SEA STAR SOLUTIONS All-electric Steering

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jimh
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SEA STAR SOLUTIONS All-electric Steering

Postby jimh » Fri Sep 13, 2019 12:54 pm

In 2020 there may be a new option to hydraulic steering: all-electric steering. The engine actuator will be operated by electrical power. It will be wired to the boat's battery. The control of the actuator will be via a digital link to an electric helm control, to which you will connect a conventional steering wheel.

electricActuatorSeaStarSolutions.png
Fig. 2. Sea Star Solutions electric actuator, said to be available in 2020.
electricActuatorSeaStarSolutions.png (42.65 KiB) Viewed 7507 times


The steering control will be provided with the engine speed from a sensor. The steering control will adjust the steering system number of turns lock-to-lock to suit the engine speed and expected maneuvering at that boat speed. This system can also be integrated to auto-pilot control. There was a press release about this in February 2019:

For Immediate Release

NEW OPTIMUS ELECTRIC STEERING ACTUATOR FROM SEASTAR SOLUTIONS
SETS A NEW COURSE FOR STEERING CONTROL

(Litchfield, IL – February 14, 2019) – SeaStar Solutions, now part of The Dometic Group, and the leader in marine steering and control systems, is ushering in a new era in steering and control with the introduction of their new SeaStar Optimus Universal Electric Steering Actuator. Incorporating proprietary technology and several new components designed and manufactured by SeaStar, this new actuator is built exclusively for use with their Optimus Joystick and Electric Power Steering Systems.

About the same size as the SeaStar Tournament Cylinder, the Optimus Electric Steering Actuator mounts directly on the outboard in place of the present hydraulic cylinder. With its powerful drive train, integrated proprietary position sensors and embedded electronics, it eliminates the need for separately-mounted hydraulic actuators used in the Optimus Joystick and EPS systems. This means no more Pump Control Module, no more hydraulic pump, no more hoses, hydraulic cylinders and fluid, and no more purging the system.

“At SeaStar, we are continually inventing ways to make boat building more efficient and boating more enjoyable,” said Eric Fetchko, President of Dometic Marine Americas. “Once again, SeaStar has taken marine steering to the next level. You have my word that we will never stop innovating and solving industry problems.”

In terms of performance underway, ease of installation and season-after-season reliability, the new Optimus Electric Steering Actuator will provide substantial benefits to boat builder and skipper alike.

With the present system, the signal from the Optimus electronic helm goes to the Pump Control Module which activates an electro-hydraulic steering system. Even though it is “by-wire”, hydraulic fluid is still pumped through hoses and into the steering cylinders on the outboard(s) which act on the tiller arms of the outboards to move left or right.

With the new Optimus Electric Steering Actuator, the electronic helm signal goes directly to the actuator which instantly moves the outboard. The “brains” of the Pump Control Module, including ECM, rudder position circuit and CANbus communication, have been transplanted into the new Optimus Electric Steering Actuator itself. Steering power is delivered by a proprietary high-torque high-efficiency brushless DC electric motor, designed and manufactured by SeaStar, and a patented compact roller-screw drive system, also a proprietary SeaStar design. Both the motor and power train reside within the steering actuator.

In terms of steering performance, skippers will sense a difference in handling. Steering response will be immediate, smooth and precise, thanks to this robust, industry-leading drive train that provides unparalleled performance and system rigidity when needed most.

Programmable steering settings, including adjustable speed-sensitive lock to lock turns, adjustable speed-sensitive wheel effort, and speed-sensitive rudder angle limits to ensure safe steering, continue to be available, now without the need for any extra componentry.

Installation of the new system is a snap, with just three CANbus connections plus power. Twin, triple and quad outboard installations will be set up similar to the present design, with Optimus Electric Steering Actuators controlling adjacent outboards via tie-bars. In addition, the new Electric Steering Actuator will interface with compatible autopilot systems in the same manner as the present Optimus systems. SeaStar’s SeaWays Autopilot and SeaStation GPS Anchoring functionality are also built in.

The SeaStar Optimus Electric Steering Actuator exceeds all applicable marine standards, including NMMA, ABYC, CE and SAE electrical and environmental requirements. The actuators are maintenance free, except for regular greasing of the steering ram via installed zerk fittings. Over 100,000 hours of rigorous testing during development assures safe and reliable performance under harsh salt and freshwater conditions, all in keeping with SeaStar’s proven reputation for superior quality.

The new Optimus Electric Steering Actuator will be available in late 2019 to OEMs installing Optimus Joystick and Optimus EPS systems. For more information on SeaStar Optimus systems, or the many products SeaStar Solutions offers to boat builders and boaters, please visit http://www.seastarsolutions.com.


Some elements of the system are available now from SEA STAR SOLUTIONS.

Active Sensitivity
Lock-to-lock turns and wheel effort are programmed to change with engine RPM. At slow speeds, Optimus EPS can be set to reduce the number of turns lock-to-lock...and make [the boat] easier to steer. When you’re negotiating through traffic or in a tight spot, those smaller moves of the wheel give you precise control. When you’re running at speed in open water, Optimus EPS can be set to increase lock-to-lock turns, for example, and increase steering effort giving the driver more stability to comfortably keep on course.


Note that the system can change the rate of change of the rudder with wheel movement and the amount of effort required to move the steering wheel. For more see

http://www.seastarsolutions.com/products/electronic-power-steering/optimus-electronic-power-steering/

electronicHelmSeaStarSystems.png
Fig. 2. Sea Star Solutions electronic helm.
electronicHelmSeaStarSystems.png (7.61 KiB) Viewed 7509 times

In particular, here is information on the SEA STAR SOLUTIONS ELECTRONIC HELM:

Features
• Adjustable helm turns and steering wheel effort
• Speed sensitive helm turns, effort and response
• Dual independent sensors and circuits
• Electronic helm
• Optional tilt helms available
Benefits
• Adjustable steering for maximum comfort
• Adjustable effort and steering sensitivity at speed
• Provides redundancy for reliable operation
• No hydraulic oil at helm
• Adjustable steering wheel position


Cf.: http://www.seastarsolutions.com/33225/uncategorized/optimus-components/optimus-eps-electronic-helm/

jimh
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Joined: Fri Oct 09, 2015 12:25 pm
Location: Michigan, Lower Peninsula
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Re: All Electric Steering

Postby jimh » Fri Sep 13, 2019 1:28 pm

In comparison to hydraulic steering, the Sea Star Solutions electric steering has some advantages, notably freedom from oil, oil lines, and purging. However, being electric the steering system relies completely on the integrity of the attached battery to supply the electrical power to operate the actuator and the control helm. Loss of electrical power from either a failure of the battery or a circuit fault that causes a fuse or circuit breaker to open would probably produce a total loss in steering control.

Tom Hemphill
Posts: 81
Joined: Fri Oct 16, 2015 5:04 pm

Re: SEA STAR SOLUTIONS All-electric Steering

Postby Tom Hemphill » Fri Sep 13, 2019 5:56 pm

In the event of power loss, would it be a reasonable assumption that the steering would be "frozen" at its last position? That might be less dangerous than a system which relies on its helm to provide ANY directional control.