Design challenges of a next generation small AUV

The Iver3 AUV is a next generation Lightweight AUV system based on hardware and software proven in the Iver2 AUV that has now been operational in the field for several years. Many of the design challenge result from the very small hull with an inside diameter of 108mm or 140mm. The Iver3 design goals included increased battery system energy, increased propulsion power while reducing drag, and reduced electrical and magnetic noise interference - all packaged into a small modular hull structure. The resulting Iver3 incorporates a custom battery sub-system design in a dedicated hull section that allows the operator in the field to replace depleted batteries with a fully charged second battery section in minutes. This custom Li-ion battery sub-system, coupled to custom DC-DC convertors, provides super highefficiency power generation. It can be fully charged in half the time as the Iver2 battery design and a second battery hull section can be changed in the field in minutes between missions. The Liion packs provide 150% of the energy density of the Iver2 by using the latest cell technology. The Iver3 battery cluster design allows the system to be classified as NON-HAZARDOUS GOODs, avoiding customary US DOT and IATA restrictions, and simplifying shipment as air freight on UPS, FEDEX, etc. All of these improvements fit in the original 147mm OD hull and a new smaller 114mm OD hull.