Power Conversion System for Shipboard Dockside Power Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The incompatibility of dockside power with onboard ship power requirements, including different frequencies and voltages, leads to instability and damage to electronic equipment, necessitating continuous generator operation even when shore power is unusable due to incompatible voltage and frequency characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion system capable of combining multiple power sources with different electrical characteristics, converting them into a selectable voltage and frequency suitable for onboard use, including AC and DC outputs, with universal inputs that can handle a wide range of voltages and frequencies, and provide redundancy to ensure stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If generator sets are continuously run to provide shipboard electrical power when dockside power is incompatible, then power supply reliability is improved, but noise, pollution, and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a power conversion system as an intermediary device between the incompatible dockside power source and the shipboard electrical loads. This converter acts as a mediator that transforms the incompatible power characteristics (different frequencies, voltages, and phases) into compatible forms, eliminating the need for continuous generator operation and thereby reducing noise and pollution while maintaining reliable power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The power conversion system dynamically changes electrical parameters including frequency conversion (e.g., from 50Hz or 60Hz to 400Hz), voltage transformation (e.g., from 208V to 480V), and phase adjustment (single-phase to three-phase conversion). These parameter changes enable the shipboard equipment to operate with compatible power characteristics while utilizing dockside power sources, thereby avoiding generator emissions and noise.
2Reliability
If generator sets are continuously run to provide shipboard electrical power, then power supply stability is improved, but fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion system serves as an intermediary that enables direct utilization of dockside power sources by transforming incompatible electrical parameters into shipboard-compatible forms. This eliminates the need for continuous generator operation, thereby maintaining stable power supply while dramatically reducing fuel consumption associated with running generators at light loads or continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs dynamic parameter transformations including frequency conversion, voltage transformation, and phase adjustment to match shipboard equipment requirements. By changing these electrical parameters, the system enables direct connection to dockside power sources, eliminating the need for fuel-consuming generator operation while maintaining power supply stability.
3Reliability
If voltage and frequency conversion is performed for each converter separately, then power factor correction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate conversion functions into a single integrated power conversion system. Instead of having separate converters for frequency conversion, voltage transformation, and power factor correction, the system combines these functions into one unified device that performs all conversions simultaneously. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining effective power factor correction and conversion capabilities.
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
The system effectively stabilizes and conditions 'dirty' shore power, reducing the need for continuous generator operation, enhancing efficiency and reducing noise and fuel consumption by converting power into a compatible form for onboard use, while ensuring compatibility with international standards.
Implementation Method 1
converting electrical power from multiple sources, including sources having different electrical characteristics, e.g., different frequencies and/or voltages, including DC voltages, into one or more selectable voltages at a selectable frequency or DC
Data Source
AI summary
A system for combining electrical power from two or more power sources includes first and second conversion stages (120) which receive input power from two or more power sources (110), and produce different output voltages, including DC outputs. The input power sources (110) may have different voltage, frequency, and phase characteristics, and may be DC voltages. Various embodiments are disclosed for converting and combining the input power sources (110) to provide at least a DC output voltage and an optional AC output voltage which may have different voltage, frequency, and phase characteristics than the input power sources (110). In another embodiment, a method of power conversion is disclosed.