SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING STABILITY OF A VESSEL

摘要

An automated stability system which is accurate but simple enough to be implemented on small vessels such as fishing boats is provided. It provides this by integrating the measurements of a digital magnetometer, digital accelerometer, and digital gyroscope which are used to calculate the natural roll period of the vessel which in turn permits calculation of the GM (metacentric height). GPS may also be provided to provide for time and velocity correction.

主权项

1. A method of automated continuous monitoring of the stability of a vessel comprising:
i) providing on said vessel a digital accelerometer, a digital gyroscope, and a digital magnetometer; ii) providing a processor comprising a computer processor, data storage and computer code which when executed carries out mathematical calculations and comparisons based on input signals and generates output signals based on said mathematical calculations and comparisons; iii) communicating periodic or continuous measurement signals from said accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer to said processor; iv) said processor using said measurement signals to calculate a natural frequency of roll of said vessel at successive points of time; v) said processor calculating a natural roll period of said vessel from said natural frequency at successive points of time; vi) said processor calculating the metacentric height of said vessel at successive points of time from said natural roll period; vii) said processor comparing the calculated metacentric height of said vessel at successive points of time to a predefined limit; and viii) issuing an alarm if said calculated metacentric height of said vessel at a point of time is less than said predefined limit.