Portable Power Converter for Ship Port Grid Interconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Merchant ships face challenges in receiving electrical power from port power grids due to differing voltage and frequency requirements, making it difficult to interconnect and meet the ships' electrical power needs effectively.
Innovation Solution
A portable power converter that can interface with both the port power grid and the ship's electrical system, featuring power conversion circuitry that adjusts voltage and frequency to match the ship's requirements, along with power control circuitry to configure the output power signal, enabling flexible and adaptable power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ship uses its own engines and generators to provide electrical power while in port, then the ship maintains power independence, but it increases operational costs and environmental impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable power converter as an intermediary device between the port power grid and the ship's electrical system. This converter enables the ship to receive power from the port grid while maintaining compatibility with the ship's specific voltage and frequency requirements, thus allowing the ship to operate at reduced power costs without sacrificing power independence or reliability
2Reliability
If the ship hardwires its power system directly into the port power grid, then the connection is stable, but it cannot accommodate varying voltage and frequency requirements of different ships
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic power conversion circuitry that can adjust voltage and frequency outputs in real-time based on the ship's requirements. The system transitions from a static hardwired connection to a dynamic adaptable connection, allowing the same portable converter to serve multiple ships with different electrical specifications while maintaining stable power delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The power converter changes its output parameters (voltage and frequency) according to the specific needs of each ship. By modifying these electrical parameters dynamically, the system achieves both connection stability and power compatibility across different ship types and configurations
3Device complexity
If the port power grid provides fixed voltage and frequency, then the power supply is simple, but it cannot meet the varying electrical requirements of different ships
Solution Approach 1:
The portable power converter serves as a mediating device between the simple fixed-output port power grid and the varied requirements of different ships. It takes the simple fixed voltage and frequency from the grid and transforms it into customized electrical outputs that match each ship's specific needs, thus preserving grid simplicity while achieving ship compatibility
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 portable power converter provides a versatile solution by offering multiple voltage and frequency configurations, ensuring compatibility with various ships' power needs, enhancing the ability to connect and power ships efficiently within ports while optimizing energy usage and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
Power conversion circuitry receives an input power signal at a first voltage level and generates the output power signal at a selected voltage level and at a selected frequency
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus provides electrical power to a ship in port. A first interface interconnects the apparatus with a power grid of the port receiving an input power signal. A second interface interconnects the apparatus with an electrical power grid of the ship to provide an output power signal. Power conversion circuitry receives the input power signal at a first voltage level and generates the output power signal at a selected voltage level and at a selected frequency level responsive to the input power signal. Power control circuitry configures the operation of the power conversion circuitry to generate the output power signal at the selected voltage level and the selected frequency level.