An Approach for Operation Depth Reduction of an Underwater Glider Propelled by Ocean Thermal Energy

Abstract

The underwater Gliders are a kind of autonomous vehicles that have a special role in ocean surveys which demand continuous monitoring and long endurance. Because of low energy consumption and long endurance, these vehicles are favorite for these missions. Among this, a type of gliders can harvest ocean thermal energy, causing significant endurance increase. These vehicles need at least 680 meters sea depth to operate their propulsion system. In this paper, by analyzing a propulsion system of a typical glider, heat transfer and its operation depth is assessed. For decreased operational depth, an approach is presented for possibility of using this technology in shallower seas, which provides the utilization of this type of gliders at wider range of the Gulf of Oman.

Keywords

• underwater glider
• thermal motor
• ocean thermal energy
• phase changing material