Modeling of active heave compensation system of deep-sea mining based on dynamic vibration absorber and its H∞ robust control
The heave compensation system is vital for the deep-sea mining system undergoes excessive vibrations due to irregular wave loads for both normal operating and extreme conditions. To ensure its safety and operation efficiency, a novel active heave compensation system of deep-sea mining based on dynamic vibration absorber was proposed in this paper. The three-degree-of-freedom dynamic models of active heave compensation system based on dynamic vibration absorber in irregular wave are established. A H∞ Robust controller is designed for active heave compensation system by applying robust loop shaping control. The performance of H∞ robust controller and its robustness stability of the system are simulated and analyzed in frequency domain. The results show that the performance of the system in wave energy concentrated frequency domain of China's deep-sea mining field was improved by the concentrated weighting of acceleration output. And it also shows that the designed H∞ controller is perfect in system robustness stability against some parameter fluctuations of the system model. Therefore the designed active heave compensation system is practical to isolate the lift pipe and its support platform from the significant vibration of the ship motion induced by the irregular wave.
Optimum design of dynamic vibration absorbers of the continuous parameters system based on power flow
In accordance with a continuous parameters vibration system with dynamic vibration absorbers (DVAs), an equivalent admittance matrix and a correctional one are defined on the basis of the theories of structure mobility, and the process of dynamic analysis of the complex system is simplified. On the condition, those power flow inputted the system from vibration source, transmitted to major structure and absorbed by sub-structure are deduced. Furthermore, regarding the net power flow of main vibration system as the controlled object, discussed profoundly are the optimal design strategy of one or several absorbers controlled single or multiple models of the continuous parameters system, and it is validated by numerical calculus with computer. Finally, studied is the position of the vibration source influence to the transfer characteristic of power flow in vibration system and to the optimum parameters and control effect of absorbers.
Ocean thermal energy conversion: The promise of a clean future
Due to the world's heavy dependence on fossil fuels for electricity, pollution and global warming is on the rise. However, numerous countries are still relying on diesel generators as their main source of energy. There is a lack of practical alternative energy source that can meet the global energy demand without posing any threat to the natural environment. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a concept that has the potential to address this growing issue. It is basically a mechanism that exploits the temperature difference between warm surface seawater and cold deep ocean water, to produce electricity. Although OTEC has a low energy density, the thermal energy in the ocean is vastly abundant. OTEC development has been dormant for a long time since it was first proposed in 1881. However, it has now regained recognition worldwide as a realistic solution to our world energy issue. Instead of having a great potential for power generation, it also carries the ability to produce high value products from the large volume of Deep Sea Water (DSW) that can be released as byproducts of OTEC plant operation. These products can hold a very profitable place in industries such as pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics and mineral water production. Further research on ocean current and DSW properties can someday lead to the commercial used of OTEC. This paper is a review of the basic concept, present status and future prospects of OTEC around the world.