Power plant
US7339337B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 23, 2005 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B2211/06
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A propeller is driven by an electric motor through a mechanical drive train. The output torque of the motor to the drive train is controlled by a controller with respect to a normal torque reference signal and an emergency torque reference signal. When a measured deceleration of the motor exceeds a threshold deceleration value, the normal torque reference signal is modified or replaced by the emergency torque reference signal and the controller signals the motor to reduce or reverse the torque applied to the mechanical drive train by the motor. In this way, the integrity of the propeller and drive train can be protected if the propeller strikes an underwater obstruction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.