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MAROFF-2-Maritim virksomhet og offsh-2

Increasing Operational Efficiency by Retrofitting Sensor-Based Anti-Swing Technology on Offshore Cranes

Alternative title: Øke driftseffektiviteten ved å ettermontere sensorbasert antisvingteknologi på offshore kraner

Awarded: NOK 2.6 mill.

Project Manager:

Project Number:

309895

Project Period:

2020 - 2023

The idea of this project is to use innovative control systems and advanced sensor technology to reduce the installation time and cost for offshore wind turbines by developing a motion compensated pile gripper (MCG) that makes it possible to install offshore monopiles (MP) from a dynamic positioning (DP) controlled floating vessel. One of the most challenging parts of installing MPs from a DP operated vessel is to safely lower the MP in a vertical position from the vessel and down to the seabed. In this sequence, the MP will be lowered by a crane. Due to the heave and roll motion of the vessel and also wave and wind forces acting directly on the MP, the MP will start to swing uncontrolled. This uncontrolled swing may cause dangerously high crane forces and/or a collision with the vessel. Thus, the main task for the MCG is to dampen out the MP oscillations. We have therefore through this project developed and built a scale model of MCG and a crane with a scaled MP hanging from the crane. This is now being tested on a stewart platform with movements similar to their vessel. MP is further lowered into the pool (i.e. the sea), and in this way we can test the function of MCG and its control algorithms that have been developed in the project in a controlled environment before it is tested on the real system.

The main outcome of this project is to introduce advanced system control approaches and sensor system algorithms to be deployed in offshore MP installations from a DP controlled floating vessel. The technology allows for a fully autonomous or at least semi-autonomous installation of MP’s, bringing added value to the maritime industry. The sensor algorithms allow us to estimate the pose of the MP in 3D in real-time. This makes the control system more efficient and safe in compensating the MP’s motion in harsh environments. Further, the developed algorithms compute critical system states at all times, giving operators vital information that allow for a safer operation. The developed system will introduce a big leap in widening the operational window for MP, and therefore offshore windmill installations. Additionally this technology enables the reduction of installation time and costs as well as a decrease in fuel consumption and hence less environmental impact. This allows the installation of more offshore windmills per year

The idea of this project is to use innovative control systems and advanced sensor technology to reduce the installation time and cost for offshore wind turbine installation. Through the technology developed in this project it will be possible to install offshore monopiles from a dynamic positioning (DP) controlled floating vessel. This will significantly reduce the installation time and cost which again will make offshore wind energy more competitive with other non-renewable energy sources and contribute to a more sustainable future. Today, offshore monopiles are installed by jack-up platforms or a moored vessel. For each monopile installation, the jack-up platform must be positioned correctly, raised and lowered and the floating vessel must be moored. Raising and lowering of the jack-up platform or mooring of a floating vessel is time consuming and makes the installation costly and inefficient. Based on MacGregor's legacy competence, this project aims to develop this innovative technology, which will support the company in the transition from delivering oil and gas oriented engineering solutions to more renewable energy oriented engineering solutions. One of the most challenging parts of installing monopiles from a free floating and dynamic positioned vessel is to safely lower the monopile in a vertical position from the vessel and down to the seabed. In this sequence, the monopiles will be lowered by a crane. Due to heave and roll motion of the vessel and also wave and wind forces acting directly on the monopile, the monopile may start to swing uncontrolled. Such uncontrolled swing may cause dangerously high crane forces and/or a collision with the vessel. Thus, the main task for this technology is to ensure a safe and controlled installation. The project will develop this technology using state-of-the-arte sensor technology and an advanced control system to ensure safe landing within a predefined area and a vertical monopile position after self-penetration and hammering.

Funding scheme:

MAROFF-2-Maritim virksomhet og offsh-2