GB148605A - Improvements in and relating to the electro mechanical propulsion and control of submersible vessels and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

148,605. Wood, N. H. April 15, 1919. Master control systems.-An electro-mechanical propulsion set for submarines comprises one or more prime movers directly coupled to high speed dynamos, and one or more slow speed electric motors directly coupled to propeller shafts, together with one or more storage batteries, all required variations of speed &c. being obtained by electrical control of the generators and motors. Fig. 1 shows one half of a complete plant, comprising two generator sets A driven by petrol engines, an electric motor B coupled to a propeller 1', two sets of accumulators C, controllers R and Q for the generators and motors respectively, and two master controllers D, E, each operated by three hand-wheels placed at different points. Fig. 2 is a diagram of the electrical control. The different machines &c. are connected to a ring main N running around the vessel. The control gear R for the generator A comprises a pilot motor 9 operating a field-resistance switch 11, and a pilot motor 19, successively operating main switches 15, 16 and armature resistance contactors 16A - - 16<D>. The control gear Q for the motor B comprises pilot motors 41, 29 and switches and contactors operated thereby, similar in arrangement and function to the field and armature switches of the generator A, and, in addition, a pilot motor 31 operating a reversing switch 35. The master-controller E for the control gear R is provided with two sets of independently movable contact-drums 1, 2 and brushes connected to the motors 19 and 9 respectively. The master-controller D is similarly provided with contact-drums 45, 46, 47 connected respectively to the motors 41, 31, and 29. The following is the sequence of operations in starting from rest on the surface with batteries charged. Drum 45 turned to first position, causing motor 41 to cut out all field resistance; drum 46 turned to " ahead " position, causing motor 31 to actuate reversing switch 35; drum 47 to starting position. causing motor 29 to turn on current from batteries C and then successively cut out armature resistances. The propelling-motor now runs under battery power and may be speeded up by turning the drum 45 to the second position. In the next stage the generator is started as a motor by turning the drums 2 and 1 successively, the electrical sequence being like that already described in starting the propelling motor, except for the absence of a reversing switch. From this point the operation of starting up the prime mover and the taking over of current supply by the generator proceed automatically. The controller E is manipulated as required to adjust the output. The system shown in the diagram may be further elaborated in order to admit greater variations in speed. The means indicated for this purpose are the provision of multiple armatures or armature windings on the motors and the splitting up of the batteries into sections, which windings and battery sections are connected in series and parallel.