A methodological framework for modelling complex technical marine systems for diagnostic purposes

Hierarchical modelling of multiple interacting complex marine technical systems for model-based diagnosis is presented. A component-centered view of such systems, typically carrying a main flow, such as heavy fuel oil or steam/condensate, enables definition of so-called elementary components. Transformers, as special components interacting on different systems, are modelled by means of several elementary components, associated with the interacting systems and communicating only by neutral, peripheral connections. Hierarchical organization of the structure of the system, defined by its components as well as by its topology, is reached by stepwise grouping of components guided by this topology