Advances in automation design for fast vessels propulsion

ABSTRACT: Superior performance, flexibility and energy efficiency, make more and more important the automation role in marine propulsion applications. Controller hardware and software should be designed for safe operation in all conditions, as well as for high dynamic performance. The increasing complexity of the actual marine propulsion systems leads to the development of dedicated control functions, according to special requirements. In order to test performance and reliability of the propulsion control logics, new design approaches for the marine automation design should be introduced. With regard to this, the “Real Time Hardware in the Loop” (RT HIL) simulation technique is becoming a standard part of the design process for the propulsion controller of the last and most important Italian naval vessels. This paper deals with some new solutions in automation design, from the RT HIL simulation benefits to the introduction of special control aspects, due to the need to manage high power engines for different propulsion conditions. In particular, the general propulsion automation schemes, analysed in this paper and proposed for high powered fast ships, are the results of the experience gained by the authors during the cooperation between Genoa University and the Italian automation provider “Seastema”, for the propulsion controllers designs of the aircraft carrier Cavour (COGAG propulsion) and FREMM Class frigates (CODLAG propulsion).