Maneuvering System | Electropneumatic S.A.

Maneuvering Control System

The Control System is a high-performance system using the latest development in marine control technology. This system is capable to control single engine and twin-engine vessel installations, from one or more control stations.

Available Features

The available features of the system are as follows:

  • Heavy Duty Indoor and Outdoor Control Heads
  • Single or Twin-Screw Control
  • Adjustable Shift and Throttle Delays

The system setup and calibration can be maintained through adjustable trim pots or via software.

System Components – Central Processing Unit (PLC)

The Central Processing Unit (PLC) monitors all the incomong information from the control heads and their associated switch panels, the Actuator position indicators and the Synchronizer inputs. The PLC also controls and positions the Actuators and transmits & receives data from the Stations.

  • Housing

The circuitry is housed in a heavy-duty enclosure designed to prevent dust and moisture intrusion. All units are not waterproof, and therefore should not be submerger in liquids or being washed. The unit should also not be welded, beaten, smashed or dropped.

  • Connections

All connections to the PLC are hardwired into pluggable connectors on the PLC board.

  • Throttle Output

The PLC has three different Throttle outputs: Electro/mechanical Actuator, 4 – 20 mA or -10V DC/+10V DC. As the Station Control Head Lever is advanced through the Throttle portion of its travel, the PLC output increases proportionately to increase the engine speed.

  • CPP Output

The PLC has two standard CPP valves outputs: Electro/mechanical CPP Actuator or an Electric CPP. For the CPP output, when the Station Control Head Lever is moved to the forward or reverse position, the PLC repositions the CPP accordingly.

Maneuvering System | Station Control Heads

Station Control Heads

PLC Interaction

The Station Control Heads let the operator interact with the PLC in the following manner:

  • The ship’s operator sends instructions to the PLC through control Handles, buttons and HMI.
  • The PLC sends feedback to the ship’s operator through indicator lamps and HMI.
  • The Control Heads connect to the main controller, over the distributed control network, through a shielded twisted pair data cable. The Control Heads are manufactured from top quality non-corrosive materials to provide long life and an attractive appearance.

Types

The Station Control Heads are available in several types. The indoor Control Heads can be illuminated and installed with a chrome or black epoxy finish. The outdoor Control Heads are waterproof on the top side only, capable of withstanding wet weather conditions and can be supplied with a chrome or black epoxy finish. The bottom of the Control Head must be protected from the weather.

CPP & Throttles

The Control Heads operate through approximately 80 degrees of freedom (travel distance) from each side of the center neutral position. The first 40 degrees per side operate the CPP and the remaining 40 degrees per side operate the Throttles. The PLC scales the Pitch position only.

Maneuvering System | Actuators & Electrical Power

Actuators

The purpose of an Actuator is to operate the CPP or Throttles, as they all require mechanical positioning. The PLC repositions the Actuators by sending electrical signals to the PLC drive motors. The corresponding movements of the Actuators are send back to the PLC by a gear operated potentiometer to complete the control loop.

Power Failure:

During a power failure, the CPP’s are self-released and the actuator return to the spring zero position due to its mechanical structure.

Override:

The mechanical override can be used to operate the lever during a power failure.

Electrical Power

Power requirements for the Electropneumatic Electronic Control System are as follows:

  • 220 V AC power supply – 10 amps maximum
  • 24 V DC supply from emergency

Two sources of power must be provided, a primary source and a secondary (Customer Supplied) source. A three-position switch capable of handling the system current must be installed next to the main station, usually the wheelhouse station, to allow the operator to select either the primary power, the secondary power or, in an emergency, the POWER OFF / SYSTEM RESET position.