ROV Modular Propulsion for Quiet High-Speed Survey
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) face challenges in being suitable for both high-speed survey work and heavy construction work due to noise interference from hydraulic propulsion systems, which limits their versatility and efficiency in acoustic surveying and tooling capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A modular system is introduced that includes electrically powered thrusters and tools, allowing for quiet and efficient propulsion and tool operation, with the main hydraulic propulsion used for control, enabling ROVs to adapt between construction and survey functions while maintaining low noise levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If hydraulic propulsion systems are used for construction work, then power and maneuverability are improved, but noise increases and interferes with acoustic surveying
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is segmented into two independent parts: hydraulic thrusters for construction work and electric thrusters for survey work. This allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between power requirements and noise generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between hydraulic and electric propulsion modes depending on the operational requirements. During construction work, hydraulic thrusters provide high power; during survey work, electric thrusters provide quiet operation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to have different characteristics at different times.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If ROVs are designed for high-speed survey work with electric propulsion, then noise is reduced, but construction capability and power availability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ROV is designed with universal adaptability to perform both survey and construction functions by integrating two propulsion systems and allowing tooling to be powered from either hydraulic or electrical sources. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling the single vehicle to adapt to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its power source and configuration based on operational needs. The ability to switch between hydraulic and electric power sources, and to reconfigure the vehicle with different modules, provides the versatility needed to resolve the contradiction between noise reduction and functional capability.
3Power
If hydraulic power is increased to improve construction capability, then power and speed are improved, but noise increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The power systems are segmented into separate hydraulic and electrical subsystems. Construction tools can be powered by hydraulic systems when high power is needed, while survey operations use electrical propulsion and power sources. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by preventing the noise-generating hydraulic system from being activated during survey work.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes electrical propulsion and electrical power sources for hydraulic systems during survey operations. This replacement eliminates the noise generated by hydraulic pumps, motors, and valves while maintaining the necessary power delivery capability through electrical means.
4Device complexity
If a single umbilical power supply is used for hydraulic power, then system complexity is reduced, but tooling capacity and size are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The umbilical system is designed with multi-functionality, providing separate electrical power feeds that can serve either the hydraulic power unit or electric thrusters/tooling as needed. This allows the same physical umbilical infrastructure to support multiple power delivery modes and tooling configurations without increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution system dynamically allocates power from the umbilical to different subsystems based on operational requirements. The ability to switch power allocation between hydraulic and electrical systems allows flexible tooling capacity without requiring multiple fixed power supply configurations.
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 solution enhances the ROV's speed and stability for survey work while allowing for more efficient and powerful tooling, overcoming the limitations of hydraulic systems, and enabling the ROV to handle larger and more efficient electrically powered tools.
Implementation Method 1
Said further propulsion means may comprise one or more electrically powered thrusters
Implementation Method 2
the umbilical having only a single set of power cores to provide power to drive the hydraulic power unit (HPU)
Implementation Method 3
The module may further comprise buoyancy to maintain neutral buoyancy
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for the adaptation of a subsea vehicle, such as an ROV, and in particular a hydraulically powered construction or maintenance work ROV. In one embodiment the vehicle is provided with a module or modules which provide further propulsion means that have reduced noise at high speed in comparison to the vehicle's main propulsion means. The module or modules also optionally provide greater performance and decreased drag. An ROV adapted in such a way is therefore suitable for high speed survey work. In another embodiment a hydraulic ROV is adapted to enable it to be able to directly drive electrically powered tools.