Components of an ROV system - Part 1: Mechanical and electromechanical systems

As discussed in the prior chapter on ROV design, the design team must consider the overall system. To reinforce the importance of this point, a few additional comments about the design process are warranted.

An ROV is essentially a robot. What differentiates a robot from its immovable counterparts is its ability to move under its own power. Along with that power of locomotion comes the ability to navigate the robot, with ever increasing levels of autonomy to achieve some set goal. While the ROV system, by its nature, is one of the simplest robotic designs, complex assignments can be accomplished with a variety of closed-loop aids to navigation.

Some ROV manufacturers are aggressively embracing the open source computer-based control models, allowing users to design their own navigation and control matrix. This is an exciting development in the field of subsea robotics and will allow development of new techniques, which will only be limited by the user's imagination.

This concept takes the control of the development of navigation capabilities (which is the mission) from the hands of the design engineer (who may or may not understand the user's needs) into the hands of the end user (who does understand the needs). Designing efficient and cost-effective systems with the user in mind is critical to the success of the product and ultimately the mission.

Do not over-design the system. The old saying goes that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Accordingly, all components of an ROV system should be rated to the maximum operating depth of the underwater environment anticipated, including safety factors. However, they should not be over-designed.

Figure 3.1 ROV submersible components.

As the operating depth proceeds into deeper water, larger component wall thicknesses will be required for the air-filled spaces (pressure-resistant housings) on the vehicle. This increased wall thickness results in an increased vehicle weight, which requires a larger floatation system to counter the additional weight. This causes an increase in drag due to a larger cross-section, which requires more power. More power drives the cable to become larger, which increases drag, etc. It quickly becomes a vicious design spiral.

Careful consideration should be given during the design phase of any ROV system to avoid over-engineering the vehicle. By saving weight and cost during the design process, the user will receive an ROV that has the capability of providing a cost-effective operation. This is easier said than done, as 'bells and whistles' are often added during the process, or the 'latest and greatest' components are chosen without regard to the impact on the overall system. Keep these ideas in mind as the various component choices are presented in the remainder of this chapter.