AUV Relay Communication for UUV Control in Subsea Shadow Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) face challenges in controlling and communicating effectively with subsea structures, particularly in congested areas where wireless signals are obstructed or attenuated, leading to difficulties in performing tasks that require real-time feedback and positioning.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to relay wireless control signals from a subsea control transmitter to a UUV positioned outside shadow regions, allowing the UUV to move autonomously to improve signal quality and maintain communication, enabling UUVs to perform tasks in congested areas without the need for physical tethers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a UUV is positioned in a shadow region to perform tasks near subsea obstacles, then the UUV can access target areas, but wireless control signals are obscured and communication reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An AUV is introduced as an intermediary vehicle that maintains wireless communication with the control system while relaying control signals to the UUV in the shadow region. The AUV acts as a mobile relay station that bridges the communication gap between the control system and the UUV operating in obscured areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from direct two-dimensional line-of-sight communication to three-dimensional relay communication by positioning the AUV at different spatial locations. The AUV can position itself in regions where it has clear signal paths to both the control system and the UUV, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the communication architecture.
2Reliability
If an umbilical tether is used to connect the UUV to a support vessel, then power and control signals can be transmitted reliably, but the tether may become entangled in congested subsea areas
Solution Approach 1:
The umbilical tether is extracted and replaced with a wireless communication system. The AUV carries wireless transceivers that transmit control signals and receive telemetry data without requiring a physical connection, thereby eliminating the entanglement problem while maintaining reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical tether system is replaced with an electromagnetic wireless communication system. Instead of using a physical cable to transmit signals and power, the system uses radio frequency or acoustic wireless communication between the AUV and the control system, eliminating mechanical constraints.
3Ease of operation
If the UUV operates without a tether for greater freedom of movement, then manoeuvrability improves, but the range and reliability of control signals are limited by wireless transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The AUV dynamically adjusts its position to maintain optimal wireless communication conditions. It can move closer to the control system when signal reliability is compromised or reposition itself to serve as an effective relay, providing dynamic adaptability to maintain both freedom of movement and communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The AUV is pre-positioned in areas with good signal coverage before the UUV enters shadow regions. It establishes communication links in advance and can cache control signals or navigate the UUV to maintain connectivity, preparing the communication pathway before the UUV needs to operate in challenging areas.
4Reliability
If multiple relay vehicles are deployed to cover extensive shadow regions, then communication coverage improves, but the complexity and cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AUV is designed with multi-functionality to perform both inspection tasks and communication relay functions. By integrating wireless transceivers and relay capabilities into the AUV's existing platform, the system avoids the need for dedicated relay vehicles, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive communication coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection function and communication relay function are merged into a single vehicle platform. The AUV combines its inspection equipment (sensors, cameras) with wireless communication capabilities, eliminating the need for separate relay vehicles and reducing system complexity while achieving both objectives simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A task such as inspection is performed at a subsea location by positioning a functional unit such as an unmanned underwater vehicle to perform the task. When positioned to perform the task, the unit is then in a shadow region where wireless control signals from a subsea control transmitter are obscured by a subsea obstacle. Consequently, control signals are transmitted wirelessly through water from the control transmitter to an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) positioned outside the shadow region and are relayed from the AUV to the unit to control the unit to perform the task. The unit can be tethered to the AUV or can communicate with the AUV wirelessly. The AUV can move itself to improve wireless communication with the subsea control transmitter and optionally also with the unit.