Wartsila Propulsion Control System
The Wartsila Propulsion Control System (PCS) is a comprehensive system of control devices, displays, indicators and modules designed to suit all possible propulsion configurations of a modern ship.
The human interface of Wartsila PCS, ProTouch, is a complete system of levers and touch screen interfaces, that responds to market demands for modern and compact control devices.
Wartsila ProTouch is the human interface of the Wartsila PCS. It represents a state-of-the-art response to market demands for control devices that are modern and compact. With its safe and intuitive arrangement it gives the power to the user.
Wartsila ProTouch has won the Red Dot Design Award, Best of the Best 2013.
Benefits
- Touch screen technology for user friendly, intuitive operation.
- Simple installation and commissioning.
- Compact, space saving design.
- Fully customizable to fit all propulsion products and layouts.
- Also available for retrofits.
Application
The components of the Wärtsilä Propulsion Control System can be combined into configurations suitable for a wide range of applications to meet the requirements of redundancy and independency needed for merchant shipping, as well as more complex offshore applications.
With the capability to control up to 8 propulsors from up to 5 operator stations, the system covers a vast majority of applications and propulsion layouts.
Key Benefits
Compact design : The whole system footprint is reduced significantly allowing optimisation for ergonomic needs and meeting functional requirements.
Modularity/flexibility : The extended modularity of hardware and graphic user interfaces offers a flexible solution for any vessel layout. The system fits all the propulsion products and, as a result, all types of vessels.
Safety : the system improves safety, both at sea and in port by removing the visual challenge of finding critical information, it provides the user the relevant information when needed User friendly, intuitive operations: By the means of the modern displays, with touchscreen technology, the operator can easily get all the functions and information handy. The system will guide the user when a more complex sequence or action is required. Also, the system can support any language.
Simpler installation and maintenance : The system minimizes installation time and costs, simplifies commissioning and reduces maintenance needs because the PCS is fully pre-configurable and the components communicate by a redundant field bus with minimised number of cables.
Integration with other systems : The system enables easy integration via serial interfaces towards for example VDR, IAMCS and DP/AP systems.
Technical Info
Modularity and configurations
The system’s modularity makes installing, commissioning, configuration and maintenance simple and efficient, thus saving valuable time. Up to 8 propulsors can be controlled at up to 5 operator stations in order to cover the vast majority of the applications. All bridge devices are connected to a redundant CAN OPEN network.
The system enables easy integration with other systems via serial interfaces with other systems at bridge level. Protocols like MODBUS RTU RS485 and NMEA 0183 are supported for VDR, IAMCS and centralized dimming.
Levers
Six lever types are available for different propulsors.
- Single and double levers for fixed pitch / controllable pitch (FPP/CPP) main propellers.
- Single and double levers for Tunnel thrusters (TT)
- Steerable thrusters (ST) and Waterjets (WJ).
Each lever is standard equipped with stepper motors for automatic line up during control transfers and electronic detents. Each lever is equipped with a led bar giving the operator instant visual information on the active propulsion mode. A separate back-up system is integrated in the lever as well as a hardwired emergency stop circuit.
Touch screens
The capacitive touch screen displays are in two sizes; a 4.3” side display and a 10” main display. The latter is optional and used for multi propulsor plants providing a single user interface for common functions like dimming and control.
Compact design
The components to be installed at the operator stations of the bridge and engine control room are interconnected by field bus technology (CAN OPEN) and thus require a minimum of cables. The entire system’s footprint is reduced significantly, thereby allowing the designers more flexibility to place the propulsion components according to the operators’ ergonomic needs and for meeting the functional requirements of the complete operator station.
Modularity/Flexibility
The extended modularity of hardware and graphic user interfaces offers a flexible solution for any vessel layout. The system fits all propulsion products and, as a result, all types of vessels. The components of the system can be combined into configurations suitable for a wide range of applications to meet the requirements of redundancy and independency needed for merchant shipping, as well as more complex offshore applications.
Safety
By removing the visual challenge of finding critical information in large panels of buttons and gauges, and by giving the user relevant information as and when needed, the system improves safety, both at sea and in port. In case of a control transfer, the levers are automatically lined up enabling operators to remain focused on their navigational tasks. The main propulsion levers are provided with back-up facilities integrated in the same lever allowing the operator to respond adequately and control smoothly in case the back-up system needs to be activated.
User friendly, intuitive operations
The modern displays feature touchscreen technology, thus allowing the operator simple access to allfunctions and information, and providing full and easy control. The system will guide the user when a more complex sequence or action is required. Immediate feedback is given also by the led colour on the lever, showing the current status of the selected propulsor.
Simpler installation and maintenance
The PCS is fully pre-configurable, thereby minimizing installation time and costs, simplifying commissioning, and reducing maintenance needs. Integration with other systems : The system enables easy integration via serial interfaces with other systems at bridge level. Protocols like MODBUS RTU RS485 and NMEA 0183 are supported for VDR, IAMCS and centralized dimming. The system is suitable for being adapted to control competitor (OEM) propulsors.
RGB status LED – colour range
The RGB LED supports operators and pilots by giving instant visual information regarding the selected mode and status.
Configurations and options Wärtsilä PCS configurations :
– Up to 8 propulsion units (all types of propulsors)
– Up to 5 stations
Wärtsilä ProTouch options :
– 2 display sizes 4.3” and 10”, day/ night mode, portrait or landscape position.
– 6 types of levers (TT, CPP, ST, WJ). Six different levers have been developed using a modular approach :
– Single and double levers for fixed pitch / controllable pitch (FPP/ CPP) main propellers.
– Single and double levers for Tunnel thrusters (TT).
– Steerable thrusters (ST) and waterjets (WJ).
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