Marine Vessel Power Distribution Redundancy via Segmented Bus Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution systems for marine vessels lack redundancy in case of total electrical failure and significant failures across multiple buses, and require expensive and high-maintenance equipment to maintain power quality.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution system with auxiliary, first, and second buses, and corresponding propulsors, where the buses are electrically connected to allow power transfer between two power generation systems, and a control unit manages power distribution across these systems to ensure redundancy and efficient operation in various modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ring bus system with switches is used for power distribution, then power quality can be maintained, but the system lacks redundancy in case of total electrical failure and significant failures across multiple buses
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution system is segmented into multiple independent bus bars (first bus bar, second bus bar, third bus bar, fourth bus bar) that can operate independently. Each bus bar can supply power to propulsors, and the system can function even if some bus bars fail, providing redundancy without requiring complex switch-based reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple bus bars are combined to work together in parallel, where each bus bar can independently supply power to propulsors. This merging of multiple power pathways provides redundancy while maintaining system simplicity, as the bus bars directly connect without requiring complex switching equipment
2Ease of operation
If switches and isolation transformers are used to maintain power quality, then power distribution can be controlled, but expensive and high maintenance equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex switching equipment (isolators, transformers, switches) from the power distribution system. Instead, it uses a simplified direct connection architecture where multiple bus bars independently supply power to propulsors, eliminating the need for expensive and high-maintenance equipment while maintaining operational control
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces expensive, high-maintenance electrical equipment (switches, isolators, transformers) with simpler, more robust bus bar connections. The bus bars are designed to be durable and maintenance-free, providing a cost-effective solution that eliminates the need for complex power quality control equipment
3Reliability
If redundant power generation systems are installed to ensure continuous operation, then reliability improves, but installed power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power generation capability is segmented across multiple independent power generation systems, each connected to separate bus bars. Each power generation system can independently supply power to propulsors, providing redundancy without requiring a single oversized system. This segmentation allows the vessel to maintain operation with reduced total installed power compared to conventional redundant systems
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 system provides high redundancy and efficient power distribution, enabling the marine vessel to maintain position and propulsion even in case of failures, with reduced installed power requirements and lower maintenance costs, achieving the highest dynamic positioning classification.
Implementation Method 1
a first power generation system electrically connected to the first bus and operably connected to the first propulsor; and a second power generation system electrically connected to the second bus and operably connected to the second propulsor
Implementation Method 2
the first and second buses are electrically connected to the auxiliary bus such that electrical power is transferable between the first and second power generation systems for driving the first and/or second propulsors
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed towards a power distribution system for a marine vessel. The power distribution system comprises auxiliary, first and second buses and first and second propulsors for propelling the marine vessel. A first power generation system is electrically connected to the first bus and operably connected to the first propulsor. A second power generation system is electrically connected to the second bus and operably connected to the second propulsor. The first and second buses are electrically connected to the auxiliary bus such that electrical power is transferable between the first and second power generation systems for driving the first and/or second propulsors.