An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to erode or disperse build-up of sediment on the bed of an aquatic zone. The AUV is unmanned and moves along a pre-set route close to the sea or river bed, and uses hydraulic or pneumatic means to erode sediment on the bed surface. The eroded sediment is enclosed into a duct (g) and directed upwards to be discharged in a plume (y) high into the water above the vehicle, where it is dispersed by natural currents. In one embodiment the plume may be directed by a flexible chute of fabric (h) on a whip support (i). The AUV may be free-floating, on robotic legs, or on wheels (c). The bed disturbance is induced hydraulically by pump, fan or propeller (e), or pneumatically by air injection. There is a buoyancy adjusting compartment (b) to keep the vehicle at the correct height above the surface. Power is supplied by a rechargeable battery or fuel cell (j) housed in a watertight compartment (k). The vehicle uses an underwater positioning system (l) and is controlled by an on-board computer system (m) in a watertight compartment (n).
Bed level maintenance in sediment-floored water areas using autonomous underwater vehicle technology
2017-05-03
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
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