Ship Propulsion Control for Engine Load Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine vessels face challenges in jointly operating combustion engines and wind propulsion systems, leading to suboptimal operation ranges and increased damage frequency due to low load operations, which violate emission regulations and cause ignition problems, soot formation, and lubricating oil dilution.
Innovation Solution
A control system and method that adjusts the wind propulsion amount and direction based on operational parameters of the combustion engine, such as load, temperature, and wind direction, to maintain the engine within its optimal operating range, using sensors and a control unit to optimize the combined propulsion power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the wind propulsion system operates at maximum allowable propulsion range to achieve fuel savings, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the combustion engine enters disadvantageous low load operation regimes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic coordination between the wind propulsion system and combustion engine by continuously monitoring engine operational parameters and adjusting wind propulsion output in real-time. The control system dynamically modifies the wind propulsion amount based on engine load conditions, transitioning from static maximum wind propulsion to adaptive variable wind propulsion that responds to engine state changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback control loop where engine operational parameters (such as load, temperature, and pressure) are continuously measured and fed back to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect when the engine approaches low load conditions and automatically adjust the wind propulsion output to maintain the engine within its optimal operating range.
2Loss of energy
If the combustion engine operates in low load regime to accommodate high wind propulsion output, then fuel savings are achieved, but combustion efficiency deteriorates causing increased soot formation and lubricating oil dilution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively reducing wind propulsion output before the engine enters the harmful low load regime. The control system uses predetermined thresholds for engine operational parameters to trigger wind propulsion adjustments in advance, preventing the occurrence of combustion inefficiency, soot formation, and lubricating oil dilution rather than addressing them after they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the wind propulsion system based on engine state. By adjusting the wind propulsion amount as a variable parameter rather than maintaining it at maximum constant output, the system adapts to engine conditions and prevents harmful low load operation, thereby reducing soot formation and lubricating oil dilution while maintaining fuel efficiency benefits.
3Strength
If the wind propulsion system operates passively in high wind speeds, then structural limitations are respected, but the combustion engine is forced to operate outside its operation window
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the passive static response of the wind propulsion system to high winds into an active dynamic control mechanism. Instead of merely feathering or weathercocking in high wind speeds, the system dynamically adjusts the wind propulsion output level based on real-time engine operational parameters, enabling active management of engine load while respecting structural limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the wind propulsion system and the combustion engine. It mediates the interaction by processing information from both systems and making coordinated adjustments, ensuring that the wind propulsion output is optimized to support engine operation within its specification window while accounting for structural constraints of the wind propulsion system.
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
Ensures the combustion engine operates efficiently and within its intended operating ranges, reducing emissions and preventing damage by adjusting wind propulsion to match the engine's performance, thus enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing operational issues.
Implementation Method 1
the second propulsive power source comprises a wind propulsion assembly... operating the second propulsive power source to obtain a second propulsive power, wherein the second propulsive power generates a wind propulsion amount in a predetermined direction
Implementation Method 2
the first propulsive power source comprises an internal combustion engine connected to a propeller shaft... operating the first propulsive power source to obtain a first propulsive power
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Disclosed are a system and a method for controlling a propulsive power of a ship (2), the ship comprising a first propulsive power source (10a) and a second propulsive power source (10b), wherein the first propulsive power source comprises an internal combustion engine (14) connected to a propeller shaft (6) and the second propulsive power source (10b) comprises a wind propulsion assembly (100), comprising the steps of operating (S10) the first propulsive power source to obtain a first propulsive power; operating (S20) the second propulsive power source to obtain a second propulsive power, wherein the second propulsive power generates a wind propulsion amount in a predetermined direction; determining (S30) a first operational parameter of the first propulsive power source; adjusting (S35) at least one of the wind propulsion amount and the direction of the second propulsive power when the first operational parameter of the first propulsive source reaches a first predetermined value.