In this study, the second-order Nomoto’s nonlinear expansion model was implemented as a Tagaki-Sugeno fuzzy model based on the heading angular velocity to design the automatic steering system of a ship considering nonlinear elements. A Tagaki-Sugeno fuzzy PID controller was designed using the applied fuzzy membership functions from the Tagaki-Sugeno fuzzy model. The linear models and fuzzy membership functions of each operating point of a given nonlinear expansion model were simultaneously tuned using a genetic algorithm. It was confirmed that the implemented Tagaki-Sugeno fuzzy model could accurately describe the given nonlinear expansion model through the Zig-Zag experiment. The optimal parameters of the sub-PID controller for each operating point of the Tagaki-Sugeno fuzzy model were searched using a genetic algorithm. The evaluation function for searching the optimal parameters considered the route extension due to course deviation and the resistance component of the ship by steering. By adding a penalty function to the evaluation function, the performance of the automatic steering system of the ship could be evaluated to track the set course without overshooting when changing the course. It was confirmed that the sub-PID controller for each operating point followed the set course to minimize the evaluation function without overshoot when changing the course. The outputs of the tuned sub-PID controllers were combined in a weighted average method using the membership functions of the Tagaki-Sugeno fuzzy model. The proposed Tagaki-Sugeno fuzzy PID controller was applied to the second-order Nomoto’s nonlinear expansion model. As a result of examining the transient response characteristics for the set course change, it was confirmed that the set course tracking was satisfactorily performed.

When a ship is course-keeping in the open seas, autopilot system is adapted. The design of autopilot system is very important for improvement of ship′s element research. Automatic steering system consists of autopilot device, power unit, steering gear, magnetic or gyro compass and ship dynamics. In order to evaluate automatic steering system of ships in open seas. we need to know the characteristics of each component of the system, and also to know the characteristics of disturbance to ship dynamics. In this paper, I provide evaluation method of autopilot navigation system of the fishing ship. Prediction method based on the principle of linear superposition is introduced for irregular disturbance. For the evaluation of automatic steering system of a ship, "performance index" is introduced from the viewpoint of energy saving and calculation method is frequency response analysis. Finally, I carried out calculation of sensitivity of control constants of autopilot with various conditions of ocean environments.

When an automatic course-keeping is concerned, as is quite popular in modem navigation, the closed-loop steering system consists of autopilot device, power unit (or telemotor unit), steering gear, magnetic or gyro compass and ship dynamics. In order to estimate automatic steering system of ships in open seas. we need to know the characteristics of each component of the system, and also to know the characteristics of disturbance to ship dynamics. In this paper, I provide calculation method of imposing irregular disturbance to autopilot navigation system of the ship in open seas, and also show calculation examples about fishing boat. The disturbance consists of the irregular wave and the fluctuating component of wind. Finally, The disturbances are calculated in terms of equivalent yaw angular velocity. Each spectrum and time history of disturbance are reasonably evaluated.

A ship’s automatic steering system is the basis for addressing control difficulties related to course-changing and course-keeping during navigation through heading angle control, and is a link in realizing unmanned and autonomous ships. This study proposes a robust RCGA-based linear active disturbance rejection controller (LADRC) design method considering environmental disturbances, measurement noise, and model uncertainties in designing a ship heading controller for use when the ship is sailing. The LADRC consisted of a transient profile, a linear extended state observer, and a PD controller. The control gains in the LADRC with the linear extended state observer were adjusted by RCGAs to minimize the integral of the time-weighted absolute error (ITAE), which is an evaluation function of the control system. The proposed method was applied to ship heading control, and its effectiveness was validated by comparing the propulsive energy loss between the proposed method and a conventional linear PD controller. The simulation results showed that the proposed method had the advantages of lower propulsive energy loss, more robustness, and higher tracking precision than the conventional linear PD controller.

In the present study, irregular disturbances to ship dynamics is proposed, where irregular disturbances implying irregular wave and the fluctuating component of wind for the evaluation of automatic steering system of ship in following seas. Prediction method based on the principle of linear superposition. Irregular wave disturbances in following seas is calculated by frequency variation method. The mathematical model of each element of an automatic steering system is derived, which takes account of a few non-linear mechanisms. PD(Proportional-Derivative) controller and low-pass filter with a weather adjustment are adopted to modelling the characteristics of an autopilot. Performance index is introduced from the viewpoint of energy saving, which derived from the concept of energy loss on ship propulsion. Finally, the present methods are applied to two typical types of ship ； an ore carrier and a fishing boat. The various effects of control constants of autopilot on propulsive energy loss are investigated