritize charge to primary power storage devices while maintaining isolation between power storage devices, leading to high current flows and abrupt fluctuations in engine load, and do not offer both segmentation and prioritized charging effectively.

Innovation Solution

A charge distribution circuit with a semiconductor isolator and relay system that isolates power storage devices and prioritizes charge to the primary device by using a charge sensor to control the relay, ensuring the primary device is sufficiently charged before distributing power to secondary devices, thereby minimizing high current flows and maintaining power availability for propulsion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If power storage devices are connected directly to the alternator without isolation, then charge distribution is simplified, but high current flows and abrupt engine load fluctuations occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge distribution systemVSAvoidengine load stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the power storage system into multiple isolated banks (primary and secondary) with separate charging paths from the alternator. Each bank is equipped with its own control circuitry and isolation mechanisms, allowing independent charge management. This segmentation prevents current from flowing between banks and eliminates abrupt load fluctuations on the engine by providing controlled, staged charging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If power storage devices are isolated from one another, then cross-charge flows are prevented, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge distribution controlVSAvoidisolation system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces isolators as intermediary components between the alternator and power storage banks, and between the banks themselves. These isolators act as controlled gates that permit or block current flow based on system conditions. The charge sensor and control circuitry serve as intermediaries that monitor bank states and manage charging sequences, providing sophisticated control without requiring direct complex interconnections between all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If charge is distributed to all power storage devices simultaneously, then charging time is reduced, but primary device charge availability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidprimary power storage availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a prioritized charging sequence where the primary power storage bank is charged first to ensure adequate charge availability for essential propulsion functions. Only after the primary bank reaches a sufficient charge level does the system begin charging secondary banks. This preliminary action guarantees that the primary bank maintains the charge necessary for starting the engine and operating critical systems, while still enabling efficient charging of the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution ensures stable and predictable charge distribution, preventing cross-charge flows and ensuring primary power storage devices remain charged for essential functions, reducing the risk of catastrophic failures and simplifying installation and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

an isolator configured to isolate the first power storage device and the second power storage device from one another such that current does not flow between them

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical isolation: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

a charge sensor configured to sense a charge level of the first power storage device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical sensing: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 3

a relay configured to connect and disconnect the second power storage device to/from the alternator based on the sensed charge level

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 4

an alternator driven into rotation by the engine to generate a charge current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11981412B2Charge distribution circuit for a marine vessel
Publication Date: 2024.05.14 BRUNSWICK CORP
  • US11981412B2 patent drawing
  • US11981412B2 patent drawing
  • US11981412B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A marine propulsion system for a marine vessel includes a marine propulsion device, a plurality of power storage devices, and a charge distribution circuit. The marine propulsion device includes an engine and an alternator driven by the engine to generate a charge current. The plurality of power storage devices includes at least a first power storage device and a second power storage device, wherein each power storage device is configured to receive current from the alternator. The charge distribution circuit is positioned between the alternator and the plurality of power storage devices and includes an isolator configured to isolate the first power storage device from the second power storage device, a charge sensor configured to sense a charge level of the first power storage device, and a relay configured to connect and disconnect the second power storage device to/from the alternator based on the sensed charge level.