- Nova Ray
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The Nova Ray is a new type of remotely operated vehicle introduced to the public in 2003.[1] It differs from other ROVs, due to its arcuate (bow-shaped) wing design.
The hydrodynamic design effectively uses water flow rather than resistance to maintain operational control under changing operating modes. The arcuate wing is stable under tow or with the vehicle's own thruster power.
Contents
Design details
There are many key points behind the creation of an arcuate winged ROV but primarily the arcuate wing uses design over sheer weight to solve issues with umbilical cable drag in strong currents. The design counteracts the lifting force of the umbilical cable (also known as tether) with downward force when the control surfaces are properly applied. The speed of the ship or current has little effect on the operational stability of the vehicle. The arcuate wing has proven to increase cable use efficiency by as much as 75% and reduce the amount of cable necessary to operate or tow at depth.[2][3]
The physical dynamics of the arcuate wing creates a stable instrumentation platform and allows for maneuverability. This increases system effectiveness in high currents and cross currents when towed or using thruster power. There is little tendency for the vehicle to rock in shifting currents.[4][5]
The Nova Ray ROV has had seven patents for utility and design issued by the US and Canadian patent offices.[6]
Applications
Below is an overview of applications the Nova Ray can be used for, along with a description showing why the Nova Ray differs from other ROVs in the industry.
- Subsea Inspections, Surveys and Maintenance
Since the Nova Ray is the only submersible ROV that can work effectively from a moving surface platform it is capable of completing inspections and surveys at a rate much faster than ROVs which only operate from a stationary platform like an offshore oil rig or an anchored ship.
- Research and Education
The first Nova Ray was delivered to SCRIPPS Institute of Oceanography in 2003 where feedback confirmed it is a multi-function platform capable of serving the diverse needs of marine researchers, oceanographers and educators. The wing design offers stability in strong currents and tides, increasing data gathering efforts. Its patented channel rail system allows for add-on instruments and technology specified by marine scientists and researchers. Applications can include real time video recording of marine life, site mapping of archeological projects in strong currents and rugged underwater conditions, coastal science and research, marine biotechnology, oceanography, global climate research and eel grass surveys.[4][7]
Background
The Nova Ray is manufactured by Advent Marine Technologies in Bothell, Washington. Brothers Marc and Krist Geriene are the co-inventors of the Nova Ray and are currently developing deeper water versions of the Nova Ray design.
References
- ^ ROV Designs and Classes
- ^ BlueView Technologies Contact
- ^ Admiralty Corporation
- ^ a b SCRIPPS John Orcutt
- ^ Nova Ray high current usability for SCRIPPS
- ^ http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=3&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=Geriene&OS=Geriene&RS=Geriene
- ^ Seattle University ECE
External links
Categories:- Unmanned vehicles
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