Hydrolysis-driven Buoyancy Propulsion System for Submersibles

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aut.embargoNoen
aut.supplementaryuploadYes
aut.thirdpc.containsNo
aut.thirdpc.permissionNo
aut.thirdpc.removedNo
dc.contributor.advisorPinder, Shane
dc.contributor.advisorLittlefair, Guy
dc.contributor.authorBorchsenius, Jo
dc.date.accessioned2011-06-30T20:43:48Z
dc.date.available2011-06-30T20:43:48Z
dc.date.copyright2011
dc.date.issued2011
dc.date.updated2011-06-30T16:23:12Z
dc.description.abstractThe research presented herein intends to improve the flexibility of underwater gliders with the development of a novel propulsion system. The proposed Chemical Buoyancy Drive is indicated to yield up to 20 times the amount of available electric energy and exhibit 90% propulsion efficiency, compared to that of the commercial underwater glider named “Spray” developed by Scripps Institution of Oceanography at a depth of 1,500 m. Its performance is readily optimised to any depth, and there is no need for a thermal incline in the operational environment. Also the need to isolate the energy storage from external pressure is eliminated by the use of lithium hydride suspended in a slurry, which is reacted with seawater to generate hydrogen. The subsequent increase in volume results in propulsion through the induced hydrodynamic forces on the hull and wings, and the hydrogen can be consumed in a fuel cell providing electric energy. A prediction of the drive’s performance up to 10,000 m depth is presented, which has been based on data from the studied literature. This has been verified through the developed experiments up to an equivalent of 3,000 m. Additionally, a study on potential improvements and the practical realisation of the system is presented. The proposed Chemical Buoyancy Drive could be a competitive alternative to the propulsion of underwater gliders and other autonomous underwater vehicles.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10292/1376
dc.language.isoenen_NZ
dc.publisherAuckland University of Technology
dc.rights.accessrightsOpenAccess
dc.subjectUnderwater glider
dc.subjectHydrogen
dc.subjectChemical
dc.subjectHydrides
dc.subjectPropulsion
dc.subjectFuel cell
dc.subjectBuoyancy
dc.subjectAutonomous Underwater Vehicle
dc.subjectLithium
dc.subjectReaction
dc.subjectSeawater
dc.subjectSolubility
dc.subjectCompressibility
dc.subjectDensity
dc.subjectKermadec Submersible
dc.titleHydrolysis-driven Buoyancy Propulsion System for Submersibles
dc.typeThesis
thesis.degree.grantorAuckland University of Technology
thesis.degree.levelMasters Theses
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Engineering
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