Session: 01-01-01 Offshore Platforms-I

Paper Number: 126339

126339 - Numerical Modeling of a Motion-Neutralized Floater Concept for Maritime Operations 

For continuous operation in harsh sea conditions, such as those seen in the North and Norwegian seas during the winter season, a floater must demonstrate reduced amplitudes of motion. A concept of a motion-compensations mechanism has been proposed that can cancel, or at least diminish, the level of such motions. In this context, a three-column asymmetric semisubmersible floater with passive motion-control technology, dubbed “Sakayan”, is discussed. This new floater concept can be used for offshore wind generation, as well as for light well interventions. Passive control is performed through the usage of air chambers, which exist inside each of its three columns. This is a continuation of previous research efforts to investigate the effectiveness of air chambers to compensate for heave motion. This work aims to further study the dynamics of this floater and verify its capability to ameliorate the heave and pitch/roll motions. Numerical simulations are carried out using commercial software in the frequency and time domains. Results show that the presence of air chambers indeed reduces the amplitude of motion for most of the six degrees of freedom and wave/wind incidence angles, albeit complete elimination is not achieved. Further studies are necessary in relation to the application of an active control system for the present floater concept.

Presenting Author: Marcelo Jaculli NTNU

Presenting Author Biography: I possess a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master's and doctorate in Petroleum Engineering, all from the University of Campinas, Brazil, with a doctoral stay at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway. I am currently a postdoctoral fellow at NTNU. I have research experience in well engineering: well safety and integrity, and well operations (drilling, completion, intervention, and abandonment). I also have experience in mechanical and ocean engineering applications within petroleum engineering: analysis of risers and drill strings, equipment reliability, and vessel dynamics.

Authors:

Marcelo Jaculli NTNU
Savin Viswanathan NTNU
Christian Holden NTNU
Bernt Leira NTNU
Sigbjørn Sangesland NTNU