Modeling, simulation and design optimization of a hoisting rig active heave compensation system

The objective of this paper is to present an approach in developing a virtual active heave compensation system for a draw-works on a hoisting rig. A virtual system enables quicker overall product development time of a physical system as well as flexibility in optimizing the design parameters. Development of the virtual system started with the modelling of the draw-works and hoisting rig dynamics. Simulations of this model were run in two operational modes while subject to a sinusoidal wave: heave compensation and seabed landing of a payload. The results were analyzed and used for optimization in terms of cost and performance. This lays the groundwork for further testing either through hardware-in-the-loop testing (HIL) or using an actual prototype.