Variable-Buoyancy Subsea Telemetry for Surface-Safe Data Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater wireless communication systems for monitoring subsea parameters are limited in range and bandwidth, leading to costly and unreliable remote ocean monitoring solutions, and surface buoys are not suitable for safety zones around platforms, posing risks and logistical challenges.
Innovation Solution
A tethered system with a variable buoyancy member that moves a communication member between submerged and surface positions, controlled by a control unit, using a non-variable buoyancy member to maintain a fixed position below the surface, enabling wireless data transmission and protecting equipment from harsh weather conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surface buoys are used for wireless communication, then data transmission capability is improved, but safety risks and operational disturbances increase in platform safety zones
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the position of the communication member between submerged and surface positions based on operational requirements. The variable buoyancy member enables the communication device to move vertically along the tether, emerging to the surface for wireless data transmission and then submerging to minimize safety risks and disturbances to marine operations.
2Reliability
If remote ocean monitoring is performed using complex solutions, then monitoring capability is improved, but cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple functions into a single integrated platform: the tethered buoyant system serves as both a communication relay and a monitoring station. The sensor unit integrated in the buoyant member can detect various parameters (temperature, pressure, salinity, etc.), while the same structure provides wireless communication capability, eliminating the need for separate complex monitoring infrastructure.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring is performed, then monitoring reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic surface emergence for data transmission rather than continuous operation. The sensor unit can continuously collect data subsea, but the communication member periodically surfaces to transmit accumulated data packets, reducing energy consumption compared to continuous wireless transmission while maintaining effective monitoring coverage.
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 system provides reliable, continuous monitoring of subsea parameters while reducing complexity, cost, and risk, allowing efficient data transmission without disturbing marine traffic or operations.
Implementation Method 1
a variable buoyancy member connected to the tether at or near a second end of the tether; the variable buoyancy member being adapted to move the communication member between a submerged position and a surface position
Implementation Method 2
the control unit is adapted to control the buoyancy of the variable buoyancy member
Implementation Method 3
a communication member for receiving data from the sensor unit and for transmitting said data wirelessly to a remote recipient
Data Source
AI summary
A system is for monitoring subsea parameters and is deployable in a water column. The system has: a tether to be moored to a seabed; a variable buoyancy member; one or more sensor units for sensing one or more subsea parameters; and a control unit. The control unit has a communication member for receiving data from the sensor unit(s) and for transmitting the data wirelessly to a remote recipient. The variable buoyancy member is adapted to move the communication member between a submerged position and a surface position for the wireless transmittal of data. The control unit is adapted to control the buoyancy of the variable buoyancy member. A non-variable buoyancy member is connected at an upper portion of the tether. The submerged position of the communication member is below the position of the non-variable buoyancy member. A method is for monitoring subsea parameters.