Keywords: intelligent ship lock; LiDAR application; ship lock automation; real-time vessel detection; vessel dimensions detection; overspeed vessel monitoring; illegal vessel identification; channel congestion analysis; vessel flow prediction; digital management; unmanned operations; 3D vessel modeling; long-range detection; high-precision positioning; all-weather capability.
With the increase in globalization and trade, the shipping industry has been developing rapidly, with the number of ships and cargo volume continuously increasing. Shipping efficiency and safety have become important issues in the industry. Traditional ship lock management methods are no longer able to meet the demands of modern shipping, necessitating more efficient and scientifically intelligent management approaches. The focus of ship lock operation scheduling and monitoring is to achieve volumetric statistics and analysis of vessels within the lock, predict incoming vessel flow, and manage channel congestion.
The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is an important waterway in China that connects the north and south, as well as the east and west. Yulinzhuang Ship Lock, located on the northern canal of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, is a crucial node, and its navigational efficiency directly affects the logistics speed and economic benefits of the entire canal. However, traditional ship lock management methods often suffer from long waiting times for vessels and low navigational efficiency. Outdated infrastructure not only affects shipping efficiency but also poses safety hazards. In recent years, improvements have been made in ship lock construction and ship standardization, making the efficiency of ship locks a top priority in promoting the development of canal shipping.
To address efficiency issues, Yulinzhuang Ship Lock has introduced “digital management” to achieve perception, informationization, intelligent operation, three-dimensional digitization, and unmanned water engineering operation management.
This project incorporates LSLiDAR’s LiDAR technology, with multiple LSLiDAR devices installed in monitoring areas along the channel and at the lock entrance. Without the need to slow down or stop, vessels are dynamically scanned in real-time throughout the entire process of entering, waiting, entering the lock, and exiting the lock. The LSLiDAR system provides real-time detection of vessel position, length, width, height, and speed, which is fused with data from other sensors. The results are then linked to the ship lock control system, providing navigational information for the safe and fast passage of vessels and supporting ship lock safety supervision.
System Functions
Channel Volume Statistics
By using data models, the system can statistically analyze the number of vessels waiting at the lock, calculate congestion curves, and analyze the characteristics of vessel passage demands, providing data support for automatic gate opening and closing.
Vessel Length, Width, and Height Detection
LiDAR systems installed on both sides of the channel or at the lock entrance detect the length, width, and height of vessels passing through the lock.
Vessel Overspeed Detection
To avoid strong collisions with the lock chamber walls, gates, or other vessels during vessel entry, the LiDAR system detects vessel speed and provides monitoring and early warning for overspeed vessels.
Non-compliant Vessel Detection
The system can preset detection dimensions to identify non-standard or illegal vessels entering the area outside the gate. The detection results can be broadcasted to the corresponding zone, automatically notifying vessels to leave. Simultaneously, the results are sent to the control system, which determines whether to open or close the gates.
The system utilizes multiple LSLiDAR devices, including solid-state and mechanical LSLiDAR, effectively leveraging the technological advantages in this application.
Advantages of LiDAR:
Long-range Detection
LiDAR has a long detection range, enabling early perception of vessels approaching from a distance and providing sufficient time for vessel passage scheduling and guidance.
High-Precision 3D Modeling, Recognition, and Positioning
A LiDAR device has high-precision measurement capabilities, allowing for accurate 3D modeling, identification, and tracking of vessels. The system incorporates multiple LSLiDAR sensors, enabling fusion of perception data and cooperative point cloud construction, further enhancing the accuracy of recognition and positioning and effectively reducing blind spots, minimizing false positives and missed detections.
Real-time Dynamic Scanning
LiDAR’s real-time scanning provides timely updates on navigational conditions, allowing the backend to stay informed of vessel passage status and make adjustments and optimizations as needed
All-Weather Applicability
LiDAR has excellent rain, fog, and dust filtering capabilities, making it suitable for extreme weather conditions. Additionally, it is resistant to strong light interference, ensuring uninterrupted operation throughout the day and under any weather conditions.
As mentioned above, the role of laser radar in the application of intelligent ship locks cannot be ignored. It works in synergy with other components to promote the intelligence and automation of ship lock operations.
