Watercraft Energy Storage Buffer for Peak Load Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems for watercraft, such as fin stabilizers and steering gears, face inefficiencies due to high peak loads leading to over-dimensioned power trains and electrical systems, with open hydraulic circuits dissipating excess energy as heat, limiting the ability to manage peak loads without destabilizing the electrical system.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage system with a converter connected to the electrical system, featuring a modular and scalable structure with bidirectional energy flow, utilizing high-capacitance capacitors or centrifugal mass systems like flywheels for efficient energy storage and retrieval, allowing for peak load management and emergency functionality during system failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an open hydraulic circuit with nitrogen storage support is used for energy storage, then hydraulic energy storage is possible, but the efficiency is low due to energy dissipation as heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical open hydraulic circuit system with an electrical energy storage system consisting of a converter and energy storage unit. This substitution eliminates the inherent energy dissipation of hydraulic systems while maintaining the ability to store and release energy for peak load management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy storage medium from hydraulic fluid with nitrogen support to electrical energy storage devices (such as capacitors or batteries). This parameter change fundamentally alters the efficiency characteristics, allowing for much lower energy losses during storage and retrieval cycles.
2Power
If the power train is over-dimensioned to handle high peak loads, then peak load requirements are met, but the system becomes unnecessarily complex and inefficient during standby phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power delivery function into two parts: a normally-sized power train for continuous operation and a separate energy storage unit for peak load supplementation. This segmentation allows the main power train to be appropriately sized rather than over-dimensioned, reducing complexity while maintaining peak load capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage unit is pre-charged during standby phases when the consumer requires minimal energy. This preliminary energy accumulation allows the system to instantly deliver high peak power when needed without requiring the entire power train to be oversized.
3Loss of energy
If a closed hydraulic circuit is used for speed-controlled or displacement-controlled systems, then high efficiency is achieved, but hydraulic storage cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the closed hydraulic circuit system with an electrical power train combined with an energy storage unit. This substitution maintains the high efficiency characteristics of closed circuits (by avoiding energy dissipation) while enabling energy storage through electrical components that can be charged during low-demand periods and discharged during peak loads.
4Power
If the electrical system is designed for maximum load operation, then peak load consumers can operate, but the stability of the electrical system is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage unit acts as an intermediary between the electrical system and the peak load consumer. It buffers the electrical system from the sudden high power demands, allowing the consumer to operate at maximum load while the energy storage unit absorbs the transient power surge, thereby maintaining electrical system stability.
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 instantaneous energy retrieval during peak loads, efficient recharging during standby phases, and ensures emergency operation of critical consumers like stabilization devices and steering systems, reducing the need for over-dimensioned electrical systems and providing stability even in complete system failures.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one storage unit is formed with at least one high-capacitance capacitor
Implementation Method 2
the at least one storage unit is formed with at least one centrifugal mass system, in particular a flywheel
Implementation Method 3
the energy storage includes at least one energy converter, and at least one storage unit associated therewith
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage system is for at least one electrical consumer in an electrical system of a watercraft. The at least one consumer is preferably a stabilizing device of the watercraft or a steering system for influencing the course of the watercraft. The energy storage system includes at least one converter connected to the electrical system for the supplying of the consumer. An energy storage is associated with the at least one converter.