Presentations

Abstract

As the industry moves towards commercialization of FOSW it is imperative that the supply chain and supporting port infrastructure be logistically capable of supporting the proposed worldwide rollout of FOSW. Understanding the commercialization of FOSW and its effects on the port ecosystem can be realized by using dynamic simulation software. This software can model the FOSW supply chain starting at the waterfront component manufacturing site, into the assembly and marshalling port and through the integration, wet storage and tow out processes. This modeling process provides the ability to visualize how proposed port-based methodologies may affect an OSW port facility's capacity, operations, efficiency and revenue generation. By changing the model input and variables, the model can simulate proposed operations at the port facility and compare the performance of various scenarios. This software offers both a visual and a report-based analysis of the terminal that identifies pinch points and congestion areas during operations. The software is driven by user input and variability is applied to each input to better represent real world conditions. In addition, weather related thresholds (wind, wave, current) are applied to crane operations integration and tow out operations. The system also incorporates wet storage of both foundation units as well as fully integrated turbines. Fully integrated turbines are released for tow out only when weather conditions are under set thresholds. The performance of the port supply chain can be analyzed in virtual space via an iterative process. This can increase efficiency and work towards optimization of the system. Typical tracked parameters include, berth utilization, uplands inventories and efficiencies, project durations and maximum system throughput.