Active control for installation of underwater structures

The trend towards deepwater development requires a new approach to underwater installation of offshore structures. The present method using crane vessels has some drawbacks in operations at more than 2000 m depth. The natural period of the coupled system of the rigged structure and the crane vessel becomes longer, so that it is no longer possible to manipulate the cranes to achieve the desired positioning accuracy. This paper examines the application of an active control technique for underwater installations as one of the solutions to the present problems. An active control technique also has the advantage that it can deal with the structural flexibility which allows the structure to be large and light-weight. This structural flexibility imposes problems of suppressing the elastic responses and securing the stability of the control system. In this paper, anH _∞ controller combined with a low authority control/high authority control (LAC/HAC) feedback controller is designed for cases where structural flexibility cannot be ignored. A robust model-following controller is examined for cases where the structure can be treated as rigid. In order to confirm the control algorithm and verify the possibility of the active control installation method, basin tests are executed using two types of neutrally buoyant flexible models with ultrasound ranging systems and thrusters.     

柔性连接装置约束下的相邻浮体动力响应分析

许多海上工程作业中会出现两个或多个浮体相邻作业的情形,如海洋平台组块双船浮托安装等.在波浪作用下,相邻多浮体会发生水动力干扰现象,在特定条件下引起强烈的间隙共振,产生的巨大波浪力会对浮体造成破坏.相邻多浮体之间往往会存在柔性连接,需要考虑多浮体水动力干扰及机柔性连接构件的约束力对浮体运动响应的耦合作用,以及约束力本身对刚性或柔性连接构件的影响.因此,需要建立多浮体耦合的水动力-结构动力模型研究相互连接的海上浮式结构在复杂环境载荷下的动力响应.本文以双船浮托安装作业为背景,开发耦合的水动力-结构动力模型分析平台组块在双船拖运过程中的复杂动力响应.通过结合动态子结构法和静凝聚法,考虑连接构件的柔度,将连接构件的质量和刚度凝聚到构件与双船的连接点处.结合多浮体频域水动力分析,研究双船在柔性构件约束下和复杂水动力干扰共同作用下的运动响应.     

广西近海溢油扩散数值模拟

利用MIKE 21 HD模块模拟广西近海二维潮流特性,根据实测水文资料对广西近海二维水动力模型进行了验证。应用MIKE 21 OS溢油模块加载广西近海二维水动力数据,建立广西近海二维溢油扩散模型,对溢油事故进行影响预测。研究结果表明,风场、潮流场和溢油事故发生位置对溢油轨迹都有着重要影响。风场是油膜漂移方向的最大影响因素,在不同溢油事故发生位置的工况下,溢油的漂移轨迹和扫海范围可能完全不同。     

A novel tracking control approach for unmanned underwater vehicles based on bio-inspired neurodynamics

A novel hybrid control approach is presented for trajectory tracking control of unmanned underwater vehicles in this paper. The kinematic and dynamic controllers are integrated by the proposed control strategy. The paper has two objectives. Firstly, an improved backstep method is proposed to generate the virtual velocity using a bio-inspired neurodynamics model in the kinematic controller. The bio-inspired neurodynamics model is intended to smooth the virtual velocity output to avoid speed jumps of the unmanned underwater vehicle caused by tracking errors and to meet the thruster control constraints. Secondly, a new sliding-mode method is added to the dynamic controller, which is robust against parameter inaccuracy and disturbances. The combined kinematic–dynamic control law is applied to the trajectory tracking problem of two different types of unmanned underwater vehicle. Finally, simulation results illustrate the performance of the proposed controller.     

Planar multibody dynamics of floating Y-method installation system and the lowering of subsea equipment based on finite element modeling

The subsea equipment installation is a complex operation that demands a precise and reliable approach to avoid the accidental losses of lives and equipment damage. The multibody installation system is overwhelmed with the dynamic behavior and responses of the system, which signifies the importance of analysis of the Multibody Dynamic System (MBDS). The modeling of MBDS is challenging and complicated due to the interconnectivity and nonlinearity assigned to them. In this paper, the planar dynamics of a floating multibody system are attained by employing two tugboats and a payload with a contextual offshore installation scenario to be applied in a water depth of over 1500 m. The lifting operation is nine degrees of freedom (9-DOF) multibody model done with the help of two strands and three bodies having 3-DOF each. The coupled equations of motion are established by deploying the Velocity Transformation Technique. The hydrodynamic and two-strand forces are simplified as linear, while the hydrostatic and mooring forces are treated as nonlinear external loads. The numerical solution to the equations for the MBDS is obtained from the Runge Kutta Method of Fourth-Order. Furthermore, the Finite Element Modeling approach discusses the installation operation using Y-method. The results of the proposed numerical model are validated by comparing it with the numerical simulation from OrcaFlex, and the results from both models are found to be in good agreement. The findings of this study will help improve the safe and stable installation of deep-water multibody structures.     

欠驱动自主水下航行器的镇定及跟踪

针对仅带有轴向推力及偏航力矩的欠驱动自主水下航行器（AUV）,研究了其在水平面内的轨迹跟踪及定点调节问题。基于Lyapunov直接法及串接一反步技术,通过采用一种带有动力学震荡器的跟踪误差变换,设计了一种统一的连续时变状态反馈控制律,并给出了参数自适应更新律以估计AUV的非线性阻力参数,使得AUV的位置及方向角的跟踪误差全局渐近收敛于零点左右的一个邻域内,该区域可以为任意小,并且,AUV的跟踪性能与外界干扰的大小无关。仿真结果证明所提出的方法是有效的。     

Dynamic control of a remotely operated vehicle using a neural network

The control of a remotely-operated underwater vehicle to maintain a prescribed depth in shallow water under irregular surface waves is realized through the application of the Robust Adaptive Neuro Controller, a composite control system incorporating—together with the conventional control algorithm—a neural network controller. This network bestows a learning capability on the system, allowing it to deal with unanticipated disturbances that would otherwise cause erroneous behavior of the vehicle. The effectiveness of this application is verified through mathematical simulation of a model vehicle's behavior, through experiment in a model basin, and through simulation of the behavior of an actual remotely operated vehicle in shallow water under irregular surface waves. Graphic data representing the learning process undergone by the neural network distinctly indicate the rising output from the network with the progression of learning, and the vehicle's depth variation traced in terms of the mean square error vividly show the diminution of deviation from the prescribed depth obtained with application of the neural network. Thus controlled to maintain constant depth, under-water vehicles with power supplied externally through a tether for propulsion and for heavy-duty operations should consolidate their advantage for such activities as maintenance of submarine structures and surveys in deep or hazardous water.     

海洋平台浮拖安装的数值仿真（英文）

In this paper, a numerical investigation of a float-over installation for an offshore platform is presented to verify the feasibility of the actual installation. The hydrodynamic performance of a T-barge is investigated in the frequency domain, and the coupled motions are analyzed in the time domain. We then compare with those of the model test and determine that the response amplitude operator and the time series agree quite well. The barge exhibits favorable hydrodynamic behavior in the considered sea state, and the equipment loads are allowable. The mooring system and sway fender forces are within the permissible range. Based on these results,we can verify that the actual installation of the offshore platform is feasible. We accurately simulated many important factors and effectively reduced the risk associated with the offshore installation, which is of great importance. As such, we demonstrate that the numerical simulation of the float-over installation for offshore platforms has practical engineering significance.     

Numerical Simulation of Float-Over Installation for Offshore Platform

In this paper, a numerical investigation of a float-over installation for an offshore platform is presented to verify the feasibility of the actual installation. The hydrodynamic performance of a T-barge is investigated in the frequency domain, and the coupled motions are analyzed in the time domain. We then compare with those of the model test and determine that the response amplitude operator and the time series agree quite well. The barge exhibits favorable hydrodynamic behavior in the considered sea state, and the equipment loads are allowable. The mooring system and sway fender forces are within the permissible range. Based on these results, we can verify that the actual installation of the offshore platform is feasible. We accurately simulated many important factors and effectively reduced the risk associated with the offshore installation, which is of great importance. As such, we demonstrate that the numerical simulation of the float-over installation for offshore platforms has practical engineering significance.     

东海涌浪环境下大型起重船吊装组块耦合运动响应数值模拟研究

我国东海海洋环境复杂,经常出现小波高、长周期的涌浪.长周期涌对系泊大型起重船吊装海洋平台上部组块影响比较大,尽管涌的波高较小,但是,吊物组块运动幅度明显比同等波高海况时的要大,严重影响了海洋平台的安装施工效率和进度,甚至威胁作业安全.本文采用水动力势流软件,建立系泊-大型起重船(包括吊臂)-索具-大型组块吊物的耦合运动模型,研究复杂涌浪环境下耦合系统运动响应特性及其机理,并开展了参数敏感性分析,讨论对耦合响应影响因素.最后,对东海涌浪情况下起重安装施工,提出了降低吊装组块运动响应的建议措施.     

ROV在导管架检查中的应用与安全管理

海上石油平台安装后,需要定期对导管架水下检查,以确保人员和生命财产安全。ROV遥控潜水器类似于一种＂带缆的水下机器人＂。在超过空气潜水范围的水深处检查具有明显的安全、效率、成本优势。介绍了ROV的功能和优势,介绍了固定式平台之钢质导管架式平台特点。以某导管架为案例,详细介绍了ROV的操作步骤。并介绍了ROV作业中的风险...     

Design of a novel drilled-and-grouted pile in sand for offshore oil&gas structures

New offshore oil and gas exploration has placed renewed emphasis on developing structures in relatively complex geological conditions. Due to the damaging nature of impact driving, traditional steel piles used to support jacket structures, are not ideally suited to specific soil types, such as carbonate sands. Drilled and grouted piles are commonly used to support structures in these soil conditions. This paper describes a novel drilled pile, which has been developed specifically to provide a cost effective installation process while maintaining the benefits of grouted piles. The installation process negates the need for temporary casing in weak soils and minimizes the number of offshore operations. In this paper, the installation methodology and post-installation performance of a large scale onshore field trial is described. The installation process was successfully demonstrated with a 1.9 m diameter test pile installed in fine sand to 17.7 m depth in under 3 h. The performance of the pile, as measured in a tension static load test, was shown to compare favorably with existing pile design methods.     

自主式水下航行器水下回收融合引导技术方案及算法

[目的]为解决母艇携载的自主式水下航行器(AUV)在水下自主回收和对接的问题,基于惯导(INS)、声学超短基线定位(USBL)、光学等信号引导的多源数据融合,提出一种面向移动平台的AUV水下回收对接引导方法.[方法]为此,设计融合多传感器信息的扩展联邦卡尔曼滤波器,采用分散滤波并再经信息融合方法以提高滤波精度.分别以I...     

Online learning control of surface vessels for fine trajectory tracking

This paper presents an adaptive neural network (NN) controller for fine trajectory tracking of surface vessels with uncertain environmental disturbances. Regarding to the new demands for fine trajectory tracking, especially to the requirement of high-accuracy tracking in limited working space, the proposed NN controller is designed to contain a tracking error control component and a velocity error control component, aiming to converge both types of error to zero, separately. It utilizes radial basis functions to approximate a vessel’s unknown nonlinear dynamics. Therefore, there is no need of any explicit knowledge of the vessel. The online learning ability is obtained during the stability analysis using the backstepping technique and the Lyapunov theory. Theoretical results guarantee both the convergence of tracking error and velocity error and the boundedness of NN update. Through simulation and tracking performance study based on the CyberShip II model, the proposed controller is verified effective in fine trajectory tracking.     

海上风电安装船的发展趋势研究

随着海上风力发电产业的迅速发展,风电安装船需求越来越大,并且风电安装船是高附加值工程船,因此这一市场的吸引力将越来越受到造船界重视,竞争将越来越激烈,但海上风电场施工成本高、海上作业时间长及工期长等问题的存在延缓了海力发电产业的发展。因此,本文将着重对海上风电结构物施工、安装过程的单一海工设备发展进行浅析,为探索深水化、大型化、专业化、集成化的海上风电安装船来完成深海域基础施工及风机安装问题提供设计参考。     

超空泡航行体水下弹道的数值计算

超空泡状态下的航行体水下弹道的研究涉及固、液、气(汽)三相介质的运动.本文应用细长体理论计算航行体在超空泡状态下的流体动力,成功模拟了超空泡状态下的航行体水下弹道.     

基于双目视觉的水下连接器位姿测量方法

水下连接器的对接作业是水下工程作业的重要环节,针对目前依靠摄像机传回视频进行作业过程中存在的操作难度大、依赖操作员经验的问题,设计基于双目视觉的水下连接器位姿测量方法。该方法首先根据水下连接器的颜色特征确定检测范围,之后在检测范围中以水下连接器为模板进行初步定位,然后根据水下连接器端面的成像特点检测椭圆特征,并进行双目匹配获得相关三维点坐标,最后计算得出水下连接器的位姿。实验表明,该方法位置测量平均误差1.3%,姿态测量平均误差3.5°,可以较好地为水下连接器对接作业提供参考。     

潜航器轨迹跟踪与航向预测算法

海况条件较差时,基于水下单点GPS定位系统的潜航器实时定位有较大测量误差,不利于潜航器的轨迹跟踪与航向预测。针对误差服从高斯分布的水下单点GPS定位系统,提出基于改进型扩展卡尔曼滤波算法的GPS跟踪方法和基于回归分析算法的航向预测方法。通过测试与仿真,对定位设备采集到的数据进行对比分析,试验结果表明,上述算法显著提高了轨迹测量精度与航向跟踪能力,准确绘制出了潜航器的实时航行轨迹与航向预测线,可应用于潜航器的轨迹跟踪项目中。     

近海风电场风机桩群布局对海域水动力条件的影响

为了探讨海上风力发电场规划实施后风机桩群对附近海域水位、流速、潮通量等水动力条件的影响,建立了长江口、杭州湾及其附近海域大范围平面二维潮流数学模型,研究结果表明:风机实施的影响范围及程度与工程海域的潮流特性、风机布置形式等有关,就上海风电规划而言,风电场的实施基本没有对附近海域造成较大影响。     

Energy dissipation in high-energy ship-offshore jacket platform collisions

Ship collisions with offshore structures may be characterized by large amounts of kinetic energy that can be dissipated as strain energy in either the ship, or the installation, or shared by both. In this paper a series of FE numerical simulations are performed with the aim of providing a clearer understanding on the strain energy dissipation phenomenon, particularly upon the ship-structure interaction. Ships of different dimensions and layouts are modelled for impact simulations. Likewise, three platform jacket models of different sizes and configurations are considered. The collision cases involve joints, legs, and braces and are simulated for several kinetic energy amounts of the vessels and different impact orientations. An overview of the plastic deformation mechanisms that can occur in both ship and jacket structure is also given. The results from the various models with different collision scenarios are compared in terms of the strain energy dissipation with respect to the different ship/installation strength ratios. From the FEA simplified approaches are also derived in terms of the relative stiffness of the two structures for assessing the responses and energy absorptions of the two structures. The conclusions drawn from this study can be applied to a broader range of collision assessment of offshore steel jacket platforms subjected to high-energy ship impacts.