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Portable dynamic positioning system with self-contained electric thrusters

  • US 6,848,382 B1
  • Filed: 10/28/2003
  • Issued: 02/01/2005
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/23/2002
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An integrated and self contained diesel electric thruster system integral with a dynamic positioning control system for dynamic positioning of any waterborne vessel having a hull with at least two sides and a deck connecting the sides, comprising:

  • a. at least two azimuthing thrusters, each removably mounted to the vessel, comprising;

    i. a skid removably secured to the deck;

    ii. an upper thruster housing, removably connected to the skid, containing steering gear with electric slewing drive and electrical steering angle feedback sensors and a multi-conductor slip ring assembly;

    iii. a stern moveably connected with a connector to the skid;

    iv. a strut connected to the stem;

    v. an electric pod connected to the strut;

    vi. wherein the pod comprises a housing and an electric motor contained within the housing, a drive shaft connected to the electric motor on one end, at least one propeller with nozzle connected to the drive shaft; and

    an electric power cable connecting on one end to the multi-conductor slip ring assembly and on the other end to the electric motor;

    b. at least two self-contained diesel electric power units removably secured to the deck, one for each thruster, comprising;

    i. a housing comprising a diesel engine with a fuel day tank, a cooling system for the engine, an exhaust system for the engine, an alternator for the engine, electrical control system, an electric starter, a battery, and the diesel engine is connected to an electrical generator with a frequency converter drive;

    ii an electric power cable and an electrical control cable, each having a first and second end, wherein each the first ends are secured to the diesel electric power unit and the other ends are secured to the thruster skid;

    c. at least one dynamic positioning computer connected to each of the self contained diesel electric power units;

    d. at least one motion reference sensor connected to the dynamic positioning computer to correct reference position signals for motion of the vessel; and

    e. at least one heading sensor connected to the dynamic positioning computer and at least one sensor selected from group consisting of position reference sensors connected to the dynamic positioning computer;

    environmental sensors connected to the dynamic positioning computer; and

    combinations thereof.

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