Development of a power control system for AUVs probing for underwater mineral resources

Abstract

Valuable mineral resources are widely distributed throughout the seabed. autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are preferable to remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) when probing for such mineral resources as the extensive exploration area makes it difficult to maintain contact with operators. AUVs depend on batteries, so their power consumption should be reduced to extend exploration time. Power for conventional marine instrument systems is incorporated in their waterproof sealing. External intermittent control of this power source until termination of exploration is challenging due to limitations imposed by the underwater environment. Thus, the AUV must have a power control system that can improve performance and maximize use of battery capacity. The authors developed such a power control system with a three-step algorithm. It automatically detects underwater operational states and can limit power, effectively decreasing power consumption by about 15%.

Keywords

power control / underwater prober / submarine mineral resources / power efficiency / energy saving

References

[1] German C. R., Yoerger D. R., Jakuba M., et al. Hydrothermal exploration with the autonomous benthic explorer[J]. Elsevier Deep-sea Research Part I, 2008, 55: 203-219

[2] Conte G., Serrani A. Robust control of a remotely operated underwater vehicle[J]. Elsevier Automatica, 1998, 34(2): 193-198

[3] Hagen P. E., Størkersen N., Marthinsen B.-E., et al. Rapid environmental assessment with autonomous underwater vehicles[J]. Journal of Marine Systems, 2008, 69: 137-145

[4] Hasvold Ø., Johansen K. H., Vestgaard K. The alkaline aluminum/hydrogen peroxide power source in the Hugin II unmanned underwater vehicle[J]. Journal of Power Sources, 1999, 80: 254-260

[5] Sawa T., Aoki T., Yamamoto I., et al. Performance of the fuel cell underwater vehicle URASHIMA[J]. Acoust Sci & Tech, 2005, 26(3): 249-257

[6] Nam H., An S. An ultrasonic sensor based low-power acoustic modem for underwater communication in underwater wireless sensor networks[J]. EUC Workshops, 2007, 4809: 494-504

[7] Han J. Noncontact power supply for seafloor geodetic observing robot system[J]. J Mar Sci Tech, 2007, 12(3): 183-189

[8] Acoustic Pinger and Data Storage Transmitter in one, www.sonotronics.com, (AST-03).