Ship Discharge Compliance Console With Geofence Valve Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to prevent accidental overboard discharge of effluents from ships within designated no-discharge zones, lacking geographical position-based control and compliance documentation.
Innovation Solution
An environmental compliance system using a computing device that compares ship coordinates with predefined no-discharge geofences to control operational valves, requiring authorization for discharge and logging operations to ensure compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated geofence-based control systems are implemented to prevent accidental discharge, then environmental compliance and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compliance console as an intermediary device between the ship's operational systems and the discharge control mechanisms. This console receives ship location data, compares it with geofence boundaries, and automatically controls discharge valves accordingly. The intermediary nature of the compliance console simplifies the overall system architecture while ensuring reliable environmental compliance through automated geofence-based decision-making.
2Ease of operation
If manual override capabilities are provided for discharge control, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of compliance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires preliminary authorization through authentication mechanisms before allowing manual override of the automated geofence-based discharge control. This preliminary action ensures that only authorized personnel can bypass the automated compliance system, maintaining reliability while providing necessary operational flexibility when legitimate exceptions arise.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time location monitoring and automated valve control are implemented, then discharge precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or manual monitoring and control systems with electronic and software-based solutions. GPS-based location tracking and software-driven valve control consume significantly less energy compared to traditional mechanical monitoring systems, achieving precise discharge location control while minimizing energy consumption through electronic automation.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to an environmental compliance system installed onboard a ship. The environmental compliance system includes a computing device that records and requests authorization for overboard discharge when discharge occurs within a defined geofence. The system receives data from the ship automation system including ship location and operational valve opening commands made to discharge effluent overboard and into the surrounding water. Before the operational valve opening command can be received by the valve, the compliance box confirms ship position and compares against programmed no-discharge geofence or a plurality of geofences. When the ship is inside a no-discharge geofence, the computing device may request a manual override authorization from the responsible duty holder before completing the command so as to prevent an accidental unintended discharge. Data is securely stored by the compliance box and may also be transmitted to external cloud-based data receivers.