Wärtsilä Propulsion Control System

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.

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.

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.