Session: 16-08-01 Numerical Wave Tank - Intelligent Systems, Automation and Digitalization, Maneuvering

Submission Number: 181167

Wave Basin Hydrodynamic Calibrator of Numerical Offshore Tank (TPN) 

Wave basins are fundamental tools in Ocean and Offshore Engineering for studying hydrodynamics through experimental campaigns that require precise wave generation and the controlled imposition of movements and forces on models. To maximize data quality and efficiency, the Hydrodynamic Calibrator (CH-TPN), despite its relatively reduced dimensions (14×14×4.1m), has focused since its construction in 2010 on integrated instrumentation and advanced control methodologies rather than tank size.

The facility effectively mitigates confinement effects, such as reflections and standing waves, through an active wave absorption system. This system utilizes wave probes positioned in front of the 152 flaps to provide real-time feedback for motion correction. The basin is capable of generating regular, irregular, and transient waves, with a maximum height of 0.25 m and periods ranging from 0.4 to 2.5 s. Furthermore, the system's automation has been significantly enhanced with new capabilities: Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), also called Cyber-Physical Emulation, and Reduced-Scale Dynamic Positioning (DP) Integrated. The first one is related to the integration of numerical modeling with physical experiments for force emulation. This was successfully implemented and tested using both electric thrusters (wind emulation) and electric motor cable drivers to impose dynamic forces on models (e.g., Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (FOWT) and DP vessels), calculated in real-time based on the physical model's movements measurement. The later is related to Real-time control of DP vessels using a numerical interface that simulates the ship’s dynamic behavior, enabling the study of various wave headings and operational scenarios. These integrated technologies collectively facilitate the execution of experiments aligned with Digital Twin applications, enabling a real-time comparison between model tests and numerical simulations.

This paper describes the main features and technological implementations of the CH-TPN. Experiments demonstrating the system’s capacity include: testing a FOWT with aerodynamic forces emulated via SIL under various environmental conditions; Digital Twin implementations of a DP vessel controlled over the internet with a JAVA-based simulation; and a swarm of three cooperative DP vessels for studying formation control algorithms. A key illustration of the fully integrated system is an experiment involving a DP vessel with six azimuthing thrusters where external wind and current forces were simultaneously emulated by four cable drivers, allowing for the testing of weather-vane optimization and complex thrust allocation algorithms. The methodologies and technological advancements detailed herein not only improve result quality and expand experimental capabilities but also reinforce the practical training of university researchers and students.

Presenting Author: Pedro Cardozo De Mello University of São Paulo

Presenting Author Biography: Pedro C. de Mello was born in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1976. He earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from São Paulo State University (UNESP) in 2002 and his M.S. in Oceanic Engineering from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) in 2006. He completed his Ph.D. in Mechatronic Engineering at the University of São Paulo (USP) in 2012. From 2004 to 2005, he conducted research at the LabOceano ocean basin at UFRJ. Since 2006, he has been a researcher at the Numerical Offshore Tank at USP. Between 2017 and 2018, he served as an Assistant Professor in the Naval and Oceanic Engineering Department at USP. Since 2012, he has coordinated the wave basin at the Numerical Offshore Tank at USP. Pedro has authored 24 articles and 39 conference papers. His research interests include the hydrodynamics of offshore systems in reduced-scale model tests, control and automation for wave generators with active wave absorption in wave basins, reproduction of surface waves in model tests, time reversal studies applied to wave basins, dynamic position control for vessels, and hybrid model tests with actuators. Since 2018, he has been a member of two ITTC (International Towing Tank Conference) committees. In 2025, he resumed his role as Assistant Professor in the Naval and Oceanic Engineering Department at USP.

Authors:

Pedro Cardozo De Mello University of São Paulo
Eduardo Aoun Tannuri University of São Paulo
Izabela Frazão Alberto University of São Paulo
Kazuo Nishimoto University of São Paulo