Hello liddelljohn,
Q3: We will only update the power part of the ROV. The existing control HMI, video and communication will be reused.
Q4: Regarding the life span of the upgrade: In the upgrade we will replace the original thruster with our own Copenhagen Subsea rim-driven thruster. The thruster is designed to be long lasting: consisting of two solid molded parts, with sea water flowing freely between the rotating part and the stationary part - this means there is no shaft sealing, no air or fluid inside the thruster. What we know about the reliability of our thruster is based on the performance of our 1,000 hour test at full power. After a 1,000 hour test the thruster show no sign of degradation. Therefor the increased reliability was also a reason for the client to do the upgrade. Due to the large surface the rim-drive thruster it has excellent cooling and therefore it's very powerful compared to its propeller size.
Our idea with the upgrade is that a small powerful vehicle is the best to encounter strong current. What we are trying to learn is: would a skilled ROV operator be able to handle the vehicle in 3-5 knots current even if the required thrust is available? or will this require aid from a navigation system (DVL based INS) to be able to keep the vehicle stationary?
Also examples of ceased strong current ROV operations would also be appreciated.
Best regards,
Allan
Q3: We will only update the power part of the ROV. The existing control HMI, video and communication will be reused.
Q4: Regarding the life span of the upgrade: In the upgrade we will replace the original thruster with our own Copenhagen Subsea rim-driven thruster. The thruster is designed to be long lasting: consisting of two solid molded parts, with sea water flowing freely between the rotating part and the stationary part - this means there is no shaft sealing, no air or fluid inside the thruster. What we know about the reliability of our thruster is based on the performance of our 1,000 hour test at full power. After a 1,000 hour test the thruster show no sign of degradation. Therefor the increased reliability was also a reason for the client to do the upgrade. Due to the large surface the rim-drive thruster it has excellent cooling and therefore it's very powerful compared to its propeller size.
Our idea with the upgrade is that a small powerful vehicle is the best to encounter strong current. What we are trying to learn is: would a skilled ROV operator be able to handle the vehicle in 3-5 knots current even if the required thrust is available? or will this require aid from a navigation system (DVL based INS) to be able to keep the vehicle stationary?
Also examples of ceased strong current ROV operations would also be appreciated.
Best regards,
Allan