Manoeuvering Control & Operation System | Electropneumatic S.A.

System Overview

The Electropneumatic’ s Professional Manoeuvering Control & Operation System (MCOS) is a trustworthy Marine Technology developed for the remote control of Vessel’s Propulsion Diesel Engines which are connected through the propulsion shaft with fixed pitch propeller (FPP) or with controllable pitch propeller (CPP). It is a Programmable Electronic System (PES)/Computer-Based System (CBS) suitable for manoeuvering vessels with a single or twin propulsion line – propellers and is compatible with the most renowned Low, Medium and High-Speed Marine Internal Combustion Engines. The system’s modules are configured in accordance with the customer’s needs and the remote propulsion manoeuvering stations can be located in the center of the bridge, on the bridge wings, on the top bridge deck (for luxury yachts) and in Engine Control Room (ECR).

The system is designed and constructed to meet the applicable Rules of the major Maritime Classification Societies.

System Lay Out

The Electropneumatic’s Professional Manoeuvering Control & Operation System is built up with the following
main units:

  • Levers
  • Main processing & control units
  • Propulsion control stations

All the above units are build-up with state-of-the-art and asbestos‐free components (High-Definition Touch Screens (HMI), CPU’s, I/O Modules, etc.), which are constructed by well-known manufacturers, as well as they are suitable for the intended use and furnished with Marine Type Approval Certificates or
Product Design Assessment Certificates from the major Classification Societies (DNV-GL, Lloyds Register, ABS, etc.) and they shall be in the market for the next years.

Typical Manoeuvering Control and Operation System arrangement is illustrated here below. Final configuration based on customer requirements.

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System Key Features

Control Propulsion Stations (for direct control of the propulsion machinery from the navigation bridge, any remote propulsion control station within or outside the propulsion machinery space or a continuously manned centralized control station; or when the propulsion machinery space is periodically unmanned):

  • As effective as local control.
  • Suitable arrangements providing the same degree of safety and operability as those of local controls, whilst the effects of a control input are continuously receivable at the remote-control station being in command.
  • Fitting that does not compromise the level of safety and operability of the local controls.
  • An indicator showing which location is in control of the propulsion machinery.
  • Single control lever for each independent propeller.
  • Comprised of High-Definition Touch Screens (HMI) providing the operator with information about the state of the propulsion machinery and the control system itself.
  • Display of the level and alarm in case of the low level of propulsion engines’ starting medium energy.

Propulsion Control on Navigation Bridge

  • The transfer of propulsion control between the navigation bridge and the propulsion machinery space is possible only in the propulsion machinery space.
  • Provided with control of speed (RPM), direction of thrust of the propeller and the pitch of the propeller.
  • Starting of the propulsion machinery automatically inhibited where conditions exist which may damage the propulsion machinery and the activation of such inhibition is alarmed at the remote-control station.
  • The manoeuvering control is performed by a single control lever for each independent propeller with automatic performance of all associated services, including, where necessary, means of preventing overload of the propulsion machinery. For multiple propellers operate simultaneously, they controlled by one
    control lever.
  • Different styles of control levers in various configurations can be used in accordance with customer’s needs.
  • Ordered Speed and Direction indicated at the local propulsion machinery control position and/or the centralized control station.

Transfer of propulsion control between system stations takes effect only upon acknowledgment by the receiving station, except from the transfer of control between the centralized control station and the local manual control.

Power supply from the main and emergency source of power through two independent circuits. The supply status of these feeders is displayed/monitored on the high-definition touch screens of the remote stations, and audio/visual alarms are activated in case of main power supply failure.

Fail-safe: In the event of system’ s power supply failure, the propulsion prime movers continue to operate at the last ordered speed and the propellers at the last ordered direction of thrust, until local control is in operation or control power supply is safely resumed.

Safety interlocks in order to preclude damage to the controlled machinery.

Built-in reliability with PROFINET and MODBUS technology.

System Security: Security arrangements are provided to prevent unintentional or unauthorized access to functions or alteration of configuration, programs or data by unauthorized personnel.

Route History data are stored by chronological order in system’s memory, and they are accessible whenever is required.

Capable of connecting to the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR).

Self-monitoring function that presents an alarm at the touchscreen stations whenever any incorrect operation or abnormal condition occurs.

Program and Memory Data: To preclude the possible loss of data due a power disruption, essential programs and associated memory data are stored in non-volatile or volatile memory with a secure uninterruptible power supply (UPS).