DEVELOPMENT OF AUTOMATIC OPERATION SYSTEM WITH FUZZY CONTROL APPLIED TO TRAILING SUCTION HOPPER DREDGER

Abstract

The existing automation system of dredging operation for trailing suction hopper dredger gives only sequential control or constant control and as a result the volume of dredged soil is not as much as what is achieved by manual operation. Therefore, the study on the more advanced automatic dredging system using fuzzy control has been carried out to improve dredging production. This paper describes the application of fuzzy control to the basic elements of dredging operation--ship's speed, revolution of dredging pump etc. -- and installation of light soil-water mixture recycling system and its fuzzy control and the result of experimental dredging trial.