2019/02/08 by Erik Sollesnes, Ole Martin Brokstad, Sollesnes, Erik +13
Engineering · Environmental Science · Earth and Planetary Sciences · #Underwater Vehicles and Communication Systems #Water Quality Monitoring Technologies #Underwater Acoustics Research
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1902.03112
This paper presents preliminary results towards the development of an\nautonomous ocean observing system using Miniature Underwater Gliders (MUGs)\nthat can operate with the support of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and\nUnmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) for deployment, recovery, battery charging, and\ncommunication relay. The system reduces human intervention to the minimum,\nrevolutionizing the affordability of a broad range of surveillance and data\ncollection operations. The MUGs are equipped with a small Variable Buoyancy\nSystem (VBS) composed of a gas filled piston and a linear actuator powered by\nbrushless DC motor and a rechargable lithium ion battery in an oil filled\nflexible enclosure. By using a fully pressure tolerant electronic design the\naim is to reduce the total complexity, weight, and cost of the overall system.\nA first prototype of the VBS was built and demonstrated in a small aquarium.\nThe electronic components were tested in a pressure testing facility to a\nminimum of 20bar. Preliminary results are promising and future work will focus\non system and weight optimization, UAV deployment/recovery strategies, as well\nas sea trials to an operating depth of 200m.\n