Performance Evaluation

The objectives of the IOT Research Plan are to develop and transfer ocean technology solutions of importance to Canada, and to build a nation-wide portfolio of private and public sector clients and partners.

Determining the performance of ships and offshore structures in harsh ocean conditions is a core competency of the NRC Institute for Ocean Technology. Reliable performance evaluation has commercial value to all industry sectors, and is essential to the preservation of life and protection of the marine environment. Continued concern for energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions also drive the demand for efficient systems.

An offshore platform is evaluated in the Offshore Engineering Basin

IOT pursues a range of research projects in performance evaluation through partnerships with Canadian companies and public sector agencies. Its long-range objectives include developing competencies in the assessment of ocean energy devices, providing state-of-the-art wave modeling in its Offshore Engineering Basin, and developing a mathematical model of turbulence stimulations. The Institute is also assisting the Canadian Navy in defining operational envelopes for its vessels, and helping to develop an advanced marine control system that reduces fuel consumption. Other current projects in performance evaluation include:

Ocean Energy Technologies

IOT is providing Canadian developers of ocean energy devices with the performance evaluation tools required to test and refine their concepts. These tools include numerical simulation, physical modeling and field trials. The Institute works with industry to investigate new technologies for renewable energy, and advises government and regulatory bodies on their ocean energy activities. It is also an advocate for a concerted, national effort towards the development of this alternative energy source.

Wave and Turbulence Modeling

IOT has an ongoing project to study and improve the generation and propagation of second order, shallow water waves in its Offshore Engineering Basin. It is also pursuing the numerical and experimental modeling of wave reflection by current in the basin. As well, researchers are developing and validating a mathematical model of turbulence stimulation, utilizing the Institute's Cavitation Tunnel.

Optimal Fuel Control

Skyrocketing increases in fuel costs, combined with the need to reduce emissions, are forcing the marine transportation industry to find new ways to reduce consumption. Recent work carried out by IOT has indicated the important role that a vessel's control system (the autopilot) plays in ride comfort, safety and, most importantly, fuel efficiency. A poorly designed autopilot system can induce roll (limiting operations), raise maintenance costs, and burn too much fuel. The goal of this project is to establish how widespread the problem is by analyzing data from a variety of vessel types. The work is being carried out in collaboration with Rutter Technology Inc., which has voyage data recording equipment on over 2500 vessels worldwide. This data will be used to analyze ship and fleet performance and, if warranted, the project scope will be amended to include the development of a vessel control system that is optimal in terms of vessel motion, safety and fuel consumption.

Submarine Seakeeping

This surface operations evaluation involves the design, fabrication, outfitting and testing of a 1:15 scale free-running model of the Canadian Victoria-class submarine. Researchers are measuring and recording model motions, position, speed, relative motions, water and waves elevation, and propeller revolutions, in both regular and irregular wave conditions. The long-term objective is to improve the safety of submarine operations, while in the short term helping to define the performance envelope while surfaced. IOT conducts a wide range of evaluations for the Department of National Defence, from the hydrodynamics of navy divers to frigate fuel consumption.

Submarine models

Ship-Model Correlation

The Institute maintains its reputation for worldclass research by continually upgrading and evaluating the critical tools used in the simulation of full-scale marine vehicles. Using data collected from field trials and model experiments, researchers are demonstrating that the IOT Planar Motion Mechamism can be used to acquire data to accurately simulate ship manoeuvres. Wake survey experiments are also being carried out to demonstrate that data acquired using new pressure sensors compare favourably to data from previous experiments on the same model.

Experiments involving a high speed hull form

Seaplane Float Analysis

IOT is assisting a Canadian manufacturer in the performance evaluation of a new design of float for use on small aircraft. The new floats explore the potential of a multi-step design to reduce take-off distances and improve performance in rough water by reducing the sensitivity to pitch of the float. Two design options are being studied, with measurement of upward force and pitch and roll moments, along with basic resistance measurement. At a scale of 1:5 researchers can test performance up to approx. 40 knots. The results will provide the manufacturer with an advantage in an internationally competitive industry.

For details on these and other projects, as well as information on working with the NRC Institute for Ocean Technology, contact Noel Murphy, Business Development Officer, at (709) 772-4939 or e-mail noel.murphy@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.

Related Information

Institutes:

• NRC Institute for Ocean Technology