• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

CYBERSEA SIMULATOR TECHNOLOGY

Independent  Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing of control systems such as dynamic postioning and power management systems is based on the CyberSea Simulator Technology. We provide:

• Use of a vessel specific CyberSea simulator connected to the target control system, for use at factory test and onboard testing.
• A vessel specific comprehensive test program based on the equipment, functionality and operational philosophy of the vessel. The acceptance criteria and test scenarios are based on class and IMO requirements, client requirements, reported incidents, and other international standards and guidelines.
• Verification of operational procedures and an opportunity for training of personnell during onboard HIL testing.
• Documentation and quality assurance in compliance with DNV's standard for certification of HIL testing.
• Findings are followed up by Marine Cybernetics.

The simulator tools are configured and customized for each particular vessel based on state-of-the-art mathematical models and our CyberSea Simulator Technology. The test tools are brought in for each test activity and will not be left onboard the vessel, unless agreed for training purposes. Interfacing solutions are developed together with the equipment suppliers in order to ensure efficient and secure communication between the target control system and the CyberSea simulator.

By spring 2007 about 20 vessels have been subject to HIL testing by Marine Cybernetics, including dynamic positioning or power management systems on AHTS, PSV, drilling vessels, diving support vessels, well intervention vessels, shuttle tankers, and other offshore vessels.

PMS Systems

Reliable Power Management Systems (PMS) are important for the safe and efficient operation of vessels. PMS failures related to computer and software problems have lead to a number of incidents resulting in full or partial blackouts. Independent testing by Marine Cybernetics using HIL technology will secure the required safety and availability of PMS systems, as well as provide thorough testing which results in reduced quality costs.
In PMS-HIL testing, the PMS control system is connected to the real-time CyberSea Simulator via a Fieldbus network, control network, or hardwired I/O interface. The simulator replicates the complexity and physics of the maritime power generator system. At FAT the CyberSea Simulator is used to simulate the signals necessary for realistic closed loop operation of the PMS.

At dock and sea trials, the CyberSea simulator receives status, command and sensor signals through this interface from the integrated control system, and adds test signals or failure modes to these signals before forwarding the signals. The simulator performs testing of the integrated control system’s redundancy, failure detection and handling ability.

DP Systems

DP-HIL testing will reduce quality costs for DP vessels and make the building, commissioning and sea trial process predictable and efficient. The main advantage of this testing is that software errors, configuration errors and faulty parameter settings are detected during testing at an earlier stage. The DP system vendor can then correct errors and improve the DP system systematically, in advance of commissioning, sea trials and delivery of vessel.

Reliable DP systems are important for the safe and efficient DP operation. DP failures related to software problems have lead to a number of incidents resulting in drive-offs, drift-offs and loss of position. This affects safety and results in less operational availability and increased off-hire.

The DP-HIL test includes function testing, failure testing and performance testing. Function testing covers basic DP modes, thrust allocation, weighting and voting of several position reference systems and sensors, backup control system handling, as well as available power load reduction. Failure testing covers single and multiple errors including protocol errors, feedback signal failures, signal freeze, bit errors, network failures, and high variance. Performance testing covers thrust capability, station keeping and tracking accuracy for different sea states wind and current loads. Operational procedures are also verified through a DP-HIL test.