Ocean Infinity, in partnership with Kraken Robotics, has reached what it calls a significant milestone in battery technology for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).
The new technology has now been tested following 18 months of research, development and trials, which was aimed at improving the safety, efficiency, and quality of AUV operations.
Ocean Infinity’s new 6000m pressure tolerant batteries enables greater endurance and efficiency of its HUGIN AUVs, enabling missions to be conducted across a period of more than four days without a battery change.
The technology, partnered with Ocean Infinity’s multi-AUV operation, also increases the possible survey range to nearly 700 kilometres per AUV.
Josh Broussard , Ocean Infinity’s chief technical officer, said: “This week’s test results mark a milestone achievement. Our new, ground-breaking battery technology has effectively doubled the vehicles’ endurance and capacity to collect data in a single deployment. We now have the capability to conduct AUV missions of over 4 days duration without the need for a battery recharge or change out.
“By deploying this technology, we are able to reduce launch and recovery operations by 50% and in turn provide a safer, more efficient, and more weather tolerant operation to our clients. Combining this technology with our proven multi-AUV operation offers an unprecedented deep-water data acquisition and survey platform with nearly 700 km of range per AUV, further solidifying Ocean Infinity’s position as a leader in bringing advanced technology solutions to market.”
David Shea , Kraken’s senior VP Engineering, said: “Kraken was excited by the opportunity to work with OI to develop new batteries for their vehicles. Our objective was to deliver a drop-in solution for the OI HUGIN AUVs, and we achieved our objectives to enable over 100 hours operational endurance in a single charge. Combining Kraken’s pressure tolerant encapsulation technology with OI’s operational experience and technical team, we collaborated to achieve a robust battery solution that can work across their whole fleet of AUVs.”