SCSC2003 Abstract S5149

On-Board Training System with improved damage control model

On-Board Training System with improved damage control model

Submitting Author: Mr. Tony El-Chakieh

Abstract:
Imbedded in most of CAE's Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS) is an On-Board Training System (OBTS). The OBTS is a comprehensive training simulator with a real-time high fidelity model of the ship machinery at its core. The OBTS enables one (or several) Ship Control Center (SCC) operator to switch its actual control console into a powerful training tool. Through the same console and using the same Human/Machine Interface the operator is no longer monitoring and controlling the real ship but acting on a virtual ship. The operator-trainee can then safely proceed with normal and emergency operations and be exposed to a wide variety of equipment failures all in its day to day environment. The OBTS can be used as a self-training tool (with or without an instructor) or as a team-training tool with several control consoles operating on the same training network. As a side benefit, the model designed for the OBTS is also used during the development of the ship control system
to validate its design.

The simulation models are focusing on those systems that are typically controlled by the IMCS, i.e. the propulsion, ancillary, electrical and auxiliary systems. Those models are built from CAE's proven graphical simulation design tool - ROSEŽ and provide a very high degree of intersystem integration. To insure realism in overall ship behavior, each model design is guided by first principle equations.

To better suit the current capabilities of the IMCS and address an important training aspect that was neglected in the past, the simulation models have now been enhanced with an improved damage control model. The idea is to expend the model scope to consider flooding, fire and smoke, ventilation and compartment pressurization. Our training goals can be achieved by sub-dividing the ship into control volumes (nodes) considering damage control zones, decks, citadel zones, etc. An example of a control volume could be the Forward Engine Room. Conservation equations are used to determine pressure, temperature, fire, smoke and flooding within each control volume. The model considers the states of gas tight and watertight doors between the control volumes. The control volumes have some interactions with the ventilation system, adjacent control volumes and major equipment and pipes within the control volume. Air, floodwater, fire or smoke can be exchanged between control volumes if t
he gas tight or watertight doors are left open. Floodwater can enter a control volume from an instructor triggered pipe break or hull breach.

With an integrated model such as the one developed for the OBTS, the instructor has very little to contribute to ensure a realistic training environment for the SCC operators. However, to better control the training session and extend the training capabilities CAE's user-friendly instructor facility ISIS? is provided as part of the OBTS. Apart from the basic simulation control such as simulation freeze/unfreeze and store/restore of model status, the ISIS? is also used to activate equipment failure (built into the model) and operate local controls not accessible to the trainee operator. To further reduce the instructor workload, all ISIS? functions can be used by a lesson plan editor. The lesson plan editor enables the instructor to create a set of events prior to the actual training session. The instructor at the ISIS? can then launch the lesson whenever it is needed.



Back to SCSC2003 Abstracts