Kongsberg Releases New Propulsion Control System

Kongsberg Maritime has launched a new AutoChief, a propulsion control system designed for medium and low speed diesel engines. The main components of the AutoChief® C20 are; control panel, remote control system, engine telegraph, engine safety system, digital governor, maneuvering and distributed processing units. Kongsberg Maritimehas designed the system with a user-friendly interface that provides all key information graphically, through a color display. An advanced yet simple to use multifunction controller gives access to all functions and on screen user assistance and recommendations are also available for training purposes. Straightforward integration with the DataChief® C20 machinery automation system enables the sharing of essential sensors between the systems, requiring only one interface to the main engine. However, Open architecture also enables easy integration with other manufacturers' equipment. In systems with shaft generators, the power management system communicates with the AutoChief C20 for smooth operation. The AutoChief C20 uses single board distributed processing units (DPUs) installed directly in existing junction boxes on the main engine. All signals to and from the engine are transmitted on dual redundant CAN lines, which drastically reduces cabling costs. In addition, the system uses few moving parts ensuring that little maintenance is required, reducing costs also. The use of DPUs and dual, redundant CAN field bus ensure reliable operation and bump-less control transfer. The system is also event based to allow immediate transfer of data and a powerful configuration tool allows quick and accurate adoption to various engines – no software customisation is required.