Title :
Developing a high efficiency means of propulsion for underwater vehicles
Author :
Kennedy, Gregory C. ; Holt, John K.
Author_Institution :
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution Inc., Ft. Pierce, FL, USA
Abstract :
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution´s Engineering Division has developed and patented a highly efficient ring thruster for underwater vehicle propulsion. This brushless electric propulsion device has no seals or motor pressure housings, simplifying maintenance under operating conditions. Light weight and reliability are other design criteria for Harbor Branch´s manned submersibles, ROVs and AUVs. Design, performance and applications are described as well as the results of testing for thrust, efficiency, bearing life, and flow patterns with several propeller blade configurations. A counter-rotating unit is under development
Keywords :
brushless machines; design engineering; electric propulsion; machine bearings; marine systems; motor drives; permanent magnet motors; applications; bearing life; brushless electric propulsion device; design criteria; development; efficiency; flow patterns; maintenance; performance; propeller blade configurations; reliability; ring thruster; testing; thrust; underwater vehicles propulsion; weight; Automotive engineering; Brushless motors; Life testing; Maintenance; Propellers; Propulsion; Reliability engineering; Remotely operated vehicles; Seals; Underwater vehicles;
Conference_Titel :
Southcon/95. Conference Record
Conference_Location :
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-2576-1
DOI :
10.1109/SOUTHC.1995.516129
