Ship Energy Supply Control for Diesel Generator Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy supply and propulsion systems for ships and offshore units lack flexibility in adapting to varying local conditions and power demands, leading to inefficient operation and excessive emissions/fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
A control device manages diesel generator units, emission, and fuel measuring devices to optimize the number and operating state of diesel generators based on demand profiles, using bidirectional converters and capacitors for efficient energy conversion and minimizing vibrations, allowing for flexible operation and reduced emissions/fuel use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple diesel generator units are operated simultaneously to meet high power demands, then the power supply capacity is improved, but the fuel consumption and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of operating diesel generator units based on real-time power demand. The control device monitors the electrical energy requirements of drive units and consumers, and automatically starts or stops diesel generator units to match the load, ensuring that generators operate only when needed and at optimal power levels, thereby reducing fuel consumption while maintaining adequate power supply capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The control device optimizes the operating parameters (power output) of each diesel generator unit based on the total power demand. By adjusting the power output parameters of operating units and selectively starting or stopping units, the system ensures generators operate in their most efficient range, minimizing fuel consumption per unit of power generated while meeting the required power supply capacity
2Power
If multiple diesel generator units are operated simultaneously to meet high power demands, then the power supply capacity is improved, but the emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of operating diesel generator units based on real-time power demand. The control device monitors the electrical energy requirements of drive units and consumers, and automatically starts or stops diesel generator units to match the load, ensuring that generators operate only when needed and at optimal power levels, thereby reducing emissions while maintaining adequate power supply capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The control device optimizes the operating parameters (power output) of each diesel generator unit based on the total power demand. By adjusting the power output parameters of operating units and selectively starting or stopping units, the system ensures generators operate in their most efficient range, minimizing emissions per unit of power generated while meeting the required power supply capacity
3Adaptability or versatility
If diesel generator units are operated in non-optimal operating states to meet varying power demands, then the adaptability to different requirement profiles is improved, but the operating efficiency of individual generator units deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power generation function across multiple diesel generator units, allowing the control device to selectively operate different numbers and combinations of units based on the specific requirement profile. This segmentation enables the system to adapt to varying power demands while maintaining optimal operating conditions for each active unit, as the control device can distribute the total power demand across the operating units in an optimized manner
4Power
If the number of diesel generator units is increased to meet peak power demands, then the power supply capacity is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device serves multiple functions: it monitors power demand, determines the optimal number of generator units to operate, controls the starting and stopping of units, and optimizes their power output distribution. This multi-functionality allows the system to manage multiple generator units without proportionally increasing control system complexity, as a single intelligent control device handles all coordination tasks
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 system optimizes energy supply and propulsion by adapting to different operational requirements, reducing emissions and fuel consumption, and enhancing energy efficiency by minimizing unnecessary generator operations and vibrations, while ensuring reliable power delivery.
Implementation Method 1
converter units, which are each assigned to a diesel generator unit and by means of which the electrical energy generated by the diesel generator units in the form of alternating current in direct current can be converted
Implementation Method 2
these converter units have at least one capacitor, by means of whose stored electrical energy the associated asynchronous generator can be excited
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
In order to optimise the operating state of an energy supply and drive system depending on its location, it is proposed that any desired number of diesel generator units (2) can be put into service as a function of the energy which is requested by its drive units (13, 14) and further consumers (15) and is detected in the control device (11) of said energy supply and drive system, and any diesel generator unit (2) which is put into service can be operated individually in an optimum operating mode, that the energy supply and drive system (1) has an emission-measuring device (21) for measuring the exhaust gases emitted by it, and a fuel-measuring device (22) for measuring its fuel consumption, and that specifications for the quantity and quality of the emitted exhaust gases and the consumption of fuel can be taken into account in the control device (11) both during the definition of the number of the diesel generator units (2) which are to be put into service and during the setting of the operating states of the diesel generator units (2) which are put into service.