| Fuel trim system for multiple drive propulsion systems -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
  Fuel trim system for multiple drive propulsion systemsUSPTO Application #: 20070059996Title: Fuel trim system for multiple drive propulsion systems Abstract: An apparatus to monitor fuel, thrust, engine and vessel speed on marine vessels. Sensors measure the thrust forces developed by each of the ship's propellers. The system compares the thrust produced to the gallons of fuel consumed by each system and prompts the vessel's operator to make the proper throttle adjustment for each drive system to insure that the system with the best thrust to fuel ratio makes the largest contribution to the total thrust force required to maintain vessel speed. (end of abstract) Agent: Gerard L. Janelle C/o Janelle Engineering, Inc. - Punta Gorda, FL, US Inventor: Gerard Leon Janelle USPTO Applicaton #: 20070059996 - Class: 440001000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Marine Propulsion, Means To Control The Supply Of Energy Responsive To A Sensed Condition The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070059996. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] (1) Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates generally to equipment used for monitoring the efficiency and improving the fuel consumption of marine vessels with multiple drive propulsion systems. [0003] (2) Description of the Prior Art [0004] Traditional systems for conserving fuel on commercial vessels require the vessel's engineer to manually measure the fuel level in the ship's tank(s) in order to determine the amount of daily fuel consumption. This information is recorded in the ship's log along with engine rpm and engine exhaust temperatures. [0005] Accordingly, the ship's master records the vessel's course, distance traveled, weather and sea conditions. All the recorded data is then forwarded to a port engineer who determines the most efficient vessel speed and/or engine rpm for a given course under similar conditions. [0006] Automated versions of the above method monitor the vessel's fuel consumption via flow meters and the vessel's speed via a global positioning system and utilize a computer software program for calculating and recording miles per gallon of fuel consumed. The computer program also calculates and records the most efficient running speed for the vessel and the speed required for achieving its estimated time of arrival. The information is made available to the vessel's operator via a display screen. [0007] The present invention uses a computer program and components similar to those described above to monitor fuel and vessel speed. In addition, sensors are added to measure the thrust forces developed by each of the ship's propellers. Given that the drive systems fuel efficiencies are rarely matched for a given engine rpm, there exists an opportunity to conserve fuel by comparing the thrust produced to the gallon of fuel consumed by each system and prompting the vessel's operator to make the proper throttle adjustment for each drive system to insure that the system with the best thrust to fuel ratio makes the largest contribution to the total thrust force required to maintain vessel speed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] Accordingly, a first object of this invention is to provide a system for minimizing marine vessel fuel consumption while maintaining a predetermined steady state speed. [0009] Another object of this invention is to monitor the fuel consumption of each of the vessel's drive systems at a steady state speed for the purpose of identifying the individual fuel consumptions relative to the total fuel being consumed by the vessel propulsion system. [0010] Yet another object of this invention is to monitor the thrust force generated by each of the vessel's drive systems at a steady state speed for the purpose of identifying the individual thrust forces relative to the total thrust force being supplied by the vessel's propulsion system. [0011] A further object of this invention is to monitor the engine speed of each of the vessel's drive systems for displaying the vessel steady state speed. [0012] Another object of this invention is to calculate the fuel consumption to thrust ratio of each of the drive systems at the vessel steady state speed. [0013] Still another object of this invention is to prompt the operator via an interactive display to adjust the vessel throttles in such a manner as to cause the drive system with the most efficient fuel to thrust ratio to provide the largest contribution to the total thrust required for maintaining the vessels steady state speed. [0014] Another object of the invention is to display the percentage of fuel and/or the amount of fuel being saved as a result of an operator making the suggested throttle adjustments. [0015] In view of these objects, the instant invention provides an apparatus for conserving fuel based on the overall efficiency of the vessel while it is operating at a predetermined steady state speed. The system comprises of fuel flow meters in the engine supply lines and thrust sensors attached to the driveline or propeller shaft. The system also includes tachometers to measure the rotational speed of the engines and a global positioning system for determining the vessel speed. All data is acquired by a microprocessor, which calculates the drive system efficiencies and communicates the results to an operator display. The display prompts the operator to adjust the throttles to minimize fuel consumption while maintaining vessel speed. All acquired data in recorded for further analysis by port engineers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0016] A more complete understanding of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereto will be readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: [0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a typical vessel powered by two (2) drive units with the apparatus of the present invention installed; [0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a display for displaying the performance of the vessel and for prompting the operator to make specific throttle adjustments for the purpose of minimizing total fuel consumption; [0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a computer program in ladder logic format for operation of the system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0020] Referring now to drawing FIG. 1, there is generally indicated at 1 a vessel with a propulsion system consisting of drive unit 2 and drive unit 3. The drive unit 2 consists of an engine 7 that transmits power via driver shaft 11 to the driven load generally indicated at 13. The driven load 13 is further defined as a propeller, wheel or any such device that is capable of converting the torsion force of the driver shaft 11 to a thrust force for propelling the vessel 1. Similarly, drive unit 3 consists of an engine 8 that transmits power via drive shaft 12 to the driven load 14. Continue reading... Full patent description for Fuel trim system for multiple drive propulsion systems Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Fuel trim system for multiple drive propulsion systems patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Fuel trim system for multiple drive propulsion systems or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Single control roman tub faucet Next Patent Application: Small planing boat Industry Class: Marine propulsion ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Fuel trim system for multiple drive propulsion systems patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.55137 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Medical: Surgery , Surgery(2) , Surgery(3) , Drug , Drug(2) , Prosthesis , Dentistry |
||
