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Autopilot System: System, The Potentiometer Is Fitted Inside The Feedback Unit

An autopilot system controls a vessel's steering gear to maintain course and is configured with components like a control stand, control and power box, and μ-transmitters which measure rudder angle. The potentiometer is a precision electrical component in the μ-transmitter or actuator that generates an electrical signal of the angle. Autopilots have advanced from simple course holding to adaptive computer systems that offer fuel savings through reduced rudder movement and increased vessel handling efficiency.

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1K views

Autopilot System: System, The Potentiometer Is Fitted Inside The Feedback Unit

An autopilot system controls a vessel's steering gear to maintain course and is configured with components like a control stand, control and power box, and μ-transmitters which measure rudder angle. The potentiometer is a precision electrical component in the μ-transmitter or actuator that generates an electrical signal of the angle. Autopilots have advanced from simple course holding to adaptive computer systems that offer fuel savings through reduced rudder movement and increased vessel handling efficiency.

Uploaded by

GAMMA FACULTY
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Autopilot System

An autopilot controls the steering gear of a vessel to keep it on course.

There are three types of actuators: solenoid valve control, single-loop


control to control torque motors, and two-loop control to control
servo-cylinders.

Configuration of Autopilot System

The autopilot system is configured with the following basic


components.
1) Control Stand
Control stand consists of the following units, which are also adequate
to the panel-mount.
- Control & Display Unit
- Annunciator unit
- Hand steering unit
- Non follow up lever
- System selector
- Mode selector
2) Control & Power Box
3) "μ"Transmitters
4) Actuators

what is a "μ"Transmitter in autopilot system


The Potentiometer is a precision electrical component that
generates an angle as an electrical signal. On our autopilot
system, the Potentiometer is fitted inside the Feedback unit
[(μ-Transmitter)], which measures the actual rudder angle,
or inside the Actuator, which measures the Actuator angle

An autopilot controls the steering gear of a vessel to keep it


on course. There are three types of actuators: solenoid valve
control, single-loop control to control torque motors, and
two-loop control to control servo-cylinders.
Understanding the Autopilot System on Ships
Autopilots have evolved from simple course holding systems
to adaptive computer systems that offer reduced fuel costs and
increased transit times. These new systems learn the
characteristics of the vessel’s handling and minimize rudder
movement reducing drag on the vessel. Increased speed and
lower fuel consumption can result in tremendous savings
offsetting the cost of new systems within a year.
Marine navigation equipment and steering systems are
generally comprised of several subsystems. In a follow up
system, when the wheel is turned to a specific angle the
rudder responds by moving to the requested angle, hence it
follows the helm. A follow up system is spring activated to
return to zero when released by the helmsman. Non-follow up
system uses a three-position actuator where the center position
is neutral. Moving the actuator left or right moves the rudder
left or right. The rudder remains in that position and does not
return to center when the actuator is centered.
Ship steering systems are comprised of two independent
electrical and/or hydraulic systems in the event of a major
failure. The last line of defense for steering systems is a
device called the Trick Wheel. It is a simple mechanical or
hydraulic actuator located on the steering flat that bypasses
the helm. This is generally never used except in extreme
emergencies. One misconception about steering systems is
that failure of the autopilot is treated as a steering failure.
Autopilots are not required carriage and therefore not
mandatory for the sailing of the vessel.
Autopilots do not replace a human operator, but assist them
in controlling the ship, allowing them to focus on broader
aspects of operation, such as monitoring the trajectory,
weather and systems.
The settings of an autopilot system are as follows:
 Permanent helm: To be used only if a constant influence,
like cross wind or beam sea is experienced. If there is a
very strong beam wind from starboard side then a
permanent 5 degrees starboard helm may be set.
 Rudder: This setting determines the rudder to be given
for each degree of course drifted. Eg. 2 degrees for every
1 degree off course.
 Counter rudder: Determines the amount of counter
rudder to be given once v/l has started swinging towards
correct course to stop swing. Both rudder & counter
rudder to be set after considering condition of v/l (ballast,
loaded, etc.). Eg. Laden condition full ahead, not
advisable to go over 10 degrees rudder.
 Weather: The effect of weather & sea conditions
effectively counteracted by use of this control. This
setting increases the dead band width. Comes in handy if
vessel is yawing excessively.

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