Microprocessor Application on Board Ships

Through participation in several research projects concerned with the application of computers on board ships, the R & D department in Det norske Veritas has played a major part in the development of 4 different types of microprocessor units suitable for installation on board ships. These are: Condition monitoring unit for diesel engines; condition monitoring unit for mechanical conditions in steam power plants; condition monitoring unit for thermodynamic conditions in steam power plants; and condition monitoring unit for dynamic loads in the ships´ hull. All four units may generally be classified as minicomputer replacements. The applications are presented with a description of history, function, type of sensors, complexity of hardware/software, and experience obtained. Future aspects of microprocessor applications on board ships will also be discussed