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BruCon DP & Joystick Control Systems

Dynamic Positioning & Joystick systems for all types of propulsion and thruster configurations

The BruCon positioning systems control thrusters, propulsion units and rudders in the most efficient and economical way possible

Dynamic Positioning (DP) system

BruCon DP automatically maintains a vessel’s position and heading by using its propellers and thrusters.

Important sensors for the DP system are position reference sensors, wind sensors, motion sensors and gyro compasses. The sensors may be dedicated, or part of vessel's navigation system.  

Dynamic positioning may either be locked to a fixed point over the seabed, or relative to a moving object like another ship or an underwater vehicle. One may also position the ship at a favorable angle towards wind, waves and current.

BruCon DP follows our long traditions for in-house development and plays an important role in Brunvoll’s strategy for autonomous vessel operation.

BruCon DP enables all features required for modern vessel operation. IMO DP1, DP2 and DP3 classes may be provided in addition to DP0.

Operational modes for

  • Manual heading
  • Auto heading
  • Auto positioning
  • Target tracking
  • Waypoint tracking
  • Towing
  • Rotation point
  • Dead reckoning

Sensor interfaces to

  • Gyro compasses
  • DGNSSs
  • Wind sensors
  • Motion Reference Units
  • Speed logs
  • Draft sensors
  • Laser position references
  • Radar position references
  • Hydro acoustic position references
  • Inertial measurement units

BruCon Joystick system

The joystick system provides the operator control of the vessel’s thruster and propulsion units with a single joystick lever, enabling easy and accurate operation.

The operator can select between manual and fixed (automatic) heading. In Auto Heading mode the heading of the vessel is kept fixed utilising input from the ship's gyro compass.

Starter characteristics

Direct On-Line starter

Starting current:

5-10x Nominal motor current (IN)

Pros:

Low price and high starting torque

Cons:

High in-rush current

Description:

The Direct On-Line (DOL) starter consists of a contactor and a protection device such as a circuit breaker. The contactor is energized when the start button is pressed, and the full line voltage is connected to the motor. Motor is started with propeller in zero pitch position (IZP).

Click the images to enlarge

Star-Delta starter

Starting current:

2-3x Nominal motor current (IN)

Pros:

In-rush current reduced with approx. 60% compared with DOL

Cons:

Reduced starting torque

Description:

The star-delta starter method applies reduced voltage to the motor, thus reducing current, during startup. This method requires that both ends of motor winding terminals are available. When connected in star each winding has less voltage (1 / √3 ~ 60%), and thus will have reduced starting current and torque. When full speed is reached the motor is connected in delta, having full torque available. Propeller pitch can be increased, and load applied when motor is connected in delta. Motor is started with propeller in zero pitch position (IZP).

Click the images to enlarge

Auto-Transformer

Starting current:

2-3x Nominal motor current (IN)

Pros:

In-rush current reduced with approx. 60% compared with DOL

Cons:

Reduced starting torque

Description:

Auto-Transformer also applies reduced voltage in steps to the motor during startup. The transformer voltage ratio can be designed to the application, typically having a 50-70% motor voltage during startup. The motor consumes less current at a lower starting voltage. For example, with a 50% tap on the Auto-Transformer, the motor draws half its rated current, or about 25% of what it would draw with a DOL starter. Motor is started with propeller in zero pitch position (IZP).

Click the images to enlarge

Electronic soft starter

Starting current:

2-2,5x Nominal motor current (IN)

Pros:

In-rush current reduced 

Cons:

Reduced starting torque.
Based on electronics

Description:

An electronic soft starter is a starting device that controls the way electricity is provided to the motor by using active switching devices such as thyristors. The device works in both in-line and in-delta configuration modes in three-phase motors. 

This starting method is ramping up the motor voltage in the starting sequence resulting in a reduced start-up current, allowing for a smooth and surge-free increase in motor torque. The voltage dips, stress, and wear and tear on the mechanical parts are all reduced as a result. Due to the thyristors there will be harmonic distortion of the current, and the influence on system voltage will depend on starting current and system impedance. Motor is started with propeller in zero pitch position (IZP).

Click the images to enlarge

Frequency converter starter

Starting current:

0,5x Nominal motor current (IN)

Pros:

In-rush current reduced.
Full speed and torque control

Cons:

THD generated, filters required.
Based on electronics

Description:

This is an electronic-controlled approach for starting asynchronous motors smoothly. It controls the frequency and current for the motor with electronics inverter circuits, avoiding large startup current. The thruster system's mechanical parts will be protected from high load because of the smooth start-up, and the this will also reduce the load on generators during startup compared to line-starter options. Depending on required performance torque and current may be below nominal values during startup. This is the high-end solution for the starting the thrusters, giving benefits such as smooth start, better energy economy, reduced wear and tear and process optimization.  Other benefits include motor speed stability during load changes and a longer motor life overall. Motor is started with propeller in zero pitch position (IZP).

Frequency converter starters may have different interface towards the main switchboard where 6-pulse rectifier is the most common, but both 12/24 pulse and Active Frontend (AFE) are used.6-pulse starters are the most common type, widely used due to the compact design and availability.The disadvantage with the 6-pulse starter is the increased THD during startup, particularly in smaller power system with large thrusters this might be an issue. 

To mitigate the THD a 12 or 24 pulse transformer and rectifier may be chosen, typically used for larger thrusters in larger ships. 
Frequency converter starters with active front end guarantees sinusoidal current and does not require a transformer. The AFE rectifier and LCL filter is more spacious than the 6-pulse rectifier and is suitable for high end solutions and ships with relatively small power system compared to thruster power.

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Bernt Rune Riksfjord

Bernt Rune Riksfjord

VP Sales, Brunvoll AS

+47 911 26 221
[email protected]
Arne Tennøy

Arne Tennøy

Senior Sales Manager, Brunvoll AS

+47 916 76 811
[email protected]
Arnt Ove Austnes

Arnt Ove Austnes

Sales Manager - System Sales

+47 994 40 882
[email protected]

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