Modular Fuel Power System for Ship Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ship propulsion systems are inflexible, as they are fixed with integral fuel cell and storage configurations, limiting the ability to optimize fuel and power systems based on specific voyage needs or cargo requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular power system that includes interchangeable fuel and power modules, integrated with a control system to manage fuel flow and electricity conversion, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration of fuel and power capacity to match varying operational demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed configuration fuel and power system is used, then system reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel system is divided into multiple interchangeable fuel modules (e.g., hydrogen tanks, ammonia tanks, hybrid fuel modules) that can be independently selected and replaced. The power system is segmented into modular power units that can be configured in different combinations. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability through standardized interfaces while achieving adaptability through flexible module selection and reconfiguration.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If carbon-free fuels with lower volumetric energy density are used, then environmental performance is improved, but cargo space deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal fuel module interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of carbon-free fuels (hydrogen, ammonia, hybrid modules) with the same physical infrastructure. This multi-functionality allows the ship to switch between different fuel types based on route requirements without requiring dedicated storage systems for each fuel type, thereby minimizing the volume dedicated to fuel storage while maintaining environmental performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel and power system is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable during voyages. Fuel modules can be exchanged at ports, and power module configurations can be adjusted based on real-time operational demands. This dynamic capability allows optimization of cargo space by adapting fuel capacity to specific voyage requirements rather than provisioning for maximum capacity throughout.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed power system configuration is used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but operational flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains standardized physical parameters (interface dimensions, connection protocols, module geometries) across all fuel and power modules to simplify manufacturing. However, operational parameters (fuel type, power output level, module capacity) are made changeable through software configuration and module selection. This separation of fixed physical parameters from variable operational parameters enables both ease of manufacture and operational flexibility.
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
This modular system enables flexible optimization of fuel and power usage, allowing trade-offs between cargo and fuel capacity, enhancing operational efficiency and adaptability for different voyage scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
conversion of the fuel in the power module to electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method produce electrical power for ship propulsion. Power and fuel modules are configured for modular use during travel. The power and fuel modules may be standard freight size containers so that the amount of fuel and power for a trip may be adjusted based on the needs of the trip. A control system may be automated to control loading and unloading of fuel or power modules into the power distribution system, connection or disconnection of fuel or power modules, and adjust distribution of power to the ship's electrical grid based on consumption demands.