Watercraft Propulsion System Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing watercraft propulsion systems face challenges in power generation efficiency, leading to increased battery requirements, reduced usable space, and decreased movability and fuel efficiency, which in turn affect carbon neutrality goals.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates an engine, propeller, generator, rectifier regulator, and a charging controller that adjusts the inductive voltage of the generator to match half the inter-terminal voltage of the battery, allowing for efficient charging and reducing the number of batteries needed, while using a switch and converters to optimize power distribution between multiple batteries based on engine rotation speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a greater number of batteries are provided in the hull to meet increasing power consumption, then the power supply capacity is improved, but the usable space on the watercraft is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters by switching between different battery voltages (12V, 24V, 48V) based on power consumption levels. This allows the system to meet varying power demands without increasing battery quantity, thereby preserving usable space while maintaining adequate power supply capacity.
2Power
If a greater number of batteries are provided in the hull to meet increasing power consumption, then the power supply capacity is improved, but the overall weight of the watercraft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses voltage parameter changes to optimize power delivery. By switching between 12V, 24V, and 48V battery configurations, the system can provide high power output when needed without requiring multiple heavy battery units, thus reducing overall weight while maintaining power supply capacity.
3Power
If a greater number of batteries are provided in the hull to meet increasing power consumption, then the power supply capacity is improved, but the movability of the watercraft is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage switching (12V/24V/48V) that allows the propulsion system to receive optimal voltage for different operating conditions. This ensures high power delivery for improved movability when needed, while avoiding the weight penalty of permanently installing multiple high-capacity batteries.
4Productivity
If the inductive voltage of the generator is controlled to approach one half the inter-terminal voltage of the battery, then the power generation efficiency is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the generator's inductive voltage based on the selected battery voltage configuration. The control unit monitors battery voltage and automatically regulates generator output to maintain optimal efficiency (inductive voltage ≈ 0.5 × battery voltage), managing control complexity through automated feedback control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit uses feedback from battery voltage measurements to regulate generator output. By continuously monitoring battery voltage and adjusting generator inductive voltage accordingly, the system maintains optimal power generation efficiency while managing control complexity through closed-loop control.
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
This configuration enhances power generation efficiency, reduces battery size and weight, improves movability and fuel efficiency, and contributes to carbon neutrality by minimizing CO2 emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a generator (62) to be driven by the engine (21)
Implementation Method 2
a rectifier regulator (70) connected to the generator (62)
Data Source
AI summary
A watercraft propulsion system includes an engine, a propeller to be driven by the engine, a generator to be driven by the engine, a rectifier regulator connected to the generator, and a charging controller configured or programmed to control charging of a battery with power generated by the rectifier regulator such that an inductive voltage of the generator approaches one half an inter-terminal voltage of the battery.