Ship Propulsion Control for Independent Lateral and Longitudinal Thrust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ship propulsion systems face challenges in balancing fuel efficiency and maneuverability, often requiring trade-offs between the two, especially for large ships that need to navigate complex routes without relying on tugboats, which increases fuel consumption and emissions.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion system that combines the fuel efficiency of fixed-axle/rudder systems with the maneuverability of azimuthing or water-jet systems by using multiple independently controlled thrusters and directors, along with a computing platform to dynamically calculate and adjust thrust vectors for precise longitudinal and lateral movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If azimuthing thrusters or water jet systems are used to improve maneuverability, then navigational flexibility is enhanced, but fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is segmented into multiple independent fixed-axle propellers (at least two), each capable of independent thrust generation. This segmentation allows the ship to achieve complex maneuvers by coordinating multiple propellers, providing navigational flexibility comparable to azimuthing systems while maintaining the fuel efficiency of fixed-axle design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a lateral thrust dimension by directing propeller thrust at angles relative to the ship's longitudinal axis. By controlling the direction of thrust vectors from multiple fixed-axle propellers, the system achieves lateral movement capability without requiring movable propeller assemblies, thus maintaining fuel efficiency while gaining maneuverability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If fixed-axle propeller/rudder systems are used to maximize fuel efficiency, then fuel consumption is reduced, but maneuverability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls the thrust magnitude and direction of each fixed-axle propeller based on real-time navigational requirements. By continuously adjusting propeller speeds and thrust vector angles, the system achieves adaptive maneuverability while maintaining the fuel efficiency benefits of fixed-axle design throughout various operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (thrust magnitude, thrust direction angle, propeller RPM) of the fixed-axle propellers to achieve different maneuvering modes. By varying these parameters dynamically, the system provides high maneuverability for complex passages while maintaining fuel-efficient operation during straight-ahead steaming.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tugboats are used to assist large ships in harbor navigation, then navigational control is improved, but fuel consumption and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ship's propulsion system performs its own maneuvering functions that would otherwise require external tugboat assistance. By enabling the fixed-axle propellers to generate both longitudinal and lateral thrust independently, the ship becomes self-sufficient in harbor navigation, eliminating the need for tugboats and their associated emissions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independently controlled thrusters and directors are added to achieve independent longitudinal and lateral thrust control, then navigational capabilities are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each fixed-axle propeller is designed to perform multiple functions: generating longitudinal thrust for forward/reverse motion, generating lateral thrust for steering and sideways movement, and providing dynamic positioning capability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a computing platform that receives target location data and continuously monitors ship position, calculating desired longitudinal and lateral headings. The system uses feedback control to adjust propeller thrust vectors in real-time to achieve the desired navigation, automating the complex coordination of multiple propellers and reducing operational 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 solution enables ships to achieve improved fuel efficiency, reduced pollution, and enhanced navigational capabilities, allowing for more efficient and safe navigation in tight spaces without the need for tugboat assistance, while also reducing the requirement for human expertise.
Implementation Method 1
first and second thrusters, each having an independently controllable thrust, to generate forward or reverse thrust
Implementation Method 2
first and second directors, each configured to independently redirect a portion of the water flowing past a ship toward a lateral direction
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects provide for a propulsion system (200) for a ship (100) comprising at least first and second thrusters (205, 206) and first and second directors (220, 720), wherein a computing platform (300) is coupled to the thrusters and directors being configured to receive desired longitudinal and lateral headings (750, 760) and determine a configuration of the propulsion system that is expected to propel the ship in the desired longitudinal and lateral headings.