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Submersible thrusters are underwater propulsion devices designed to facilitate the movement of underwater vehicles, robots, and vessels. Several types of submersible thrusters are available, each constructed to meet specific operational requirements.
Propeller-based thrusters
Propeller-based thrusters are usually lifted by an electric motor. Whenever the electric motor rotates, the propeller rotates and pushes water behind the submersible unit, thus propelling it forward. These types of thrusters are frequently installed in the submarines built with surface vessels as well as underwater surfacing capability.
Rotary pump thrusters
This pump operates on a principle similar to that of a propeller thrust pump, but it features a rotor and stator that compress the fluid circumferentially. Water is forced out from the thruster by the pump, propelling the submersible vehicle in the opposite direction. Rotary pump thrusters have a huge flow rate and low axial travel.
Azimuth thrusters
Azimuthal thrusters are types of propeller thrusters whose nozzles can be rotated in various directions utilizing an independent vertical motor. They provide multilateral movement as well as swift turning capacity. Azimuthal thrusters are usually adopted by huge underwater vessels or research apparatuses.
Podded thrusters
In essence, podded thrusters integrate the motor and propeller into one single body and are directly driven by a diesel motor. They have steerable pods outside the hull that has a motor-driven pod in it with a contained rotating element. Moreover, they were located in pods that were placed externally on the bottom of the vessel, thus giving more room for maneuverability, efficiency, as well as the flexibility to reconfigure the layout of the interior.
Jet thrusters
A jet thruster is a device that pushes fluid in the opposite direction to create a thrust. Normally, the jet thrusters work based on the reaction principle by spraying the fluid (usually water) out of orifices at high speed to drive underwater vehicles forward. The orifice can be directed or adjusted in accordance with the need in order to control the direction as well as the movement of the underwater vehicle.
Architecture
The architecture of a submersible thruster consists of a variety of parts, including housings, rotors, stators, and seals. The housing is the external structure that supports and protects the entire submersible thruster. The housing material is usually stainless steel or titanium alloy to withstand the corrosion and high-pressure environment of underwater regions. The rotor is the rotating part inside the thruster, which generates propulsion force through the rotation. Some thrusters use brushless motors as rotors, while others use permanent magnet synchronous motors. The stator is the stationary part, which is responsible for driving the rotor to generate thrust. Like the rotor, the stator also adopts different motor structures and principles. The sealing system ensures that fluids do not enter the interior of the thruster to protect electrical and electronic components from damage.
Power and Control System
Submersible thrusters are usually equipped with a power and control system to provide electrical power and control commands for the thruster. This system allows regulating speed, direction, and other parameters, thereby controlling the vessel's movement in the water. Some thrusters may be equipped with a feedback control system that can automatically adjust the thruster's working state according to environmental changes and the need to achieve better thruster performance.
The power source of the thruster may come from batteries, generators, or other forms, while the control system may involve some advanced technologies such as remote control, programmed control, etc.
Some regular maintenance tasks need to be performed to ensure the proper functioning and prolong the lifetime of the submersible thruster.
Inspection and Cleaning
Regularly check whether the exterior and sealing parts of the thruster are damaged or deformed. If there is any foreign matter in the sealing part, it should be cleaned up in time to ensure that the sealing performance is good.
Lubrication
If the thruster has lubrication parts (such as bearings, etc.), the lubricant should be replenished or replaced as required to ensure lubricated and smooth operation.
Electrical and Electronic Component Maintenance
Regularly inspect the electrical connections and control components of the thruster to ensure reliable connection and normal function. Electrical contacts should be cleaned and checked for corrosion or loose connections. At the same time, the protective casings of electrical and electronic components should be inspected for damage or looseness, and appropriate protective measures should be taken.
Replacement of Parts
According to the usage and manual instructions, replace the parts that may be damaged to ensure the reliability of the thruster. At the same time, the installation and adjustment of the parts should be carried out, and the requirements for the manual are in line with the standards to ensure the proper functioning of the thruster.
Environmental Adaptation
Submersible thrusters are often used in harsh environments. Therefore, thrusters should be appropriately selected according to the working environment (e.g., temperature, humidity, pressure, etc.) to ensure that they are suitable for use. At the same time, equipment such as protective casings and moisture-proof devices should be used to protect the thruster from the adverse effects of the environment.
Submersible thrusters are useful in industries with diverse underwater applications.
AUVs and ROVs:
They are usually employed as the primary means of locomotion by autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), which are designed for deep-sea exploration. AUVs and ROVs are used for oceanographic research, environmental monitoring, oil and gas pipeline inspection, underwater surveying, and marine archaeological investigations, among other applications.
Underwater robots:
Underwater robots that perform tasks like maintenance or assembly in underwater oil rigs use submersible thrusters for propulsion. The robots also use the devices for navigating underwater spaces. Other tasks that underwater robots employ thrusters for include underwater welding and remote monitoring.
Hydrokinetic turbines:
Hydrokinetic turbines that convert the kinetic energy from free-flowing water currents into electricity usually employ submersible thrusters. The thrusters help the turbines to achieve the optimal orientation and positioning for maximum energy extraction.
Underwater research and exploration:
Submersible thrusters are commonly used in underwater research and exploration for controlled ascent, descent, and horizontal movement. Tasks that may involve the use of a submersible thruster include habitat exploration, deep-sea vent investigation, ocean floor mapping, and underwater cave exploration, among others.
Underwater drilling and mining:
Submersible thrusters are often used in underwater drilling and mining operations to control the positioning and movement of drilling rigs and mining vessels as well as to facilitate the transport of materials and equipment.
Underwater construction and inspection:
Submersible thrusters are employed during underwater construction and inspection operations to control the movement and positioning of divers, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and autonomous vehicles. The devices help marine engineers, technicians, and researchers to navigate and maneuver in underwater environments with precision and ease.
Marine conservation and monitoring:
Submersible thrusters are used for marine conservation and monitoring activities by research organizations, environmental agencies, and conservation groups. They are employed in tasks such as benthic surveys, reef monitoring, underwater photography and videography, marine wildlife tracking, and pollution monitoring, among others.
Several factors should be considered when choosing submersible thrusters for specific applications. These factors will help buyers determine which type of thruster will best meet their needs and those of the equipment they plan to use it on.
Machinery compatible
When selecting a submersible thruster, it's essential to consider the type of machine it will be working with. Industrial machines like ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) or AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles) have specific demands. For instance, AUVs need thrusters that can provide high speed and low noise levels. On the other hand, ROVs with limited buoyancy require compact, lightweight thrusters with high reliability. The combination of these characteristics will ensure operators can easily control the vehicle deep down in the water.
Depth rating
The depth rating of a submersible thruster refers to the maximum depth at which it can operate without experiencing failure. It is crucial to select a thruster with a depth rating that exceeds the maximum operating depth of the application. Choosing a thruster with an adequate depth rating helps ensure its reliability and performance in demanding underwater environments.
Power source
The thruster's motor must have a power source capable of providing enough voltage and current to meet the vehicle's propulsion needs. It's also crucial to think about the type of motor used in the thruster — whether it’s an AC or DC motor — and how it’ll be controlled. For instance, DC motors are simple to control and give precise speed control. However, AC motors are preferred for larger vehicles because they’re more efficient at higher power levels.
Kind of water environment
Buyers should consider the kind of water environment where the thruster will be used. Different thrusters are designed to perform well in specific water environments (i.e., freshwater or seawater). For example, a submersible thruster with an ideal coating will help prevent corrosion in seawater should be selected for use in seawater.
Q1: What is a submersible thruster?
A1: A submersible thruster is a type of underwater propulsion device usually installed on an ROV or AUV to provide forward movement.
Q2: How do submersible thrusters work?
A2: Submersible thrusters work similarly to ordinary thrusters, using electric motors to rotate propellers. However, submersible thrusters are designed to operate and withstand harsh underwater environments.
Q3: What are the types of submersible thrusters?
A3: The common types of submersible thrusters include water jet thrusters, electric propeller thrusters, and hydraulic propeller thrusters.
Q4: What are the advantages of submersible thrusters?
A4: Submersible thrusters offer some advantages such as flexibility, efficiency, compactness, and customizability. They can be used in deep-sea exploration, underwater construction, marine research, etc.
