Posters
Come meet the poster presenters to ask them questions and discuss their work
We would like to invite you to come and see the posters at our upcoming conference. The posters will showcase a diverse range of research topics, and will give delegates an opportunity to engage with the authors and learn more about their work. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or simply curious about the latest developments in your field, we believe that the posters will offer something of interest to everyone. So please join us at the conference and take advantage of this opportunity to learn and engage with your peers in the academic community. We look forward to seeing you there!
PO296: RESIDENT ROBOTICS SOLUTIONS FOR SUBSEA INSPECTIONS AND MONITORING OF OFFSHORE WIND FARM FACILITIES
Marco Novello, Technology and Innovation Manager, Saipem
Abstract
Underwater Inspection and Maintenance activities represent a critical and economically impacting activity of the operational life of the Offshore Wind Farms. Assessing the integrity of, in particular, the floating units, their safe mooring to the seabed and the integrity of the electrical connections is of paramount importance to guarantee the availability and avoid loss of production. Currently, inspection and maintenance are carried out by using conventional ROVs deployed from support vessels. Costs associated with the operational activities are considerable since the mobilization of expensive assets and personnel is needed. Furthermore, HSE risks associated with offshore operations are significant and the impact on the environment in terms of greenhouse gases emissions is not negligible. The use of underwater drones, with their ability to operate autonomously for long periods, represents a disruptive way to conduct IMR operations for the offshore wind installations. Improvement of maintenance and operational costs is one of the main drivers, even if other significant benefits include enhance safety in offshore operations, reach decarbonization targets, increase the security of critical offshore infrastructures. In a wider perspective, underwater drones technology will deliver a sustainable future to the offshore energy. This presentation details a study aimed at verifying the subsea drones applicability to windfarms inspections and maintenance, in terms of technical capabilities, seakeeping, operational autonomy and cost sustainability. Furthermore, the study explored the contribution of the drones technology to a digitalized approach of the IMR activities, leveraging on their capabilities to provide a continuous stream of high-quality digital information, enabling the optimization of the inspections schedule, integrated with condition monitoring systems for a prompt intervention in case of emergency. Different real operational scenarios have been evaluated demonstrating that the new generation of Underwater Drones can be effectively used in this context, meeting the requirements from operators and specific international standards.
