Low cost underwater vehicle

12 Mar 2014

I was in the Navy, and for a while I worked with Autonomous Underwater Vehicles. Throughout the course of development, we had to open and close the system many times to program and charge batteries...I always wanted an easier way to do it. We almost ruined our vehicle once due to flooding.

Then came wireless and I could program remotely...now comes wireless power...which means I can charge without cables. My goal for this project is to create a AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) that is completely sealed once assembled. All of this for under $275, a free wireless kit, and a software licence.

I'm going to build a 3 thruster AUV in a PVC pipe. It will dock in a cradle to charge. Using wireless power to charge the vehicle is awesome, because it can be done wet...or maybe even underwater. Here's my initial design, very technical:

Before this thing is done, I'm sure I'll have put it into sketch-up and done a nice rendering, but for now, my initial thoughts must suffice.

Here's the plan to make it happen, for $275:

Phase 1 (Proof of Concept)

-Spec out a brain (Single Board Computer, wireless capability, digitial I/O)

-Spec out a motor driver ( 3 dc motors)

-Spec out a battery

-Spec out motors

-Order the internal electronics

- Assemble electronics

Phase 2 (Construction)

-Scour the home improvement store for the PVC pipe to make this work

-Laser cut motor mounts, board mounts, etc.

-Callously stuff everything into a tube and seal it

-Verify that charging works

Phase 3 (Sea Trials)

-Drop it in the ocean and see if it comes back

Phase 4 (Improvements)

---These are things I'd like to play with, but come last---

-Install a camera to bring back images from the deep

-Integrate a GPS to allow surface navigation

Top Comments

Former Member over 10 years ago +1

How's progress on the project? These will bust your initial budget, but may prove helpful for a more robust design: http://BlueRobotics.com has developed low cost thrusters and http://witricity.com has…

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DAB over 10 years ago

I would suggest trying it out in a tub or swimming pool before I let it sink or swim in the ocean.

Just a thought,

I do like the idea though.

DAB
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mcb1 over 10 years ago in reply to DAB

I agree.
Here in NZ they have Kontiki's, which are a surface version and drag a baited fishing line up to 2km out through the surf etc.

There was a writeup in the Shed and one hint was if you use the plumber access cap which screws on with a large o ring, you need to sand off any moulding flashes to ensure a good seal.
Unfortunately they use 24, or higher voltage motors, and I think you'll find this challenge with the 5v and 5w charging limit a problem to overcome.

Digistump have their own brand of Arduino Due named the DigiX that has wifi and nordic 2.4Ghz built in for only , and if you tell Erik i sent you, he should be able to help out
http://digistump.com/products/50

Cheers
Mark
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Former Member over 10 years ago in reply to mcb1

Hopefully I'll be able to go small...we'll see when the dev kit comes in...the largest part is that loop. 5W should be sufficient to charge a battery if I get creative...the whole goal of this project is a completely sealed system once it's assembled.

DAB- I'll at least tether it...but the idea of a first run in the ocean is kind of exciting...maybe a harbor.
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hlipka over 10 years ago in reply to Former Member

I can already tell you that the receiver coil is rather small (it looks more rectangular than round).
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hlipka over 10 years ago in reply to Former Member

I can already tell you that the receiver coil is rather small (it looks more rectangular than round).
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