Marine Vessel Power System Supervision for Emission Compliance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dual fuel internal combustion engines in marine vessels face challenges in complying with varying emission regulations across different geographic regions, which can impact engine efficiency and incur additional costs due to the use of external exhaust gas emission abatement systems.

Innovation Solution

A supervising arrangement that includes a control unit, a location information receiving system, and a processing unit to monitor and control the dual fuel internal combustion engine. This arrangement operates the engine in at least two modes, with intensified supervision and data logging when entering regions with specific emission restrictions, and allows for emergency diesel mode operation to ensure safe vessel operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external exhaust gas emission abatement systems are used to meet emission regulations, then emission compliance is improved, but engine efficiency deteriorates and additional costs are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemission complianceVSAvoidengine efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The dual fuel engine performs emission abatement internally through its own combustion process by using gaseous fuel (e.g., natural gas) mixed with diesel, eliminating the need for external abatement systems. The engine self-regulates emissions by controlling fuel injection and combustion parameters, thereby maintaining engine efficiency while meeting emission requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the engine operates in diesel mode for full power, then operational safety is improved, but emission compliance deteriorates in restricted geographic areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidemission levels

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The engine dynamically switches between diesel mode and dual fuel mode based on geographic location and operational requirements. In emission-restricted areas, the system automatically transitions to dual fuel mode to comply with regulations. In emergency situations or areas without restrictions, diesel mode provides full power for safety. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between emission compliance and operational safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If operational restrictions are enforced in emission control areas, then emission compliance is improved, but operational flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemission complianceVSAvoidoperational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes operational parameters (fuel type, injection timing, air-fuel ratio) based on geographic location and emission requirements. By adjusting these parameters, the engine can comply with emission regulations in restricted areas while maintaining operational flexibility through the ability to switch back to unrestricted modes when appropriate. The control system monitors location and automatically adapts parameters to meet local requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If data logging and intensified supervision are implemented, then compliance verification is improved, but system complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompliance verificationVSAvoidsupervision system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs multiple functions: it controls fuel injection, monitors operational mode, logs data, and verifies compliance. By integrating these functions into a single multi-functional control system rather than separate dedicated systems, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive compliance verification capabilities. The same processor that manages engine operation also handles supervision and recording tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3094850B1Method of operating a power system in a marine vessel and a supervising arrangement for a power system in a marine vessel

Publication Date: 2025.02.19 WARTSILA FINLAND OY

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AI summary

Invention relates to method of operating a power system (12) in a marine vessel (14), which power system is operable with at least two operational modes, the method comprising steps of providing a restriction information map by assigning geographical areas with one or more predetermined operational restrictions set for the power system (12), comparing the location information of the vessel and the restriction information map, and in case the restriction information map includes one or more restrictions assigned to the current location, initiating an intensified supervision operation of the power system, during which data logging operation is initiated and maintained which comprises recording at predetermined interval at least current location information of the vessel, and a specification of used operational mode of the power system at the location and saving the recorded items in a memory media.