Naval Fuel Management System (NFMS) a decision support system for a limited resource

Abstract

The fuel planning for U.S. Naval operations at sea is reactive and relies upon pen and paper calculations. Decisions on where and when to refuel are complex and need a Decision Support System (DSS) to help planners maximize the benefits of the limited fuel resource. This thesis defines requirements and outlines a feasible design to develop a Naval Fuel Management System (NFMS). The variables that fuel planning rely upon are not just ship course and speed, but also the weather at the time a ship travels through a particular area. The most efficient plant configuration plays a factor in the fuel plan as well. Additionally, there are numerous ports and oilers available at any given time. Up-to-date accurate weather forecast databases are available, predicting currents and winds, which will affect the ship in the future. Fuel burn charts have been developed for each ship class outlining the most efficient plant configuration for given speeds. Transportation analysis has shown that an optimal path exists for this class of complex problems. By combining these technologies into one system, an application can be developed to accurately plan fueling operations in the future, making Navy refueling more efficient.