Title :
SLOCUM: an underwater glider propelled by environmental energy
Author :
Webb, Douglas C. ; Simonetti, Paul J. ; Jones, Clayton P.
Author_Institution :
Webb Res. Corp., East Falmouth, MA, USA
fDate :
10/1/2001 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
SLOCUM is a small gliding AUV of 40 000-km operational range which harvests its propulsive energy from the heat flow between the vehicle engine and the thermal gradient of the temperate and tropical ocean. The design of both the glider and the thermal engine are discussed including the design genesis and approach, field trial results, concept strength, and limitations and potential use
Keywords :
oceanographic equipment; propulsion; remotely operated vehicles; underwater vehicles; 0 to 40000 km; AUV; SLOCUM; environmental energy propulsion; field trial; heat flow; operational range; temperate ocean; thermal gradient; thermal propulsion; tropical ocean; underwater glider; vehicle engine; Battery powered vehicles; Communication system control; Control systems; Displacement control; Heat engines; Heat sinks; Marine vehicles; Ocean temperature; Propulsion; Sea surface;
Journal_Title :
Oceanic Engineering, IEEE Journal of
