Fuel-Cell AUV Node Skids for Seabed Seismic Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for deploying and retrieving ocean bottom seismic nodes are inefficient, costly, and expose workers to high safety risks, as they rely on surface vessels and ROVs with complex umbilicals, leading to slow and non-automated operations.
Innovation Solution
A system using autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) coupled with node skids, powered by hydrogen fuel cells, operates from a floating surface platform to deploy and retrieve seismic nodes, eliminating the need for surface vessels and reducing operational costs and safety risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ROV with umbilical is used for deploying and retrieving seismic nodes, then the system can maintain continuous communication and power supply, but the operation speed is slow and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the deployment operation into multiple AUVs working in parallel, each handling a portion of the node deployment. This segmentation allows simultaneous operations across different areas, increasing overall productivity while maintaining the reliability of individual AUV units through autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical umbilical connection system with autonomous underwater vehicles that operate independently. The AUVs use onboard power sources and storage systems instead of continuous umbilical connections, eliminating the mechanical constraint that limits operation speed while maintaining operational reliability through autonomous navigation and execution.
2Ease of manufacture
If surface vessel with ROV is used for seismic node operations, then the system has established deployment capability, but the operational cost is high and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the deployment capability from the surface vessel and transfers it to autonomous underwater vehicles. The AUVs are equipped with integrated node handling systems and deployment mechanisms, allowing them to independently deploy and retrieve seismic nodes without requiring a surface vessel, thereby reducing safety risks and operational costs associated with vessel deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The AUVs are designed with self-service capabilities including onboard power generation through fuel cells, autonomous navigation, and self-contained node handling systems. This self-sufficiency eliminates the need for continuous surface vessel support, reducing both operational costs and safety risks while maintaining full deployment capability.
3Extent of automation
If conventional battery-powered AUV is used, then the system achieves autonomy, but the operating duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the energy parameter from conventional batteries to hydrogen fuel cells, which provide significantly extended operating duration. The fuel cell system converts chemical energy from hydrogen storage into electrical energy, enabling the AUV to operate autonomously for much longer periods while maintaining full autonomous navigation and operation capabilities.
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 AUV-based system enhances efficiency and safety by allowing direct data transfer to the surface platform, reducing operating costs by up to $100,000 per day, and enabling rapid data processing and decision-making.
Implementation Method 1
The AUV may comprise one or more fuel cells in addition to or as a replacement of traditional rechargeable batteries.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for deploying and retrieving a plurality of ocean bottom seismic nodes to and from the seabed by using a floating platform. The system comprises an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) coupled to a node skid that is configured to handle a plurality of ocean bottom seismic nodes. The AUV and coupled skid may be lowered to and raised from the seabed and a platform in a garage. The AUV may comprise one or more fuel cells in addition to or as a replacement of traditional rechargeable batteries. The system may utilize an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) or unmanned surface vehicle (USV) to monitor and track AUV deployment and to provide acoustic communications between the surface platform and the AUV.