Vessel Motor Power Control via Segmented Voltage Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling and powering electric motors in vessels face challenges in energy efficiency, reliability, safety, durability, user-friendliness, and weight/material usage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an electric energy storage unit, a power controller device connected to the energy storage, and motor controller devices, with separate power and communication lines operating at different voltage levels to reduce cable power loss and simplify connections, along with a hand-operated or wireless operating device for control, and integration of communication devices for remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If separate power and communication lines operating at different voltage levels are used, then cable power loss is reduced and connections are simplified, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the electrical infrastructure into separate power lines and communication lines operating at different voltage levels. Power lines operate at higher voltages (e.g., 12V, 24V, or 48V) to deliver substantial power with reduced current and lower I²R losses, while communication lines operate at lower voltages (e.g., 5V) for safe data transmission. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each line type for its specific function rather than using a single unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary devices such as voltage converters, isolation transformers, and protocol converters that bridge the different voltage domains. These intermediaries enable efficient power transmission at high voltage while maintaining safe communication at low voltage, effectively mediating between the conflicting requirements of power efficiency and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If remote control capabilities are integrated, then user-friendliness is improved, but device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both local and remote operations through a unified architecture. The same control unit can process commands from local operators or remote users via communication interfaces (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular), eliminating the need for separate control systems and reducing overall complexity despite expanded capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor motor status, battery charge levels, and system health, then transmit this information to both local displays and remote devices. This feedback loop enables remote users to make informed control decisions without requiring complex manual monitoring systems, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through automated information flow.
3Use of energy by moving object
If efficient power management is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system dynamically adjusts operating parameters such as motor speed, battery discharge/charge rates, and voltage conversion ratios based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors load demands, battery state of charge, and environmental factors to optimize power distribution, achieving high energy efficiency through adaptive control rather than static configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters on-the-fly to optimize energy efficiency. Voltage levels are adjusted between different stages (e.g., 12V for low-power modes, 24V or 48V for high-power modes), current limits are dynamically set based on battery capacity and temperature, and power conversion ratios are optimized for efficiency. These parameter changes enable efficient energy use without requiring fundamentally complex system architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system has been disclosed for controlling and providing power to at least one electric motor in a vessel, such as a motor in a thruster or a winch. The system comprises an electric energy storage, a power controller device connected to the electric energy storage, a least one motor controller device, a first combined power and communication line interconnecting the power controller device and the at least one motor controller device, an electric motor connected to the motor controller device, and at least one operating device connected to the power controller device. The system may further include a second combined power and communication line that interconnects the power controller device and the at least one operating device. Advantageously, the first combined power and communication line operates with a DC voltage level which is at least twice the operational DC voltage level of the second power and communication line.