Electrically actuated thrusters for autonomous underwater vehicle

D. Ishak*, N. A.A. Manap, M. S. Ahmad, M. R. Arshad

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book or Report/Conference proceedingConference Proceedingpeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper is to present the design, development and prototyping of an electrically actuated thruster as a direct drive propulsion system based on a 3-phase permanent magnet brushless machine for an autonomous underwater vehicle. The non-linear design and analysis of the permanent magnet brushless motor are entirely performed in 2-d finite element method. The motor is then coupled directly to a 6-inch mechanical propeller, thus providing a peak thrust of 25N for the AUV's manoeuvre. Critical key performances are accounted for in the analysis such as maximum speed capability, maximum output torque and efficiency at 48Vdc battery supply. Other electromagnetic considerations such as cogging torque, slot numbers and pole numbers are also addressed. Hall-effect sensors are embedded inside the motor structure in order for the motor to successfully operate in bldc mode. The optimized motor design has been prototyped and tested to work as direct drive propulsion system. The results obtained from the experiment conducted in laboratory in an open water testbed show satisfactory performance with a rated 15N continual bollard thrust at 1200rpm motor speed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAMC2010 - The 11th IEEE International Workshop on Advanced Motion Control, Proceedings
Pages619-624
Number of pages6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes
Event2010 11th IEEE International Workshop on Advanced Motion Control, AMC2010 - Nagaoka, Niigata, Japan
Duration: 21 Mar 201024 Mar 2010

Publication series

NameInternational Workshop on Advanced Motion Control, AMC

Conference

Conference2010 11th IEEE International Workshop on Advanced Motion Control, AMC2010
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityNagaoka, Niigata
Period21/03/1024/03/10

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