Advancements in remotely controlled underwater vehicles

Abstract

Technological improvements during the past six years have increased several times the operational capabilities of Remotely Operated Vehicles in underwater work. These vehicles are used for inspection, debris removal, object retrieval, and structural cleaning. With this expanded use has come similar dramatic new technology for the vehicle systems. This extends the vehicle operational capabilities and gets more power into a very small package. This entire 400 Hz powered hydraulic propulsion system weight (including all items such as thrusters, motor, pump, valves, etc.) is equal to just the electric motor/pump package of existing 60 Hz powered systems. To obtain higher vehicle performance in a smaller packager, higher power voltages and frequencies are used. A high speed electric motor driving a miniature variable delivery hydraulic pump for the propulsion system produces 10 HP in a 16.6-lb. package. Similar size and weight reductions are made in the thruster motor/servo valve packages. The smaller size of these vehicles may preclude the necessity of a dedicated support vessel.