Design of a variable buoyancy engine for small scale underwater vehicle

Abstract

Variable buoyancy capability enables unmanned underwater vehicles to enhance functionality and save energy. Very few efforts have been seen towards development of VB systems for laboratory scale AUVs. This paper gives a brief idea of the design of a low cost, piston based VB system for a laboratory scaled AUV. In this paper, CAD model of the designed VB system has been explained along with the prototype developed. Different components and material used for the development has been stated in this paper. Cost involved in development is also explained. The present paper summarizes the various modules of VB system as well as the efforts made towards development of VB system for AUV in past.