Wave Glider Seismic Data Relay via Mother Vessel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seismic data transmission in marine surveys using satellite links is costly and has limited bandwidth, making it inefficient for hydrocarbon deposit exploration.
Innovation Solution
Deploying a network of unmanned water vehicles equipped with seismic sensors and using a dual communication system, where a medium-range communication system like Wi-Fi is used for data transfer among vehicles and a long-range system, such as satellite, for communication with a central unit, allowing data relay and positioning within a seismic survey area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If satellite links are used for seismic data transmission, then communication range is extended, but transmission cost increases and bandwidth decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into two distinct parts: a short-range high-bandwidth communication system for local data transfer between AOVs and the mother vessel, and a long-range satellite communication system for essential command and control. This segmentation allows each subsystem to operate in its optimal performance zone, avoiding the trade-off between range and bandwidth efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The mother vessel acts as an intermediary node between the AOVs and the satellite communication system. Data is first collected and pre-processed by the AOVs, then transferred to the mother vessel via short-range communication, and finally transmitted to shore via satellite. This intermediary approach reduces the data burden on satellite links and optimizes overall system efficiency.
2Length of stationary object
If satellite links are used for seismic data transmission, then communication range is extended, but transmission cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication infrastructure is divided into two segments: a low-cost short-range communication system for the majority of data transfers, and an expensive satellite system only for essential long-range communication. This segmentation minimizes the use of costly satellite bandwidth to only when absolutely necessary, thereby reducing overall transmission costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mother vessel serves as a communication intermediary that aggregates data from multiple AOVs before satellite transmission. This consolidation reduces the total volume of data requiring expensive satellite transmission, thereby reducing overall communication costs while maintaining extended operational range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication systems are deployed, then communication flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mother vessel is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a seismic data collection platform and a communication relay station. It equipped with both short-range communication capabilities to interface with AOVs and satellite communication capabilities for long-range data transmission, eliminating the need for separate dedicated relay vessels and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication functions of multiple vessels are merged into a single integrated system where the mother vessel consolidates data from multiple AOVs and handles satellite communication. This merging approach reduces the total number of independent communication systems required, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Various technologies described herein are directed to a method that includes deploying a plurality of wave gliders in a seismic survey area, where the plurality of wave gliders has one or more seismic sensors coupled thereto for acquiring seismic data. The method may also include deploying at least one source vessel in the seismic survey area, where the at least one source vessel has one or more sources coupled thereto and a central communication unit disposed thereon. The method may then include positioning the plurality of wave gliders according to an initial navigation plan. The method may further include monitoring a relative position of a respective wave glider in the plurality of wave gliders with respect to other wave gliders in the plurality of wave gliders and with respect to the at least one source vessel.