Advanced Dynamics Fully Electric Heave Compensated Subsea Crane

Marine cranes are vital tools in the offshore industry for handling heavy loads and ensuring stability during subsea operations. Traditionally, Active Heave Compensation (AHC) systems have relied on hydraulic power due to its high-power density and robustness. The industry is currently undergoing a significant transformation driven by global sustainability targets and increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Traditional hydraulic systems pose severe environmental risks through potential oil leaks and require extensive maintenance. In response to the "green shift," there is a critical need to develop fully electric alternatives that eliminate hydraulic fluids while maintaining or exceeding current performance levels. While some electric cranes exist, engineering challenges remain, such as managing regenerative energy surges that can destabilize a vessel's electrical grid. This project develops a viable design for a fully electric, active heave-compensated sea crane using the Moving Frame Method. This novel methodology utilizes rotation matrices to relate moving frames in real-time, allowing for rapid 3D dynamics simulation and optimization in MATLAB. The proposed design utilizes a hybrid solution combining supercapacitor based energy storage to manage power surges with advanced AHC control algorithms for precise motion control. The design is validated through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and a scaled 3D-printed prototype to ensure structural integrity and verify the computational model. This approach provides a sustainable, high-performance solution that aligns with modern environmental and industrial requirements.