Proportional Vessel Engine Speed Control

Our recent implementation for Coastcard Bluff was featured by Governers America Corp as their Application of the Month

REFLECTION & INTRODUCTION

After a number of years of unreliable control of engine speed on The Bluff Coast Guard/Rescue Vessel Emee NZ Ltd was consulted to check out the possibility of an improved, reliable, readily available and serviceable system.

Having deliberated and finding the ‘idiosyncrasies’ involved with the problem it was found that the movement of the 500 HP Yanmar Engines Fuel Injection Pump Throttle Control Levers demands a high torque to move such from idle to full throttle. Also, the requirement was to have a system that was only proportional to the Bridge Speed Control Levers and not to incorporate more equipment. No extra springs etc but engine parts to remain original.

RECOMMENDATION & SOLUTION

It was decided to use a combination of a GAC ACB 2001 12Ft Lb Actuator and an AXIOMATIC AX100310 Unidirectional Digital Control for each engine to supersede the original equipment. The combination of both these products together with suitable developed programed firmware has now made reliable use of this vessel. This equipment was fitted to both Engines and to date has more than proved their worth in speed control which incidentally this vessel is used at times in one of the roughest Sea Straits in the World. (Foveaux Strait South Island NZ).

INSTALLATION

Installation of the Emee System is very simple with a Manufactured Actuator Bracket fitted to each engine with linkage, also an enclosure for the required wiring and having the Axiomatic Controllers externally mounted for access. Incidentally the Axiomatic units are totally encapsulated protecting the internal hardware from the sea environment. This is a major plus to eliminate corrosion and damage.

OTHER ASPECTS

The vessel’s propulsion incorporates 2 x 500 HP Yanmar 6CXBM Diesel Engines which are the prime movers for 2 x Hamilton Jet Units. Has maximum speed of up to 37 knots.

Hamilton Jet has a rather unique “Blue Arrow” on-board control system that makes for any compass direction the vessel is required to move. Especially when used for a rescue operation. The Emee System marries well to this.

GRATITUDES

Emee NZ Ltd would like to thank those Engineers of Both Axiomatic Technologies, GAC (Governors America Corporation), Gough Bros Ltd and Hamilton Jet NZ especially the team from Bluff Coast Guard for their patience and undivided assistance in helping us to achieve our goal in developing this unique control system.

ENDORSEMENTS

Bluff Coastguard

On behalf of Coastguard Bluff (a Unit of Coastguard New Zealand) I would like to pass on our sincere thanks for your successful design and installation of our new throttle system for "Bluff Rescue". So far the newly installed system has met with the high standard of reliability and ease of operation required for a rescue vessel operating in one of the roughest and most isolated areas of New Zealand.

A major factor with the new throttle control was to align with the existing Hamilton Jet "Blue Arrow" control system. This was achieved resulting in a very successful installation "going from a high tech control system to a throttle control of a non electronic engine".

Regards
Wayne Williams
Bluff Coastguard Coxswain

Gough Brothers

The GAC Actuator was a very simple unit to mount up to give a reliable individual engine throttle control system, that could link into the vessels existing systems with the use of the axiomatic control system. We are very happy with the system, and it has ticked all the boxes that were required in this application.

It was a pleasure to work with people that pre-test their systems to make sure it is going to work before it comes to the installation. Regards
Daniel Poole
Gough Brothers
Invercargill

Electical Engineering in NZ

Echo Mechanical and Electrical Engineering was established in New Zealand in 1975 as a Limited Liability Company for the purposes of servicing the precision speed control of machinery and process control industries. Especially the control of generating plant, power management equipment together with ship engine controls and Bituminous Roading Machinery.

Since then, the company has expanded its market to supply and service the whole of Australasia and the South Pacific Region.

The further development over the past eight years has involved the adaption of computers, to interface to our equipment and the development of specialised software to suit applications. Because of the nature of modern technology, being updated and improved at such a phenomenal rate throughout the world, our company has made a dedicated commitment to keeping up with that technology and adapting our product to correspond with it.

The Company employs skilled staff, along with outside contractors who are resourced when necessary. Our staff and contractors are specialists in the areas of Computer Programming, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. Our small team of personnel work together to provide to our customers a product that is of the highest quality and a service that is second to none.

Echo Mechanical and Electrical Engineering's main principals include Woodward Governor Company (Channel Partner), Dynalco Controls, Garmin GPS Products.

Clients include New Zealand Defence Force, Downer EDI Works, Fulton Hogan, Fonterra, ABB, Contact Energy, Mighty River Energy, Discovery Cruises, Department of Island Affairs and other Australasian Corporations, TV and Radio Companies, Transport Operators, Local Government and Government Departments.

Contact Us

John C Mackenzie (MSAE)
Managing Director


3251 Wreys Bush - Mossburn Road
RD 2 Lumsden
Hamilton Burn
Southland 9792
New Zealand

Telephone: +64 3 2486352
Fax: +64 3 2486352
Mobile Phone Number: +64 27 433 4135
Email Address: jcmack@emee.co.nz