US 12,071,213 B1
Marine propulsion and generator systems and methods
Steven J. Gonring, Slinger, WI (US)
Assigned to Brunswick Corporation, Mettawa, IL (US)
Filed by Brunswick Corporation, Mettawa, IL (US)
Filed on Dec. 15, 2022, as Appl. No. 18/082,323.
Application 18/082,323 is a continuation in part of application No. 17/540,912, filed on Dec. 2, 2021.
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B63H 21/21 (2006.01)
CPC B63H 21/21 (2013.01) [B63B 2209/02 (2013.01); B63H 2021/216 (2013.01)] 10 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A marine propulsion system for a marine vessel, comprising:
an engine effectuating rotation of an output shaft;
at least one battery configured to power a marine vessel load;
an alternator having a rotor that is driven into rotation by the output shaft and that outputs a charge current to the at least one battery;
a control system configured to operate the engine in a propulsion mode to rotate a propulsor to propel the marine vessel and a generator mode to charge the at least one battery while the marine vessel remains stationary, wherein the control system is further configured to:
receive a generator mode command to start the engine in the generator mode responsive to a determination that a charge level for the at least one battery is less than a low battery threshold;
determine whether at least one of a plurality of generator start conditions is satisfied, wherein the plurality of generator start conditions comprises:
a predetermined engine fault condition is not present;
an engine cover or cowling is in a closed position based on input from an engine cowling switch or sensor;
the marine vessel is located in water based on input from a water sensor;
a trim position of the engine does not exceed a trim threshold based on input from an engine trim position sensor; and
a fuel level exceeds a fuel threshold based on input from a fuel level sensor; and
responsive to a determination that the at least one of the plurality of generator start conditions is satisfied, automatically operate the engine in the generator mode to charge the at least one battery while a shift system of the marine propulsion system is in a neutral position such that the propulsor is not engaged by the engine.