Marine Hybrid Driveline Switching at the Planing Speed Threshold

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hybrid marine vessels experience inefficiencies in energy utilization as they transition from hydrostatic to hydrodynamic lift states, leading to rapid depletion of electric propulsion energy storage.

Innovation Solution

A computer system controls the hybrid driveline to switch to combustion propulsion for majority torque provision when reaching planing speeds, disconnecting electric propulsion to mitigate unnecessary use and optimize energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If electric propulsion source is used during planing transitions, then propulsion torque is provided, but energy storage depletes rapidly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropulsion torqueVSAvoidelectric propulsion energy storage
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically switches between electric and combustion propulsion sources based on the marine vessel's operating state. During planing transitions, the system detects the transition phase and dynamically switches to combustion propulsion to avoid excessive energy consumption, while using electric propulsion during non-planing phases. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing power source selection according to real-time operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operating parameters of the propulsion system by switching the primary power source based on speed thresholds and operational state. When the vessel reaches planing speed threshold, the control system changes the power delivery parameters to prioritize combustion propulsion, thereby preventing rapid energy depletion while maintaining required propulsion torque.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If combustion propulsion source is used during planing, then energy efficiency is improved, but transition control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoiddriveline control
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is pre-programmed with speed thresholds and transition detection algorithms that automatically trigger combustion propulsion engagement before or during planing transitions. This preliminary configuration allows the system to automatically optimize energy efficiency without requiring complex real-time decision-making, thereby reducing control complexity while maintaining energy efficiency improvements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms that monitor vessel speed, acceleration, and operational state to automatically determine when planing transitions occur. This feedback-driven control allows the system to autonomously switch between power sources based on actual operating conditions, improving energy efficiency through automated response rather than complex manual or centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4699925A1Hybrid driveline control
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 VOLVO PENTA AB
  • EP4699925A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4699925A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4699925A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a computer system comprising processing circuitry configured to obtain a wanted speed of a marine vessel comprising a combustion propulsion source and an electric propulsion source for propelling the marine vessel, obtain a current speed and a planing speed threshold of the marine vessel, responsive to the wanted speed being above the planing speed threshold and the current speed being at the planing speed threshold, control the combustion propulsion source to provide a majority of a propulsion torque of the marine vessel.