Submersible Telemetry Platform Current Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing real-time telemetry systems for oceanographic data collection face challenges in maintaining position in strong currents, are vulnerable to surface conditions, and have high operational costs due to reliance on surface-dwelling vehicles and buoys, which suffer from limited propulsive power and frequent maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A submersible telemetry system with a tethered, controllable platform that uses lift-generating surfaces and attitude control surfaces to maintain position, reduce power consumption, and eliminate the need for surface moorings, featuring a rotatable arm, swing arm, and an electrical generator assembly to harness ocean currents for power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If surface-dwelling buoys and floats are used for real-time telemetry, then data transmission capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to surface conditions and marine biofouling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by placing the telemetry platform primarily underwater rather than on the surface. The submersible platform transmits data acoustically from underwater positions, eliminating exposure to surface conditions that cause biofouling and damage, while maintaining real-time telemetry capability through acoustic communication with surface receivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium for data transmission. Instead of direct radio transmission from surface buoys, the system uses acoustic signaling through water to relay data from the submersible platform to surface receivers, enabling communication while remaining protected underwater.
2Power
If autonomous surface vehicles are used, then propulsive power is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limited positioning capability in strong currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a tethered configuration where the submersible platform is anchored to the seabed via a tensioned line. This mechanical constraint acts as a counterweight system, allowing the platform to resist strong currents and maintain position without requiring active propulsive power for station-keeping, thereby improving positioning capability while reducing power demands.
3Reliability
If subsurface autonomous vehicles are used, then reliability is improved by avoiding surface conditions, but use of energy deteriorates due to limited battery power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic surfacing behavior where the submersible platform alternates between extended underwater operation and brief periods at the surface. During surface intervals, the platform can recharge batteries or exchange data, allowing extended mission duration while maintaining protection from surface conditions during the majority of operational time underwater.
Solution Approach 2:
The tethered configuration enables the platform to harvest energy from ocean currents through the tension and movement of the tether line itself. The natural motion of water against the tether provides mechanical energy that can be converted to electrical power, allowing the system to serve its own energy needs without relying solely on limited battery capacity.
4Loss of information
If surface buoys are used for real-time telemetry, then data transmission is improved, but loss of time deteriorates due to frequent maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional surface-based telemetry approach by operating the platform primarily underwater. This eliminates exposure to surface conditions that necessitate frequent maintenance such as biofouling removal and storm damage repairs, thereby reducing maintenance time while maintaining real-time telemetry capability through acoustic communication.
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
Enables near-real-time data transmission with reduced battery power dependency, increased operational lifetime, and minimized maintenance costs by spending most time in a safe, low-drag submersed mode while allowing periodic surfacing for data transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The submersible platform utilizes the flow of water to generate dynamic lift
Implementation Method 2
an electrical generator assembly to harness ocean currents for power generation
Data Source
AI summary
An underwater system for generating electricity can include a spool assembly configured to wind and unwind a retractable line. The system can include a controllable apparatus connected to the retractable line. The system can include a tension assembly connected to the spool assembly and configured to maintain a first tension in the retractable line. The system can include one or more surfaces connected to the apparatus and configured to produce a second tension in response to a current, the direction of the second tension being either opposite or equal to the direction of the first tension. The system can include an electrical generator assembly configured to generate electricity in response to unwinding the retractable line.