2P1-I07 Feasibility study of an ocean-going solar-powered underwater glider(Underwater Robot and Mechatronics(2))

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate the feasibility of a solar-powered underwater glider for monitoring long-term and wide-range ocean environment. The possibility of underwater cruise using solar energy was verified by the experimental underwater glider 'SORA' equipped with two thrustors and amorphous-silicon solar panels. This paper deals with possibility of the utilisation of solar energy for ocean-going underwater vehicle. An oil-filled hybrid-type-solar-panel mount was firstly developed and electric-power generation test was conducted at an open-air swimming pool and at sea. The feasibility of an ocean-going solar-powered underwater glider was then discussed from the point of view of electric-power generation.