AUV Subsea Cable Detection via Electromagnetic Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsea cable detection methods rely heavily on human navigators and vessels, resulting in low operation autonomy and efficiency, and are challenging due to the buried state of subsea cables, especially in offshore areas.
Innovation Solution
An integrated electromagnetic searching, locating, and tracking method using autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) with a planning and control process algorithm that includes predefined waypoints, thresholds for detection time and distance, and Z-shaped searching routes to autonomously detect and track subsea cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional underwater acoustic and optical detection equipment is used to detect buried subsea cables, then the detection capability is limited, but the complexity of the detection system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional underwater acoustic and optical detection equipment with electromagnetic detection technology. The AUV carries electromagnetic sensors to detect the electromagnetic fields generated by subsea cables, substituting mechanical/acoustic/optical systems with an electromagnetic field-based detection system that is more effective for buried cables
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from acoustic/optical signals to electromagnetic field parameters. By detecting the electromagnetic fields radiated by live subsea cables, the system achieves better detection precision for buried cables without increasing system complexity
2Measurement precision
If remotely operated vehicles (ROV) are used for subsea cable detection, then detection capability is improved, but operation autonomy and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements autonomous detection by equipping the AUV with onboard electromagnetic sensors and an autonomous navigation system. The vehicle independently searches for, locates, and tracks subsea cables without requiring real-time human intervention, thereby improving operation efficiency while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the navigator and research vessel from the detection system, making the AUV fully autonomous. By removing the human operator dependency, the system achieves both high detection capability and operational efficiency through automated electromagnetic signal processing and navigation
3Measurement precision
If remotely operated vehicles (ROV) are used for subsea cable detection, then detection capability is improved, but dependence on research vessel and navigator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AUV performs self-navigation, self-detection, and self-tracking using onboard electromagnetic sensors and autonomous control algorithms. The system independently processes electromagnetic signals to locate and track subsea cables without requiring external guidance from a research vessel or navigator
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the research vessel and navigator from the operational chain by implementing full autonomy on the AUV. The vehicle independently executes the entire detection mission from deployment to cable tracking, maximizing operation autonomy while maintaining detection capability
4Reliability
If subsea cables are buried on the seabed to minimize risks, then cable protection is improved, but detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional acoustic/optical detection methods with electromagnetic detection technology. Since subsea cables carry electrical signals, they generate electromagnetic fields that can be detected even when buried, overcoming the limitation of conventional methods that struggle with buried targets
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the electromagnetic field as an intermediary to detect buried cables. The electromagnetic field penetrates the seabed and carries information about the cable's presence, location, and status, enabling detection without direct visual or acoustic contact with the cable
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method enables autonomous subsea cable detection and tracking, reducing dependence on human operators and vessels, improving detection efficiency and robustness, and ensuring safe navigation by constraining sailing time and distance.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic detection sensor is used to search the electromagnetic signal of the subsea cable
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses an integrated detection method of electromagnetic searching, locating and tracking for subsea cables. After being launched into water, the cable-tracking AUV carries out primary Z-shaped reciprocating sailing to search the electromagnetic signal of the target subsea cable, when the electromagnetic signal reaches a preset threshold value, the AUV executes the cable-tracking detection. In the tracking process, if the target electromagnetic signal intensity is lower than the preset threshold, it is determined that subsea cable tracking is lost. At this time, the secondary Z-shaped cable-researching route planning and tracking are performed based on the lost point. In the process that the AUV autonomously tracks and detects the subsea cable, relative locating between AUV and subsea cable is performed based on the electromagnetic signal radiated by the subsea cable, and autonomous tracking control under the guidance of the electromagnetic locating signal is performed.