Marine Flywheel Power Generation for Gyroscopic Roll and Pitch Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine vessels experience significant roll and pitch motions due to wave action, which can be dangerous for operators and cause damage to equipment, while traditional stabilization systems are inadequate, and diesel engines are inefficient and emit harmful emissions.
Innovation Solution
Employing flywheels as both a power source and stabilization system, controlled by an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to electromechanically adjust the orientation of stators, providing roll and pitch stabilization, and using multiple flywheels to dynamically manage power and stabilization needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional stabilization systems are used, then some roll and pitch stabilization is provided, but the stabilization capability is inadequate and cannot overcome wave motion effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power generation function and stabilization function into a single integrated flywheel system. The flywheels serve dual purposes: generating electrical power through rotation and providing roll/pitch stabilization through controlled angular momentum, eliminating the need for separate stabilization systems and improving overall effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite structural design in the flywheel construction, combining materials with different properties to achieve both high rotational strength for power generation and precise control characteristics for stabilization, thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional single-material stabilization systems
2Power
If diesel engines are used for power generation, then sufficient power is provided, but fuel consumption is high and harmful emissions are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical diesel engine system with an electro-mechanical flywheel energy storage system. The flywheels store kinetic energy and convert it to electrical power through electromagnetic generators, eliminating combustion processes and associated emissions while providing sufficient power for vessel operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental parameter of power generation from chemical energy conversion (diesel) to kinetic energy conversion (flywheel rotation). By controlling rotational speed and using multiple flywheels in parallel, the system can adjust power output to match demand while maintaining zero emissions operation
3Ease of operation
If gangplank is extended to access offshore structures, then operator access is enabled, but gangplank motion due to vessel roll and pitch creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The flywheel stabilization system applies counteracting torques in advance to compensate for expected wave-induced roll and pitch motions. By actively controlling the flywheel orientation and angular momentum, the system creates stabilizing moments that counterbalance external disturbances, keeping the vessel and gangplank more stable during operator access operations
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 flywheel system effectively stabilizes marine vessels, reduces emissions, and provides sustainable power without noise or vibration, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
evolved energy sources, such as flywheels, are capable of being charged by an off-board and/or onboard energy source to thereafter produce large amounts of electrical power
Implementation Method 2
The flywheels may further be configured to provide for either or both roll and pitch stabilization by electromechanically controlling orientation of a stator of the flywheel(s)
Implementation Method 3
Control of the flywheel(s) may be performed by utilizing measurements from an inertial measurement unit (IMU)
Data Source
AI summary
A marine vessel may include thrusters, an electrical system, and multiple flywheels (i) to supply electrical power to the electrical system and (ii) to stabilize marine vessel roll and/or pitch angle. A flywheel controller may be configured to control electrical power output from the flywheels to the electrical system, and control axis of rotation of one or more rotors of respective flywheels to compensate for roll and/or pitch angles of the marine vessel. A method of powering and stabilizing a marine vessel may include supplying, by flywheels, electrical power to an electrical system to supply electrical power to thrusters and electrical equipment. Flywheel(s) may be used to stabilize marine vessel roll and/or pitch angle. Electrical power output may be controlled from the flywheels to the electrical system. Axis of rotation of one or more flywheel rotors may be controlled to compensate for roll and/or pitch angles of the marine vessel.