Fugro is launching an important upgrade to its Electric ROV pilot training simulators. Most observation-class ROVs and many light work-class ROVs are electrical-based systems. With the introduction of a new electric ROV control pod and suite of electric ROV specific components, Fugro’s DeepWorks simulation software now models all electric sub-systems with greater accuracy and enables failure cases to be simulated on individual sensors and circuits. This enables not just a wider range of training scenarios to be conceived, but also enables new vehicle configurations to be assembled in a way that reflects their true circuit diagrams for more transparent testing and validation in the simulator before the vehicle enters service.
A new overlay designer has been added to the ROV simulator’s runtime tools. This allows both scenario builders and training supervisors to quickly configure and manage overlays. Easy to use, the overlay designer displays navigation and sensor information in exactly the same way as the real vehicle system. Crucial instrumentation data such as heading, pitch and roll as well as camera tilt angle reaches the overlay through the control pod.
Other simulation enhancements include a new garage system as used by the Saab Seaeye observation class vehicles in Fugro’s fleet. This new tethering system allows vehicle specific docking and undocking training.
A new Cathodic Protection (CP) measurement probe has been added. This contactless, half-cell probe provides real time CP measurement of both subsea pipelines and structures and can be deployed by either ROVs or divers. A virtual CP field is detected by the CP probe and continuously displayed via the overlay and recorded within the simulation data for post mission analysis.
There are now additional controlled failure modes. Improved feedback to the console includes Water Detection, Ground Detect and Line Impedance Monitor (LIM) faults on circuits and sensors.
“To be able to connect up a vehicle’s sub-systems through junction boxes and valve packs in the same way as the real vehicle, puts us in a much stronger position to train not just piloting skills but also vehicle assembly and fault finding in a simulated environment and thus arm ROV designers and pilot technicians with a broader skillset”, said Dr Jason Tisdall, Business Line Manager with Fugro’s Robotic Technologies business.
Stuart Soutar, Fugro Academy Simulation Training Supervisor, added, “Electric ROVs are used extensively throughout Fugro and play a big role in observation and inspection operations. Now the capability of simulating electric ROV systems together with the new Saab Seaeye garage system, will allow the Fugro Academy to add important electric ROV training to the expanding list of simulation training scenarios currently being developed.”
Seaeye Tiger performing CP inspection
For more information visitwww.fugro.comand www.fugrogrl.com
Further information is also available from:
Simon Marr
Business Development Manager
Fugro Subsea Services Limited
Tel: +44 (0)1908 224 670
Email: s.marr@fugrogrl.com