Thruster Control Systems, K-Thrust 720

When combined with the capabilities of a dynamic positioning system, the thruster control system becomes a manoeuvring system with a complete range of ship-handling functions:

• Manual control from levers
• Auto piloting
• Joystick control with automatic heading option
• Automatic station keeping

The KONGSBERG Propulsion and Thruster Remote Control System K-Thrust 720 offers manual remote control of main propulsion, thrusters and steering gears.

When combined with the capabilities of K-Pos dynamic positioning, K-Thrust 720 becomes a maneuvering system with a complete range of ship-handling functions:

• Manual control from levers
• Autopiloting
• Joystick control with automatic heading possibility
• Automatic station keeping

The K-Thrust 720 concept includes a range of levers, indicators, panels and controllers that can be arranged in virtually any combination on the bridge, in the Engine Control Room - ECR and in other locations, for remote control of the propulsion, steering gear and thrusters.

The hardware and software platform of K-Thrust 720 is particularly adapted for integration with KONGSBERG Dynamic Positioning (K-Pos), Navigation (K-Bridge) and Vessel Control (K-Chief) systems. This can be done without compromising the independence of the manual control system.

K-Thrust 720 components and functions comply with applicable main class rules (DNV GL, ABS, LR, CCS) for remote control of propulsion, thrusters and steering gears.

Basic system

Each thruster, steering gear or thruster unit is interfaced to the K-Thrust 720 via a field station - FS. The field station is connected to the servo actuators or servo controllers (applies to pitch and azimuth control) and drives. It exchanges commands, status and feedback signals with the equipment.

Levers and panels for manual control of the thruster are connected to the field station via a CAN bus communication link. Each thruster has its own independent CAN bus communication link. A CAN switch connected to the CAN bus communication link allows data from devices that need to communicate with multiple thrusters to be connected.

Examples of the basic system concept are shown in the following two figures. The first figure illustrates the basic system concept whereas the second figure illustrates the basic system concept in a fire zone setup.