05.01.2015, 16:37:37 (GMT+1)

Fuel-saving benefits for precision control PSVs

Predictive control technology used in next generation platform supply vessels

New technology has been developed which will help marine vessels to save fuel consumption, reduce emissions and cut back on maintenance of essential equipment.





Energy giant GE Power Conversion has developed a highly advanced predictive control algorithm which forecasts vessels’ future motions and updates thrust demands. This is particularly important when vessels need to move close to or outside an operator permitted area – meaning fewer small, unnecessary movement corrections which improves ship efficiency and operational cost-effectiveness.





Precision control is essential to keep 90 metre (295 feet), 4,500-deadweight capacity platform supply vessels (PSV) steady in rough seas and weather while they transfer equipment and crew to oil and gas platforms just metres away. GE Power Conversion’s advanced dynamic positioning and vessel automation systems are designed to ensure PSVs are stable and safe while they carry out these manoeuvres.





Model predictive control (MPC) technology achieves optimal control in response to conditions that change minute by minute and is increasingly being applied in fields such as energy management and engine control. MPC technology is an advanced method of process management involving computer control algorithms which use a mathematical calculation technique to optimise future plant behaviour by computing a sequence of future manipulated variable adjustments.





GE Power Conversion’s predictive control algorithm is part of an energy efficient control system which will be provided and installed in ‘next generation’ platform supply vessels currently being built in Brazil by one of the country’s leading shipbuilders, Starnav Serviços Marítimos Ltda, at its Detroit yard.





GE dynamic positioning and vessel control systems are being provided for four new PSVs which will increase the number of Starnav ships equipped with GE control systems to 13. The first of these vessels is scheduled to begin operations with Brazilian oil giant Petrobras later this year. The owner is confident the control systems technology will contribute to significant reductions in fuel expenditure and carbon dioxide emissions.





In addition to the innovative predictive control algorithm, the control systems will also feature a pioneering fuel monitoring, recording and advisory system. This will provide operators with “greater insight into fuel consumption” across operational activities and cumulatively across the entire PSV fleet.









When the new vessels are up and running the combined vessel automation and control system will mean ship managers and operators will be much better equipped to manage and improve vessel performance and operating costs.

“As the industry faces ever more stringent cost competitiveness, vessels need to perform efficiently with optimised fuel consumption and reduced environmental footprint,” says Carlos Eduardo Pereira, general director at Starnav Serviços Marítimos Ltda. “GE’s technology also helps to enhance the overall competitiveness when we are seeking prized charters from major operators such as Petrobras, thanks to additional factors such as reliability.





“We insist on having the very best in terms of performance. Second best is just not good enough for the kinds of environments they operate in. Not only does this apply to the worst the ocean can throw at you but it also means that the ships need to be efficient to meet both financial and environmental concerns. Offering a total solution means you understand the world of the mariner with innovation and technology that makes their life easier.”





Using power conversion science and systems to help drive the electrification of the world’s energy infrastructure, GE Power Conversion is designing and delivering advanced motor, drive and control technologies. The company is developing partnerships with organisations and using customised solutions and advanced technologies to maximise operational efficiencies in the marine, oil and gas, energy and renewables sectors.





Sources:

http://www.gepowerconversion.com/press-releases/ge%E2%80%99s-technology-provides-edge-marine-industry-through-improved-energy-efficiency

http://www.gepowerconversion.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_predictive_control