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To contribute to efficient maritime vessel operation, Voith has developed a modern

drive control. The main components include an automation system tailored to the special design by Bachmann electronic


If drive and control are a perfect match, impressive results can be achieved. Faster actuation and accurate control of ship[ds_preview] propulsion is an integral part of this. The technology company Voith specializes in drive components and systems for the shipping industry. For over 80 years the company develops and manufactures corresponding drive systems for any type of ship – ferries, platform supply vessels, tugs or support vessels. More recently, Voith has also generated a control for their drives which ensures efficient vessel operation and increases ease of use. One of the main components is the M1 automation system by Bachmann electronic.

»Numerous customer requests determined the criteria for the development of a special control system: the delivery of an inte­grated system comprising propeller and control,« says Kristian Wege, Head of Electrical Ship Remote Controls Voith. Within a short time the company has developed a control system of the highest technical standard tailored to the benefits of its own drives. Attention was paid to the greatest possible openness of the system, so that existing components can continuously be used without problems. System communication is enabled by interfaces such as CAN bus, Modbus TCP/IP and RTU, Profibus DP, OPC UA or NMEA.

A decisive advantage of the M1 automation system is the convenient interface M-Target for Simulink. At Voith, the MATLAB / Simulink software is used as a standard for the development of complex controls and regulations. The program code automatically generated by the simulations can be implemented directly into the M1 automation system. Thus the software forms the basis for the early analysis, validation and verification of individual software components and significantly saves time and money during tuning and commissioning of the system.

Based on most accurate data, the Voith control system convin­ces through faster actuation and precise control of the drives. This benefits ships and floating platforms in particular which are also dependent on precise control and a high-precision dynamic positioning in stormy waters. The modern Voith systems are able to compensate for up to 90% of the rolling motion of the vessel.

The main characteristics also encompass the M1 automation system by Bachmann. The control system displays all data and potential malfunctions needed for monitoring. Monitoring may be either local, from the bridge or engine and propeller room, as well as in remote mode via an integrated visualization software.

The visualization software M1 webMI pro enables easy remote diagnostics via cellular or satellite network. Furthermore, all operational states are ready for evaluation by a specialist in remote mode according to the highest safety standards, and new parameters can be set or updates downloaded. A secure remote access significantly reduces response time in case of technical problems and open the door to entirely new maintenance and service concepts.

Special attention was paid to optimal ease of use during the development of the control system. As an example, the individual bridge components joystick, steering wheel, drive control and intuitive touch display were designed in cooperation with the University of Stuttgart paying tribute to ergonomics. As a special new feature, electronic control and assistance functions have been integrated into the Voith control system which reduce fuel consumption as they provide driving recommendations.

»Voith is convinced of the M1 automation system by Bachmann electronic. Particularly hardware reliability and the clear configuration interface for the realization of hardware and software projects and extensive diagnostic and analysis capabilities characterize the control package,« Wege says. In addition, Voith customers benefit from the rapid response time during individual adjustments and from low costs at commissioning. These adjustments run smoothly under the continuous testing and optimization during the development phase of the control system.
RD