Asking some idea for optimizing rov hull cleaner

General Discussion
1

Hello, i am a college student who want doing some research about rov, i have an idea to optimizing rov hull cleaner, but anybody can help me to give any idea to this topic? thank you

2

Hi @Primadzikra -
Welcome to the forums! Your question seemed a bit open-ended, and so I fed it directly to a large language model. I’m impressed with the response - I reviewed it and think it is free of hallucinations!

Begin ChatGPT o1 response:

Here are a few high-level ideas and research directions you might consider for optimizing a hull-cleaning ROV. They cover design features, propulsion methods, cleaning tools, and sensor integration:

1. Innovative Attachment and Propulsion Mechanisms

  • Magnetic Wheel or Track Systems
    Traditional ROVs use thrusters to remain close to a hull, but attaching via permanent magnets or electromagnets allows the vehicle to “crawl” along the hull. This reduces thrust demands (which saves power) and provides more stable contact for the cleaning apparatus.

  • Vacuum/Clamping Mechanisms
    Instead of magnetic force, you could explore suction cups or vacuum-based systems. These can adapt to different hull materials (including non-ferrous hulls). However, ensure that any vacuum system is reliable in case of surface irregularities and does not overly complicate the ROV’s design.

  • Bio-inspired Propulsion
    Research into “fish fin-like” or “inchworm-like” propulsion could offer low noise, efficient maneuvering around complex hull shapes. Although more exploratory, bio-inspired mechanisms might significantly reduce energy consumption and improve maneuverability in tight or curved spaces.

2. Optimized Cleaning Tools and Techniques

  • Modular Brush Systems
    Look at various brush types or scrubbing heads (rotary brush, disc brush, roller brush) that can be swapped based on fouling severity. Each brush type has trade-offs in cleaning efficiency, energy usage, and wear rate.

  • High-Pressure Water Jets
    These can be very effective at removing marine growth but require robust pumps and significant power. Optimizing flow rates and nozzle design is critical for minimizing energy consumption while ensuring effective cleaning.

  • Ultrasonic or Cavitation-Based Cleaning
    Non-contact methods like ultrasonic cleaning use high-frequency vibrations to break up fouling. While promising, these can be complex, sometimes less effective on thick growth, and might require specialized power sources.

  • Chemical-Assisted Cleaning
    Introducing environmentally friendly antifouling solutions or gels can loosen growth prior to mechanical removal. Integrating a small fluid dispensing system into the ROV can significantly reduce mechanical scrubbing time. Important: Ensure all chemical usage is compliant with environmental regulations.

3. Sensor Integration and Inspection Capabilities

  • High-Resolution Cameras and Lights
    Before, during, and after cleaning, you need to assess hull fouling levels, track cleaning progress, and document results. High-res cameras with LED arrays help with real-time visual inspection.

  • Ultrasonic Thickness Gauges
    Incorporate sensors to measure hull thickness or detect corrosion areas. This can add value to the cleaning mission by also providing hull integrity data.

  • Fouling Detection Sensors
    Research is ongoing into acoustic or optical sensors capable of detecting the density or type of marine growth. These could inform real-time cleaning tool adjustments—e.g., switching from a gentle brush to a more abrasive method when needed.

  • IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) and Positioning Systems
    Accurately track the ROV’s position on the hull. If GPS is unavailable underwater, using acoustic localization or relative tracking via fiducial markers on the hull (AR tags, LEDs, or acoustic beacons) helps the ROV “map” where it has cleaned and where it still needs to go.

4. Autonomous or Semi-Autonomous Operation

  • SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping)
    Incorporating SLAM techniques lets the ROV build a map of the hull in real time. Over multiple missions, the system can create a 3D hull model, track fouling changes, and plan efficient cleaning paths.

  • Path Planning and Optimization
    Use algorithms (like A* or RRT*) to generate collision-free, energy-efficient trajectories along the hull. Combining these with hull modeling or sensor feedback can maximize cleaning coverage with minimal time and power consumption.

  • Machine Learning for Fouling Recognition
    If the ROV can recognize different fouling types (barnacles, algae, mussels, etc.) through image processing, it can automatically select optimal cleaning parameters—brush hardness, speed, or water pressure.

5. Energy Efficiency and System Reliability

  • Power Management
    Consider tethered vs. battery-powered designs. Tethered systems have virtually unlimited power but need robust cable management. Battery-powered ROVs offer greater flexibility but must optimize every watt. This can include brushless motors, efficient thruster designs, and “sleep” modes for onboard electronics.

  • Redundancy and Fail-Safe Systems
    Hull cleaning can be high-risk if the ROV detaches unexpectedly or sensors fail. Including backup sensors (pressure, IMU, or ultrasonic altimeters) and failsafe mechanical attachment systems can prevent incidents.

  • Robustness and Maintenance
    Cleaning mechanisms often face high mechanical stress. Use corrosion-resistant materials, design easily replaceable consumables (brush heads, seals, thrusters), and incorporate quick access points for maintenance.

6. Practical Considerations and Industry Relevance

  • Regulatory Compliance
    Some ports or environmental agencies have strict regulations on in-water hull cleaning (due to invasive species concerns or chemical discharges). Familiarize yourself with these constraints to guide your design.

  • Data Collection for Hull Condition
    Beyond cleaning, shipping companies value hull inspection and damage detection to minimize downtime. Emphasize dual-use (clean + inspect) in your research.

  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
    Propose a clear comparison between your optimized ROV system and traditional hull cleaning services. Highlight time saved, fuel savings for the vessel (a clean hull reduces drag), and overall operational benefits.

Summary

To optimize your ROV hull cleaner, think about a combination of advanced attachment mechanisms, specialized cleaning tools, robust sensor packages for inspection and navigation, and potentially autonomous control algorithms. Balancing performance (effective fouling removal), power consumption (efficient thrusters and cleaning mechanisms), and reliability (failsafe attachments, sensor redundancies) is key.

For a successful research project, you might:

  1. Focus on one subsystem—for instance, designing a new electromagnetic crawler system that’s highly energy-efficient.
  2. Incorporate sensor-based autonomy—explore how real-time fouling detection guides cleaning brushes.
  3. Compare methods—prototype a couple of cleaning head designs and test them in a small-scale tank setup to measure efficiency, power draw, and cleaning effectiveness.

This approach can yield a robust research outcome that not only highlights engineering innovation but also has practical real-world applications. Good luck with your project!

1 Like