Full Scale CFD Validation on Thruster-Hull Interaction on a Semi-Submersible Crane Vessel in Transit Condition

Heerema Marine Contractors operates three semi-submersible crane vessels; the Thialf, Balder and Hermod. The first two vessels are equipped with a DP system. The ability of each crane vessel to keep its position depends highly on the performance of the DP system of that crane vessel. The thrust efficiency of the DP system depends on the efficiency of the individual thruster, but also on the interaction of the thruster wake and the hull of the vessel. Thruster-hull interaction is important during operations, but also during transits from one location to another. During the transits of the Balder and Thialf, the DP thrusters are used as propulsion. Understanding the thruster-hull interaction effects in this transit condition can result in an optimum thrust setting. In previous validation studies CFD was used to assess the current loads and the thruster-hull interaction on a semi-submersible vessel. In these studies the CFD results were validated with a series of dedicated model tests. The comparison between the CFD and model test data shows that CFD is able to predict the relevant force components within a sufficient accuracy for engineering purposes. However, Heerema Marine Contractors is mainly interested in full scale data. Unfortunately, not much full scale data is available to validate the extrapolation of model test and CFD results to full scale thruster efficiency. Therefore a first validation study is performed based on acquired full scale data during a transit of the Thialf in Q4 2011. Comparing the full scale test data with the CFD results shows that the CFD can be used to predict which settings is the most efficient. Optimization of thruster settings on semi-submersible vessels is not trivial due to number and location of the azimuth thrusters. Using CFD simulations the power settings and azimuth angles of the thrusters were changed to obtain the optimal thrust setting during transit. In Q2 2012 the Thialf made her first transit after a dry-dock period in which the hull was cleaned and painted. Repeating similar tests conditions as in Q4 2011 demonstrates the effect of a clean hull. Additional tests demonstrated the effect of a more efficient thrust setting originated by the CFD results. The implications of the optimized azimuth setting in transit on the life time of the thruster is verified using CFD and FEM. The paper addresses lessons learnt to improve the CFD simulations as well as practical aspects and limitations of thrust efficiency modeling using CFD. It demonstrates that CFD can be used to understand the associated flow physics and that CFD can be used to predict improvements in thrust efficiencies. In addition, some lessons learnt on full scale monitoring will be addressed.