A hierarchical control architecture for mobile offshore bases

• Published in: Marine structures Vol. 13; no. 4; pp. 459 - 476
• Main Authors: Girard, Anouck, Karl Hedrick, J., Tasso de Figueiredo Borges de Sousa, João
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2000; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Control architecture; Dynamic positioning; Exact sciences and technology; Hybrid system; Hydraulic constructions; Marine; Mobile offshore base (MOB); Motion control; Navigation systems; Offshore structure (platforms, tanks, etc.); SCADA systems; Structural analysis; Supervisory control; Supervisory control; Dynamic positioning; Mobile offshore base (MOB); Hybrid system; Control architecture; System architecture; Design criterion; Mobile installation; Hierarchical control; System design; Functional analysis; Offshore structure; Dynamic stabilization; Communication technology; Monitoring
• ISSN: 0951-8339; 1873-4170
• DOI: 10.1016/S0951-8339(00)00035-6

A hierarchical architecture for mobile offshore bases (MOB) control is presented. By a control architecture we mean a specific way of organizing the motion control and navigation functions performed by the MOB. It is convenient to organize the functions into hierarchical layers. This way, a complex design problem is partitioned into a number of more manageable subproblems that are addressed in separate layers. The decomposition also allows for modular design and testing and the incorporation of plug-and-play components. This paper discusses the MOB requirements and maps them onto a layered control architecture. The formalization of the hierarchy is accomplished in terms of the specific functions performed by each layer and of the interfaces between layers. The implementation of the layers is discussed and illustrative examples are provided.