ELECTRONIC METHOD OF CONTROLLING PROPULSION AND REGENERATION FOR ELECTRIC, HYBRID-ELECTRIC AND DIESEL-ELECTRIC MARINE CRAFTS, AND AN APPARATUS THEREFOR
First Claim
1. A method for implementing and programming an electronic computer interface (Main Controller) between an operator and on-board devices of a marine vessel, for monitoring, communicating and managing power generation, storage, regeneration and propulsion thereon, said marine vessel including at least one propulsion system, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a high voltage storage unit;
(b) providing a low voltage storage unit;
(c) providing a DC/DC bidirectional charger/converter;
(d) providing a main controller, said main controller being operatively connected to said high voltage storage unit, said low voltage storage unit, said bidirectional charger/converter and said at least one electric propulsion system; and
(e) providing a helm controller, operatively connected to said main controller, wherein functions of power generation and propulsion are managed without user intervention based on said operator controlling a throttle and a generator mode through said helm control.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of programming and setting parameters for a computer unit that regulates the interface between the operator of a marine vessel and the vessel'"'"'s electric generation and propulsion systems. The invention describes the regulation of energy producing devices, energy storage devices and drive motors and propellers in both propulsion and regeneration modes. This invention simplifies and automates most of the operation of marine electric, hybrid electric, or diesel electric propulsion because the only controls requiring operator intervention are three generator modes: OFF, AUTO and ON, an alarm, an override switch and one or more throttle(s). This helm control can be duplicated in different areas of the vessel. All automatic modes required to regulate forward movement, reverse, emergency power, zero drag, propeller freeze and regeneration are all controlled by a logic using a combination of generator mode, the position of the throttles, the speed and the stored parameters of the vessel.
70 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for implementing and programming an electronic computer interface (Main Controller) between an operator and on-board devices of a marine vessel, for monitoring, communicating and managing power generation, storage, regeneration and propulsion thereon, said marine vessel including at least one propulsion system, comprising the steps of:
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(a) providing a high voltage storage unit; (b) providing a low voltage storage unit; (c) providing a DC/DC bidirectional charger/converter; (d) providing a main controller, said main controller being operatively connected to said high voltage storage unit, said low voltage storage unit, said bidirectional charger/converter and said at least one electric propulsion system; and (e) providing a helm controller, operatively connected to said main controller, wherein functions of power generation and propulsion are managed without user intervention based on said operator controlling a throttle and a generator mode through said helm control. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A system monitoring, communicating and managing power generation, storage, regeneration and propulsion on a marine vessel, said marine vessel including at least one propulsion system, said system comprising:
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a high voltage storage unit; a low voltage storage unit; a DC/DC bidirectional charger/converter; a main controller, said main controller being operatively connected to said high voltage storage unit, said low voltage storage unit, said bidirectional charger/converter and said at least one electric propulsion system; and a helm controller, operatively connected to said main controller, wherein functions of power generation and propulsion are managed without user intervention based on said operator controlling a throttle and a generator mode through said helm control. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification