Vessel Efficiency Indicator Using Rudder Angle Fluctuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine vessel control systems lack effective indicators for optimizing fuel efficiency, particularly in confined waterways where rudder angle guidance based on gyrocompass headings is insufficient, and fail to provide comprehensive dynamic behavior information to operators.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that monitor vessel efficiency by calculating an efficiency indication based on fuel consumption, distance traveled, and rudder angle fluctuations, providing real-time feedback to operators to optimize steering and reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If rudder angle guidance based on gyrocompass heading is used, then the control system provides basic steering information, but it is insufficient for confined waterways and does not provide comprehensive dynamic behavior information
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors rudder angle fluctuations and provides real-time feedback to the operator through the efficiency indication display. This feedback loop enables the operator to adjust steering behavior based on actual dynamic performance, thereby reducing information loss about vessel behavior without requiring complex additional sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that takes existing sensor data (rudder angle, fuel consumption, distance) and transforms it into meaningful efficiency indications. This intermediary system synthesizes comprehensive dynamic behavior information from available data sources without adding complex hardware, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and system simplicity
2Reliability
If the vessel operator makes frequent steering adjustments to maintain course, then the vessel can navigate accurately, but fuel consumption increases and rudder wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The efficiency indication system provides continuous feedback to the operator about the fuel efficiency impact of steering actions. By displaying the relationship between rudder angle fluctuations and fuel consumption, the system enables the operator to optimize steering frequency and magnitude, maintaining course accuracy while reducing energy loss through more efficient steering patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors and displays changes in operational parameters (rudder angle, fuel consumption rate, distance traveled) to help the operator identify optimal steering patterns. By observing how different steering behaviors affect the efficiency indication, the operator can adjust steering parameters to achieve better fuel economy without sacrificing navigation reliability
3Reliability
If the vessel operator makes frequent steering adjustments to maintain course, then the vessel can navigate accurately, but rudder mechanism wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback not only on fuel consumption but also on rudder angle fluctuation patterns. This information enables the operator to recognize and reduce excessive or unnecessary steering adjustments that would increase rudder wear, while maintaining sufficient steering activity to ensure accurate course keeping and navigation safety
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A method and system for monitoring an efficiency of a vessel during waterway navigation. The method comprises: obtaining an efficiency indication (SEI) corresponding to a time interval, and providing the efficiency indication to a display device (80) and/or to a processor unit. Obtaining the efficiency indication includes: acquiring an indication of a fuel consumption (FC) by the vessel in the time interval; acquiring an indication of a distance travelled by the vessel in the time interval; acquiring an indication of fluctuation of a rudder angle (RA) during at least the time interval, and calculating the efficiency indication based on the indication of the fuel consumption, the indication of the distance, and the indication of fluctuation of the rudder angle.