Real-Time Embedded Control for the Propulsion System of Semi-submersible Platform

A semi-submersible platform (SSP) is a marine vehicle for offshore resource exploitation with a complex structure, working conditions, and the ability to operate independently at offshore sea. In particular, controlling the propulsion system in dynamic positioning (DP) mode plays a crucial role in exploiting SSP. Recent studies have focused on building SSP structures. However, control approaches for SSP are few and only focus on developing theory. Therefore, the real-time embedded control for the SSP scale experimental model is urgent work. In this paper, the authors build an experimental SSP model (named UT-SSP 02) at a scale of 1:100 compared to the actual StenaDon rig. Next, we establish a central control system to compute the force for the propulsion system. Finally, the embedded solution design defines real-time control of the speed and direction of rotation for the propulsion system to drive the UT-SSP 02 model to the desired position. Using Matlab software, the experimental results in experimental scenarios show the advantages of the proposed approach.