Fluid-based buoyancy compensation
First Claim
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1. A vessel comprising:
- a power supply unit;
a processing module connected to the power supply unit;
an active buoyance compensation system configured to receive instructions from the processing module and, in response to the instructions, actively change a buoyancy of the vessel; and
a passive buoyancy compensation system comprising at least one flexible container having a compressible fluid that includes a mixture of a porous hydrophobic powder and a liquid,wherein the buoyancy of the vessel is passively adjusted by a change in the volume of the compressible fluid resulting from a change in depth of the vessel in response to the active buoyancy compensation system.
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Abstract
Systems and methods for buoyancy compensation are provided. Both active and passive buoyancy compensation can be provided using a compressible mixture made of a liquid along with a hydrophopic material such as a powder, electrospun fiber, or foam. The compressible fluid compresses as pressure is applied or expands as pressure is released thereby substantially maintaining an overall neutral buoyancy for a vessel. This allows the vessel to ascend and descend to water depths with minimal active buoyancy change. As a result, the energy usage and the reliance on higher pressure air and oils can be minimized.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A vessel comprising:
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a power supply unit; a processing module connected to the power supply unit; an active buoyance compensation system configured to receive instructions from the processing module and, in response to the instructions, actively change a buoyancy of the vessel; and a passive buoyancy compensation system comprising at least one flexible container having a compressible fluid that includes a mixture of a porous hydrophobic powder and a liquid, wherein the buoyancy of the vessel is passively adjusted by a change in the volume of the compressible fluid resulting from a change in depth of the vessel in response to the active buoyancy compensation system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification