On display at ONS
The new K-Pos Dynamic Positioning Controller (DPC), based on KONGSBERG System Technology, will be shown for the first time on the Kongsberg Maritime stand at ONS 2006.
Segregation and redundancy
The unique design of the new DPC extends the principles of system segregation and redundancy that result in the robustness and high system availability of the K-Pos dynamic positioning system. The system utilises a scalable module concept which corresponds to the overall architecture of a dynamic positioning system and may be equipped with one, two or three processor units, supporting single, dual and triple redundant dynamic positioning control systems.
Increased redundancy
The processors are synchronized on a dual network that is separated from the process network, which is reserved for communication with other segments of a vessel system using KONGSBERG System Technology. This solution ensures that the DP controller will continue operation even if there is a system failure at a higher level, providing increased redundancy and therefore safety and operational reliability.
Support friendly
The DPC is supplied in a cabinet that is arranged for a logical approach to controller upgrades as well as to installation and fault finding. The same cabinet can be used for single and dual systems, though triple systems use an additional top section for the third processor. The hardware concept for a redundant solution contains:
- Main processors with dedicated processor synchronization network
- Dual process LAN for communication with Operator Stations and other IAS units
- I/O modules snapped on to rails with built-in dual power and RBus, i.e. high speed serial I/O-bus
- For stand-alone systems: full segregation per thruster, one I/O module per unit. Built-in galvanic isolation and loop monitoring.
- Segregation of serial line I/O. Each serial line input is read by all main processors.
Smarter, simpler and safer
"Our new Dynamic Positioning Controller is smarter, simpler and safer, providing users with more operational reliability and less cost of ownership," comments Roy Larsen, Kongsberg Maritime. "KONGSBERG System Technology is being implemented across a wide range of key shipboard systems, providing a real difference in operation through utilisation of a common, shipe-wide system architecture and where possible, common user-interface."