The optimal thrust allocation based on QPSO algorithm for dynamic positioning vessels

Dynamic positioning systems (DPS) play an essential role in ocean engineering. The thrust system is an important part of DPS. A good thrust allocation can reduce energy consumption as well as small errors. In order to get the more energy-efficient thrust allocation strategy, a non-linear allocation optimization model is proposed in this paper. And singular avoidance, power limitations, and mechanical structures are considered. Then an effective optimum allocation is provided based on Quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization algorithm (QPSO). Numerical simulations is given, which shows that the proposed strategy works well.