Ship Propulsion Coupling via Speed Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional propulsion chains for large ships are often oversized and polluting, particularly when maneuvering in ports or operating at low speeds, due to the need for manual intervention in coupling mechanisms that require stopping engines and are time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion chain with synchronized speed and angular position adjustment mechanisms for the main heat engine and rotating electric machine, allowing for quick engagement and disengagement of coupling means, utilizing a control unit to disconnect the main engine and supply energy from a secondary power plant, and incorporating a reversible converter and turbine for efficient energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual coupling means are used to connect the main heat engine and rotating electrical machine, then the system can be disassembled and assembled, but the operation becomes time-consuming and requires stopping the engines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical coupling operations with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect angular positions and a control unit to automatically engage the coupling means, eliminating the need for manual intervention and engine shutdown
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system performs self-alignment and self-engagement through automated detection of angular positions and control mechanisms, allowing the system to couple the main heat engine and rotating electrical machine without external manual operation
2Device complexity
If the main heat engine is permanently connected to the shaft line, then the propulsion system is simple, but the system becomes oversized and polluting for port maneuvers and low-speed operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the propulsion system into separable modules - the main heat engine and rotating electrical machine can be independently controlled and connected/disconnected via automated coupling means, allowing flexible configuration for different operational scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic configurable connection, where the coupling between main heat engine and rotating electrical machine can be automatically adjusted based on operational requirements such as port maneuvers versus open-sea cruising
3Productivity
If automated synchronization means are added to enable quick coupling, then the coupling speed increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces angular position sensors and a control unit as intermediary elements that automatically detect and synchronize the rotational positions of the main heat engine and rotating electrical machine, enabling fast automated coupling without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization system uses feedback from angular position sensors to continuously monitor and adjust the rotational positions, ensuring precise alignment before automatic engagement of the coupling means, thereby achieving fast and reliable coupling
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
Enables optimal energy and emission management, reducing time and pollution by allowing quick transitions between propulsion modes and optimizing energy use during both open-sea and port operations.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating electrical machine (22), capable of receiving electrical energy which it converts into mechanical energy in order to provide an additional supply of mechanical energy for driving the propeller (14), or of converting the mechanical energy supplied by the main thermal engine (18) into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a secondary electrical power generation plant including at least one auxiliary thermal engine (30) coupled to an alternator (31) capable of converting the mechanical energy output from the secondary engine into electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
an energy recovery system from the exhaust gases of the main engine which powers another alternator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The propulsion chain (8) for a ship (6) comprises: - a main heat engine (18), - at least one secondary electrical energy production plant (26) supplying a distribution panel (34); - at least one shaft line (16) provided with an end propeller (14) and mechanically coupled to the main heat engine (18) for its drive, - at least one rotating electrical machine (22) mechanically coupled to the shaft line (16) and supplied from the distribution panel (34), - a means (20) for releasable mechanical coupling of the main heat engine (18) and the rotating electrical machine (22) arranged on the shaft line (16), between the rotating electrical machine (22) and the main heat engine (18).It comprises means (60) for synchronizing the speeds of the rotating electrical machine (22) and the main heat engine (18) before coupling the rotating electrical machine (22) and the main heat engine (18) and means for engaging the coupling means when the speeds of the rotating electrical machine (22) and the main heat engine (18) are substantially equal.