Objectives:
This project aims to develop core technologies for manufacturing smart AUVs with applications in underwater observations. Specifically, it targets to the following goals:
1 To design a duplex digital acoustic communication system for maneuvering AUVs, data acquisition, etc. The underwater communication range is expected to be up to 1km, which ensures proper operations of AUVs at depths of up to 20m. The transmission techniques that will be employed are digital modulation methods, including transmission techniques that allow a high transmission rate, such as OFDM, or MIMO-OFDM technologies.
2 To construct an image-scanning system for AUVs using sonar technology. The image-scanning system should use the array antenna technology to speed up parallel data processing. This technique promises to offer good quality scanned images, enabling observation of underwater objects, as well as scanning the seabed.
3 To develop a positioning system suitable for AUVs. The positioning system uses the reflection of the acoustic waves from multiple different sources to specify the location of the AUV in underwater conditions. The positioning capability also allows to drive AUVs safely and smoothly.
4 To construct control and steering models for AUVs by solving kinematic and dynamic equations, elaborately considering their specific tasks and physical constraints. Based on these models, a stabilizing mechanism will be devised to drive AUV’s moving, diving, and floating. At the same time, the control unit is dynamically programmed to keep the machine balanced, even under adverse impacts of water turbulence.
5 Finally, to build a complete AUV sample that integrates the aforementioned technologies. The implemented AUV will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed system design in supporting and monitoring underwater work.
Activities:
– Proposal of basic design for AUV
– Designing underwater communication subsystem
– Constructing the image scanning subsystem based on sonar technology
– Development a positioning system for AUV
– Simulating and computing hydrodynamic characteristics
– Designing the steering and controlling subsystem
– Research and development of cameras and storage media.
– Designing and optimizing the onboard power supply
– Development of warning and fault detection subsystem
– Optimizing and finalizing the AUV design
– Fabricating the AUV hull and assembling pieces of equipment
– Testing, verifying and optimizing the AUV prototype.
– Compiling AUV manuals, final reports and papers for publication.
Impact:
– Knowledge Impact: The proposed project will yield a complete system design for the smart AUV including communication and positioning techniques.
– Economic Impact: The project will support the development of the marine economic of Vietnam.
– Societal and People Impact: The project will create a society of researchers in the area of AUV, communication and positioning teachniques.
– Environmental Impact: The project will help to collect the enviromental data, especially the data collection in underwater.
