Abstract
The article deals with a simulation approach to the representation of the ship motions in waves, interacting with the propulsion system behavior (diesel engine and propeller). The final goal is the development of a simulator, as complete as possible, that allows the analysis of the main engine thermodynamics in different sea conditions, also in the unfavorable event of dynamic instability of the hull, and the correct management of the other propulsion components. This latter aspect is particularly interesting in some of the last new energy solutions for decarbonization of ships, concerning, for example, auxiliary electric motors, powered by batteries, to support the traditional diesel-mechanical propulsion (especially in heavy weather conditions). From this point of view, a proper analysis of the engine dynamic performance, affected by particular sea states, is fundamental for a smart management and control of shaft generators/auxiliary electric motors, batteries, etc. To this end, the work presents and highlights the main features of a ship simulator, suitable for the study of the new propulsion solutions that are emerging in maritime transport. Some representative results will point out the complex non-linear behavior of the propulsion plant in waves. Moreover, a parametric roll scenario will be investigated, in order to highlight the capability of the conceived simulator in modeling the effects of the dynamic instability of the hull on the propulsion plant.
Highlights
Marine time-domain simulation has traditionally found its main use in the field of ship maneuverability, especially for the development of training simulators, which have become increasingly effective with the advent of virtual reality [1]
The hull chosen for the case study was a ro-pax ferry named SeatechD, which has been used for previous validations and applications of the method for ship dynamics in waves [49]
It was found that the ship developed a parametric roll in a head sea in the presence of a sea state characterized by Hs = 4.5 m and the zero-crossing period (Tz) = 9.0 s, for a speed of around 15 knots
Summary
Marine time-domain simulation has traditionally found its main use in the field of ship maneuverability, especially for the development of training simulators, which have become increasingly effective with the advent of virtual reality [1]. The collaboration with the Italian Navy continued in the development of a simulation study for the propulsion system refitting of the tall ship Amerigo Vespucci (in this case, the square sail’s behavior was reproduced too [10,11]) These three applications represented a typical use of simulation in the design stage of a vessel, it can be used to evaluate the performance decay of already operating systems. From the others, the present work shows a complete simulation approach to the description of the interaction between ship motions (six DoF) and machinery (i.e., prime mover and propeller), applicable in irregular sea, by combining the most sophisticated sub-models available in the state of the art, for a comprehensive simulation. The results of several operational conditions are presented in order to point out the need for consistent interaction among the different sub-models for a proper depiction of the phenomena
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