Marine Drive Generator Mode for Battery Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine propulsion systems require user intervention for battery charging, which can lead to battery power loss due to low charge levels, and standalone generators are inefficient, noisy, and occupy valuable space on vessels.
Innovation Solution
Adapting propulsion engines to operate in a generator mode for battery charging only, using existing marine drives to optimize engine parameters for low-load, low-RPM operation, and automatically starting engines based on battery state or electrical demand, eliminating the need for standalone generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standalone generator is used for battery charging, then battery charging capability is provided, but noise, emissions, and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery charging function with the existing propulsion engine by enabling it to operate in a generator mode. The propulsion engine, which already exists on the vessel, is adapted to provide electrical power for battery charging without requiring a separate standalone generator, thereby eliminating the noise and emissions associated with dedicated generator units.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion engine is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a propulsion device and as a generator for battery charging. This universal design allows the same engine to perform multiple functions (propulsion and power generation), eliminating the need for separate equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If a standalone generator is installed for battery charging, then battery charging capability is provided, but valuable vessel space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery charging function with the existing propulsion engine system. By utilizing the propulsion engine's capability to generate electrical power, the system eliminates the need for a separate standalone generator unit, thereby freeing up valuable vessel space while maintaining reliable battery charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion engine serves dual purposes: propulsion and electrical power generation for battery charging. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for additional space-consuming equipment while ensuring reliable battery charging capability is maintained.
3Ease of operation
If user intervention is required for battery charging, then charging can be controlled, but battery power loss may occur due to low charge levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through a control system that monitors battery charge levels and automatically activates the propulsion engine in generator mode when charging is needed. This feedback loop ensures the battery is recharged before power loss occurs, maintaining reliable operation without requiring constant user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring battery charge levels and activating the propulsion engine for charging when necessary. The control system autonomously manages the charging process, eliminating the need for continuous user intervention while preventing battery power loss through timely recharging.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If propulsion engines are adapted for generator mode operation, then noise and emissions are reduced, but engine parameter optimization for low-load operation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements parameter changes by optimizing engine operating parameters specifically for generator mode operation. The control system adjusts parameters such as fuel injection timing, air-fuel ratio, and valve timing to achieve efficient low-load operation, thereby reducing noise and emissions while managing the complexity of parameter control through systematic optimization.
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
This solution reduces noise and emissions, optimizes energy efficiency, and frees up space on vessels by using existing marine drives for battery charging, ensuring reliable and efficient battery power management without the need for additional generators.
Implementation Method 1
an alternator having a rotor that is driven into rotation by the output shaft and that outputs a charge current to the battery
Data Source
AI summary
A marine propulsion system for marine vessel includes at least one battery configured to power a vessel load, a plurality of marine drives, and a control system. Each of the plurality of marine drives includes an engine, an alternator driven by the engine to charge the battery, and a propulsor selectively driven by the engine to propel the marine vessel. Each of the plurality of marine drives is configured to operate in a propulsion mode in which the engine is operated to rotate the propulsor to propel the marine vessel in a generator mode in which the engine is operated to charge the battery while the marine vessel remains stationary. The control system is configured to select a subset of the plurality of marine drives and then to operate the subset of marine drives in the generator mode to charge the battery while the marine vessel remains stationary.