Optimization of Control Parameters for Electronic Digital Governor

Abstract

The electronic digital governor is capable of controlling the revolution of the main engine of a ship more accurately than the conventional mechanical governor. It is difficult, however, to set the control parameters to the appropriate values for each engine. To solve this problem, computer software that simulates the dynamic behavior of an engine was developed. Nonlinear programming techniques were then applied to this simulation to yield a program that calculates the appropriate control parameters for optimizing engine performance. The mathematical models developed to represent the governor/engine system are described, as are the simulation and optimization programs. The applicability of this pre-engine- operation determination of dynamic behavior and optimal parameter values has been verified through actual operation.