Ship Propulsion Energy Management via Exhaust Gas Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy generation devices for ships from exhaust gases of internal combustion engines are optimized for maximum power output but do not efficiently manage electrical energy distribution for minimizing operating costs, leading to suboptimal use of recovered energy.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a ship propulsion system that uses electrical energy from exhaust gases to propel the ship or feed it into the onboard electrical system, with a hybrid drive system combining internal combustion engines and electric motors, and an energy management system that determines the proportional use of this energy based on current energy requirements and operating costs, including fuel and maintenance considerations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electrical energy from exhaust gases is used exclusively for propulsion, then propulsion efficiency is improved, but onboard electrical system energy supply deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the distribution of electrical energy between propulsion and onboard electrical systems based on real-time operational requirements. The control system continuously monitors energy demands and automatically optimizes the proportion of recovered energy allocated to each function, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions and resolve the contradiction between propulsion efficiency and electrical system supply.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electrical energy from exhaust gases is used exclusively for onboard electrical system, then energy supply efficiency is improved, but propulsion efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors and dynamically adjusts the distribution ratio of electrical energy between the propulsion system and onboard electrical systems based on real-time operational demands, ensuring optimal energy allocation that resolves the contradiction between energy supply efficiency and propulsion efficiency.
3Power
If maximum power output is prioritized, then energy recovery is improved, but operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes operating parameters including the distribution ratio of electrical energy, engine load, and rotational speed to minimize operating costs while maintaining effective energy recovery. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on operational conditions, the system achieves cost-effective energy recovery rather than simply maximizing power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor operating costs and energy recovery performance, automatically adjusting operational parameters to optimize the balance between energy recovery and cost efficiency. This closed-loop control enables the system to respond to changing economic and operational conditions.
4Ease of manufacture
If proportional energy distribution is implemented, then operating costs are minimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it manages energy distribution, monitors operational parameters, calculates operating costs, and optimizes system performance. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the system minimizes operating costs without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
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 approach optimizes the use of electrical energy from exhaust gases by minimizing operating costs, reducing fuel consumption, and enabling flexible and efficient energy distribution for both propulsion and onboard energy supply, thereby enhancing the overall energy efficiency of the ship's systems.
Implementation Method 1
an energy generation device for generating electrical energy from exhaust gases of at least one propulsion internal combustion engine
Implementation Method 2
at least one electric drive motor for driving the ship, wherein the electric drive motor can be driven by electrical energy obtained from exhaust gases
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to the propulsion system of a ship and to a method for operating said propulsion system. The propulsion system comprises at least one internal combustion drive engine (3) for propelling the ship, and an energy production device (9) for generating electrical energy from exhaust gases of at least one internal combustion drive engine. The propulsion system is designed to use electrical energy generated from exhaust gases optionally to propel the ship or feed said energy into an electrical system (5) of the ship, or to use said electrical energy in part to propel the ship and in part to feed it into the electrical system (5) of the ship.