Vessel Power Management System Optimizing AC DC Source Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a method to efficiently operate a vessel that utilizes both AC and DC power sources, determines the most efficient power source, reduces carbon emissions and fuel consumption, and provides additional power sources in case of contaminated fuel, while managing power systems and propulsion loads.

Innovation Solution

A power management system that monitors and balances battery banks and AC power sources, determines the most efficient power source based on load requirements and state of charge, and automatically switches between power sources to optimize energy use, including harvesting energy from auxiliary devices and synchronizing AC power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If the vessel uses AC power sources (generators) to operate, then the vessel can maintain continuous operation, but fuel consumption and carbon emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines AC power sources (generators) and DC power sources (battery banks) into a unified power system with a power management controller that intelligently switches between them. This merging allows the vessel to leverage both power source types to reduce overall fuel consumption while maintaining continuous operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power management controller implements periodic switching between AC and DC power sources based on operational conditions, load requirements, and battery state of charge. This periodic action optimizes fuel consumption by using battery power during appropriate intervals while maintaining continuous vessel operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the vessel uses AC power sources (generators) to operate, then the vessel can maintain continuous operation, but carbon emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoidcarbon emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines AC power sources (generators) and DC power sources (battery banks) into a unified power system with a power management controller that intelligently switches between them. This merging allows the vessel to leverage both power source types to reduce overall carbon emissions while maintaining continuous operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power management controller implements periodic switching between AC and DC power sources based on operational conditions, load requirements, and battery state of charge. This periodic action reduces carbon emissions by utilizing battery power during appropriate intervals while maintaining continuous vessel operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Loss of energy

If the vessel uses only DC power sources (battery banks), then fuel consumption is reduced, but the power source may be depleted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidpower source availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines AC power sources (generators) and DC power sources (battery banks) into a unified power system with a power management controller that intelligently switches between them. This merging ensures reliable power supply by having both power source types available while reducing fuel consumption through optimized battery usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power management controller continuously monitors the state of charge of the battery banks and operational conditions, using feedback to dynamically switch between AC and DC power sources. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable power supply by activating AC generators when battery charge becomes insufficient, preventing power depletion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If the vessel uses multiple power sources, then power reliability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidpower system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power management controller serves multiple functions: monitoring battery state of charge, determining optimal power source selection, switching between AC and DC power sources, and managing power distribution. This multi-functionality improves power supply reliability while minimizing system complexity by consolidating control in a single intelligent device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8197291B2Method for operating a vessel

Publication Date: 2012.06.12 THRUSTMASTER OF TEXAS

AI summary

A method for operating a vessel is provided. The method can include determining the most efficient power source from a plurality of power sources for operating the vessel. The power sources can include a battery bank and an AC power source. The method can also include drawing power from the most efficient power source to operate the vessel; harvesting energy from electrical rotating sources; monitoring the battery bank; and charging the battery bank when a state of charge of the battery bank drops below a predetermined state of charge, wherein the charging is performed using the harvested energy, the AC power source, an external power source, or a combination thereof.