Marine Power Distributor for Battery Priority Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In marine power supply systems, it is challenging to maintain a sufficient power supply to the starter motor's battery while also powering the electric motor, as the power supplied to the first battery can be insufficient, making it difficult for the starter motor to start the engine.
Innovation Solution
A marine power supply system with a power distributor that prioritizes power delivery to the first battery by outputting the demand power required by the first battery and surplus power to the second battery, ensuring that the first battery receives its necessary power even when the system is powering the electric motor, and includes a third battery with controlled power distribution and an electric motor controller to limit power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power is supplied to the second battery for the electric motor, then the electric motor can operate, but the power supplied to the first battery decreases making it difficult for the starter motor to start the engine
Solution Approach 1:
The power distributor dynamically adjusts power distribution between the first and second batteries based on real-time power demands. When the engine is being started, the system prioritizes power delivery to the first battery. During normal operation, the system can supply power to the second battery for the electric motor, thereby resolving the contradiction between electric motor operation and engine starting reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the power supply status of both batteries and adjusts the power distribution accordingly. When the first battery's power supply is insufficient for engine starting, the system reduces or stops power supply to the second battery, ensuring the starter motor receives adequate power. This feedback mechanism maintains reliable engine starting while enabling electric motor operation when conditions permit
2Reliability
If power is prioritized to the first battery for the starter motor, then the engine can be started reliably, but the electric motor cannot operate simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different power distribution modes: engine starting mode (prioritizing first battery), electric motor operation mode (supplying power to second battery), and simultaneous operation mode (managing both batteries). This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain reliable engine starting while providing operational flexibility for the electric motor based on real-time conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes the power distribution parameters based on system state. When the engine is running and power demand allows, the system transitions from exclusive first-battery power supply to a state where the second battery can also receive power for the electric motor, thereby maintaining starting reliability while increasing operational versatility
3Power
If multiple batteries are used in the power supply system, then power capacity is increased, but power distribution control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The power distributor is designed as a universal control device that manages multiple batteries (first and second batteries) through a unified control strategy. The same control unit handles both battery charging and discharging operations, prioritizing power distribution based on system needs without requiring separate control systems for each battery, thereby managing complexity while utilizing increased power capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The power distributor acts as an intermediary between the multiple batteries and the various power consumers (starter motor, electric motor, propulsion generator). It mediates power flow by intelligently allocating power from the appropriate battery based on real-time demands, simplifying the complexity of managing multiple batteries through a centralized control interface
Data Source
AI summary
A marine power supply system includes a battery unit including a first battery to supply power to a starter that starts an engine, and a second battery to supply power to an electric motor, and a power distributor connected to the first battery and the second battery. The power distributor outputs a demand power amount of power required by the first battery to the first battery, and outputs at least a portion of surplus power to the second battery when a total demand power amount required by the battery unit includes the surplus power.