Ship Cooling Device with Electric Pump for Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling devices for ship propulsion systems face challenges in minimizing energy consumption and simplifying configuration, particularly during flushing operations, due to the need for dedicated pumps and solenoid valves.
Innovation Solution
A cooling device with an electric pump and control unit that operates in multiple modes, including a mode where the pump drives a cleaning medium through the refrigerant flow path without activating the propulsion system, with power management and display features to optimize energy use and cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a water pump connected to an internal combustion engine is used for cooling, then the cooling function is provided, but the internal combustion engine must be driven even during flushing operations, increasing energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The water pump is divided into two independent systems: a main water pump connected to the internal combustion engine for cooling operations, and a separate electric pump for flushing operations. This segmentation allows the electric pump to operate independently without requiring the internal combustion engine to run, thereby reducing energy consumption during flushing while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric pump is designed to serve multiple functions: it can perform flushing operations independently, and can also work in conjunction with the main water pump for enhanced cooling or combined operations. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring the internal combustion engine to be running for all pump operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated flushing pump and solenoid valves are added to the cooling system, then flushing capability is improved, but the system configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The electric pump is designed as a multi-functional component that can perform both flushing operations and assist in cooling operations. By making the electric pump universal rather than dedicated solely to flushing, the system achieves enhanced adaptability without requiring separate specialized components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flushing and cooling systems are merged through the shared use of the electric pump and common fluid passages. The electric pump can redirect fluid flow between flushing and cooling modes, and the system integrates control logic that manages both functions through unified components, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems and simplifying the overall configuration.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the electric pump operates without propulsion system driving, then energy consumption is minimized, but power management becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the operating state of the propulsion system and the fluid flow requirements, and adjusts the electric pump operation accordingly. When the propulsion system is not driving, the control unit activates the electric pump for flushing; when the propulsion system is running, the control unit coordinates both pumps for combined operations. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal power management while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation mode of the electric pump based on real-time conditions: it can operate independently when the propulsion system is stopped, work in coordination when the propulsion system is running, or adjust flow rates based on operational requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to minimize energy consumption while maintaining reliability across varying operational states.
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 solution reduces energy consumption, ensures efficient and uniform cleaning, prevents incomplete cleaning states, and enhances operator convenience by managing pump operation based on power storage capacity and providing informative displays.
Implementation Method 1
an electric pump configured to cause a refrigerant or a cleaning medium to flow through the refrigerant flow path
Implementation Method 2
a power storage device configured to supply electric power to the electric pump, in which the control unit may control a driving time of the electric pump depending on a residual capacity of the power storage device
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling device includes a refrigerant flow path provided in a propulsion system of a ship; an electric pump configured to cause a refrigerant or a cleaning medium to flow through the refrigerant flow path; and a control unit configured to control operations of the propulsion system and the electric pump. The control unit executes each of a plurality of operating modes including a first operating mode (normal operating mode) which drives the propulsion system and the electric pump and causes the refrigerant to flow through the refrigerant flow path, and a second operating mode (maintenance mode) which drives the electric pump without driving the propulsion system and causes the cleaning medium to flow through the refrigerant flow path.