Marine Charging Communications Module for CCS Ground Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional corrosion protection arrangements in marine vessels prevent the charging process from starting when using a combined charging system (CCS) due to mismatched ground signals between the marine vessel and the on-shore charging station, leading to potential corrosion.
Innovation Solution
An on-board communications module that galvanically isolates the charging control unit from the DC electric energy storage system and low-voltage consumers, using a DC/DC buffer and transceivers to match the ground signal with the on-shore CCS while preventing corrosion-generating currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional corrosion protection arrangement is used in a marine vessel, then corrosion is prevented, but the charging process cannot start when using a combined charging system due to mismatched ground signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ground signal matching device as an intermediary component between the corrosion protection arrangement and the charging system. This device actively monitors and adjusts the ground signal level to match the protective earth signal from the charging station, enabling charging to start while maintaining corrosion protection through galvanic isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention dynamically changes the ground signal parameter (voltage level) to match the charging station's protective earth signal. The ground signal matching device adjusts the electrical potential of the ground signal based on the detected PE signal level, allowing the charging process to initiate successfully without compromising corrosion protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the ground connection of the DC electric energy storage system is separated from the grounded hull to prevent corrosion, then corrosion is reduced, but the ground signal of the marine vessel differs from the PE signal of the on-shore charging station
Solution Approach 1:
The ground signal matching device serves as a mediator that bridges the separated ground connection and the charging station's PE signal. It detects the PE signal level and generates a corresponding ground signal that matches it, ensuring reliable signal matching while maintaining the separated ground connection for corrosion protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates equipotential conditions between the marine vessel's ground signal and the charging station's PE signal by actively adjusting the ground signal level. This ensures both signals are at the same electrical potential, enabling proper communication and charging initiation while maintaining corrosion protection through the separated ground connection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a galvanic isolator or isolation transformer is used to connect the ground of the charging station to the grounded hull, then corrosion is prevented, but the charging process cannot start due to signal mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The ground signal matching device acts as an intelligent intermediary that works in conjunction with the galvanic isolator. While the isolator provides galvanic isolation to prevent corrosion, the matching device actively adjusts the ground signal level to match the PE signal, enabling charging initiation without compromising the corrosion protection provided by the isolator.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the passive mechanical galvanic isolator with an active electronic ground signal matching system. Instead of relying solely on physical isolation, the system uses electronic signal processing to actively match ground potentials, enabling charging while maintaining corrosion protection through a combination of isolation and active matching.
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
Enables marine vessels with conventional corrosion protection arrangements to charge their propulsion electric energy storage systems using a CCS by ensuring matched ground signals and preventing corrosion, utilizing off-the-shelf components for galvanic isolation.
Implementation Method 1
The communications module is configured to galvanically isolate a charging control unit of the marine vessel from a DC electric energy storage system of the marine vessel
Implementation Method 2
The communications module is further configured to galvanically isolate the charging control unit from low-voltage consumers of the marine vessel
Implementation Method 3
When the vessel is electrically connected to the on-shore charging station, a potential difference is generated between the different metals of the hull and the electric lines of the charging station. The water acts as an electrolyte, generating an electric stray current which in turn causes corrosion to the marine vessel
Data Source
AI summary
An on-board communications module configured to enable charging of a propulsion electric energy storage system of a marine vessel using an on-shore combined charging system. The marine vessel has a corrosion protection arrangement, the communications module to galvanically isolate a charging control unit of the marine vessel from a DC electric energy storage system of the marine vessel, the communications module further being configured to galvanically isolate the charging control unit from low-voltage consumers of the marine vessel.