PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE CONFIGURATION OF AUTONOMOUS UNDERWATER VEHICLES

The design of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) is a complex trade-off among various design variables and mission requirements. Particularly important issues are the selection of a suitable energy source and the sensitivity of vehicle dimensional characteristics to mission requirements. This paper suggests a method of comparison based on an approximate but comprehensive approach, which refers to specific parameters derivable from known designs or literature. Specific energy and energy density of candidate systems are derived with due consideration to depth resistant vessels. The impact of the energy system choice is then highlighted, going beyond the simplistic comparison of the former parameters. A design model has been developed which allows quick sensitivity analyses and mass/volume breakdowns of alternative configurations under varying mission requirements; these are exemplified in the paper with reference to a design case. The procedure allows the correct specification of power, energy, surface-handling system for more detailed comparative analyses, given a common project goal and a basis for realistic cost comparison. The results show the wide difference in energy capacity of AUV’s complying with the same mission data, but equipped with different energy systems. Another conclusion is that rechargeable electric batteries, even of high energy density, imply unacceptably heavy vehicles for ranges around 1000 km unless very low drag characteristics are achieved. Closed-cycle diesel and fuel cell systems would instead allow the AUV mass to be kept below 10t. © 1990 IEEE