Ship Engine Exchange via Deck Crane Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ship propulsion systems face challenges in maintenance and repair, particularly due to the need for ships to be docked in ports, which incurs high costs and is complicated by cramped spaces and suboptimal engine operation when one engine fails, requiring costly and time-consuming replacements.
Innovation Solution
The system allows for the use of a ship's crane to lift and remove engines for maintenance or replacement, enabling service or replacement on deck or in a special room, with independent power converters and motors that can operate selectively, allowing continued operation even if one engine fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If engines are serviced and repaired on board the ship in the engine room, then maintenance can be performed without removing engines, but the space is cramped and lighting conditions are suboptimal making maintenance difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the engine from the constrained engine room environment and placing it on the ship's deck for maintenance. The crane system extracts the engine from its installation position through the closable opening, allowing maintenance personnel to work in the open, well-lit deck area rather than the cramped, poorly-lit engine room, thereby significantly improving ease of maintenance.
2Reliability
If engines are removed and replaced regularly for major repairs, then engine reliability is maintained, but the process is very time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by equipping the ship with its own crane system that can independently remove and replace engines without requiring external harbor or shipyard cranes. This self-sufficient capability allows the ship to perform engine maintenance autonomously at any location, eliminating the need to dock at specialized facilities and significantly reducing downtime and associated costs while maintaining engine reliability.
3Ease of repair
If the ship docks in port for maintenance, then engines can be serviced, but berthing costs and loss of use time are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the engine maintenance function from the port environment and brings it to the ship's deck. By removing the engine through the closable opening using the ship's own crane and servicing it on deck or in a special repair room, the ship eliminates the need to dock in port, thereby avoiding berthing costs and the loss of operational time while maintaining full engine serviceability.
4Reliability
If multiple engines are used for propulsion, then the ship can continue voyage if one engine fails, but the complexity of engine management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by providing the ship with multiple independent electric motors (first, second, and third motors) that can operate independently. Each motor can be selectively activated or deactivated, allowing the ship to continue its voyage with reduced power if one motor fails. The closable opening and crane system enable easy removal and replacement of individual motors, simplifying the management of the multi-motor system while maintaining voyage continuity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a ship (1) comprising at least one motor (8, 9) for driving the ship (1) and at least one crane (3). In order to lift the motor (8, 9), at least one crane (3) can come into contact with the at least one motor (8, 9) through at least one closeable opening (5). The invention also relates to a ship drive (7) for driving a ship (1), and to a method for exchanging ship-motors (8, 9) which are arranged inside a ship (1) together with peripheral devices for driving the ship (1). The invention also relates to the use of a wind power plant generators.