Submarine Snorkel Valve Control via Water Level Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling head valves on submarine snorkels are inefficient in preventing water penetration during wave crests due to inertia, leading to water ingress that requires removal by bilge pumps.
Innovation Solution
The method involves measuring and predicting the water level on the snorkel, allowing the head valve to be controlled in advance of wave crest immersion, using sensors and computational modeling to anticipate and mitigate water entry, with continuous updates for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrically controlled head valve with sensor is used, then the valve can respond to water contact, but the reaction time is too slow due to inertia allowing water penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by predicting future water levels and closing the head valve before the snorkel head actually enters a wave crest. The control system calculates expected water level progression and triggers valve closure in advance, allowing the inertial valve mechanism to complete closing before water contact occurs, thereby resolving the speed-reliability contradiction.
2Reliability
If head valve is closed early to prevent water penetration, then water ingress is reduced, but the valve remains closed longer increasing energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring actual water level measurements and comparing them with predicted values. The control system adjusts valve operation timing based on this feedback, opening the valve as soon as predictions indicate the snorkel head will be clear of wave crests. This minimizes unnecessary closed periods and reduces energy consumption while maintaining water prevention reliability.
3Measurement precision
If more measured values are collected for better prediction accuracy, then forecast precision improves, but the initial phase suffers from insufficient data
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies beforehand cushioning by implementing a transition period during the initial phase where predicted water levels are used with appropriate safety margins. The control system closes the valve earlier than strictly predicted during this initial period, compensating for the lower prediction accuracy with conservative timing, thereby cushioning against potential water ingress until sufficient measurement data accumulates.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4D
AI summary
In a method for controlling a head valve (12) on a snorkel (6) of a submarine (2), the temporal progression of the water level (8) on the snorkel (6) is measured. Based on these measured values, an expected water level progression is predicted, and the head valve (12) is controlled at least partly based on the predicted water level (8).