A Task-based Method for Underwater Drones Waterproof Thrusters Power Computation

Abstract

Magnetic couplings allow the design of full waterproof underwater thrusters. It is possible since magnetic couplings assure contactless mechanical power transmission, which rules out the usage of complicated and unsure mechanical seals that jeopardize underwater vessels by a hull breach. Magnetic couplings have less acoustic operation noise and inherent overload protection, which are interesting features for submarines. Moreover, it can increase the thruster performance since it eliminates the friction inherent to mechanical seals. This performance augmentation is possible when the hull material is not conductive. In this context, a way to calculate , in an unique equation, the motor power to design a new thruster is presented from the task where the drone advances in its maximum speed. Otherwise, the applied method can also be used to know the maximum waited speed from the already defined motors. It can help robots designers in sizing appropriate thruster motors for more efficient new underwater drones.