N092-139 TITLE: Precision Control Systems aligned with Secondary Propulsion Sources

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Research and Development supported by NAVSEA 073

OBJECTIVE: Provide integrated highly precise control of ship navigation using a centralized electronic control system paired with directional propulsion systems.

DESCRIPTION: The goal of this topic is to develop a precision control system integrated with existing automated GPS based Navigation systems allowing for extremely accurate ship control. An integrated precision control system paired with the above and working in conjunction with primary and secondary vectored thrust propulsion systems would provide the next generation naval platforms with mission specific capabilities ranging from enhanced littoral and minefield navigation to automated mooring/unmooring capabilities. Individual components required to meet such precise control are under development or already exist but require an integrated approach to system control in order to provide the potential full spectrum of automated ship control. Such a precise control system could provide potentially enormous cost of life ship savings through reduced manning requirements, elimination of secondary support cost such as tug fees accrued during mooring evolutions as well as reduction in maintenance cost associated with exist mechanical control systems.

PHASE I: Conduct feasibility study to provide an integrated advanced precision control system to meet the stated objectives. Investigate any required export licensing controls or technical assistance. Contrast applicable cost reductions in operations, maintenance and training.

PHASE II: Prototype and demonstrate an enhanced end to end digital precision control system symbiotically aligned with an applicable secondary propulsion system emphasizing directional thrust control.

PHASE III: Demonstrated applications as a viable Next Generation Submarine Precision controlled secondary propulsion sources conceivably retro-active to previous platform generations.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: Precision Control ship handling system paired with directional thrust provides benefits to the river boat flotilla that ply the nation’s waterways. Highly precise position keeping will benefit the buoy tenders, oil exploration and any other commercial application requiring precise positioning of a floating platform. Zero profile high thrust propulsion will provide enhanced littoral water capabilities for Tug Services, Coast Guard applications, Geo-Thermal and Oil Explorations vessels as well as a variety of working trawler potential uses.

REFERENCES:
1. First Year (2003) Report: System Dynamics and Control of Podded Propulsors, M. Triantafyllou, F. Hover, and J. Stettler, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

2. Adnanes, A.K. (2003), Maritime Electrical Installations and Diesel Electric Propulsion, Tutorial Report/Textbook, ABB Marine AS, Oslo, Norway 2003.

3. Damir Radan, Power Electonic Converters For Ship Propulsiton Electric Motors, Part of the NTNU project All Electric Ship Department of Marine Technology, NTNU.

KEYWORDS: Precision Directional Control; Enhanced Ship Handling; Position Keeping; Thrust Vectoring; Software Flexibility; High Power Density

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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