Modular Wind Propulsion System Deck Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and maintenance of wind propulsion systems on marine vessels are complex due to varying deck layouts, requiring individual adaptations and costly mounting processes, which complicates the integration and upkeep of hydraulic power units and control equipment.
Innovation Solution
A modular marine vessel installation featuring a wind propulsion system with a base and wind engagement unit supported by a deck structure, accompanied by an equipment enclosure housing a hydraulic power unit and actuators, allowing for standardized and simplified installation and maintenance by separating the base and enclosure modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wind propulsion system is installed on a marine vessel with varying deck layouts, then the system can be adapted to different vessel configurations, but the installation complexity and cost increase due to requiring individual adaptations
Solution Approach 1:
The wind propulsion system is divided into separate modular components: a base module that attaches to the deck and an equipment enclosure module that houses the hydraulic power unit. These modules can be independently configured and installed, allowing adaptation to different deck layouts without requiring complex custom integration for each vessel configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The base module is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate various deck structures and configurations. The standardized interface and mounting mechanisms allow the same base module to be installed on different vessel types with varying deck layouts, eliminating the need for individual adaptations while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic power units and control equipment are integrated into the wind propulsion system, then the system becomes more functional, but the maintenance complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment enclosure containing the hydraulic power unit and control equipment is separated as an independent module from the base and wind engagement unit. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access, remove, and service the hydraulic components without disassembling the entire wind propulsion system, significantly reducing maintenance complexity and difficulty while preserving full system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic power unit and control equipment are extracted into a separate, self-contained equipment enclosure module that can be independently accessed and serviced. This extraction allows maintenance personnel to work on the hydraulic system in isolation, simplifying diagnostic procedures, component replacement, and repairs without affecting other system components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom installation adaptations are made for each vessel configuration, then the system fits specific deck layouts, but the installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into pre-fabricated modular components with standardized interfaces. The base module and equipment enclosure module can be independently prepared and installed, reducing on-site customization work and accelerating the installation process while still allowing adaptation to different deck configurations through modular arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed and pre-configured with standardized mounting interfaces and integration points before delivery to the vessel. This preliminary preparation of standardized connection points and mounting features enables rapid installation on different vessel configurations without requiring time-consuming custom adaptations during the installation process.
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 approach simplifies the installation and maintenance of wind propulsion systems, reducing costs and facilitating easier acceptance in the shipping industry by standardizing the mounting process and enabling efficient refurbishment and reuse of equipment enclosures.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic power unit arranged in the equipment enclosure, the hydraulic power unit being arranged for supplying hydraulic power at least to the first hydraulic actuator
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure concerns a marine vessel installation (4) comprising a wind propulsion system (6) and an equipment enclosure (8). The wind propulsion system (6) comprises a base (10) and a wind engagement unit (12), the base (10) being configured to be arranged at a deck structure (14) to support the wind engagement unit (12), the wind propulsion system (6) further comprises at least a first hydraulic actuator (18). The wind propulsion system (6) further comprises a hydraulic power unit (20) arranged in the equipment enclosure (8). The wind propulsion system (6) further comprises hydraulic conduits (22) extending from the hydraulic power unit (20) to the first hydraulic actuator (18), the hydraulic conduits (22) extending between the equipment enclosure (8) and the first hydraulic actuator (18).