Design and simulation of an AUV using Arduino and Tinkercad

A design of an innovative, reliable, low cost and energy- efficient AUV system for inspection of undersea oil pipelines is required. The AUV must be self-sustained recharging by renewable energies and completely operational independently at a life-span of 10 years (minimum). The AUV must detect proximity of a maximum depth and operate within that proximity. The AUV must detect any faults in pipelines (e.g. the type, nature and location of the fault) and report and send back through WiFi system to inland. The AUV system must protect itself from all sorts of dangers from moving objects to large mammals (e.g. sharks, whales, etc.) and must detect type, location, and size of the danger and react accordingly to protect itself. The AUV must also distinguish between enemy and friend objects if some on sea repair or checkup is needed. The AUV has to be properly designed with all required components to have a safe and efficient operation at different depths. The maximum depth of operation must be selected carefully based on the power requirement and the total cost of 1000 USD. Operation at different depths must be controlled by a ballast tank and suitable pump. The AUV system components and seals that come in contact with water, must be seawater proof. The objective of this project is to design and simulate an AUV System by the end of the semester by each and all PBL4 student teams. Designer should consider innovative designs with low costs, low energy use, less components, smaller sizes, and taking into account thermo-chemical properties of seawater. Safe operation is the key issue in the design and should be monitored and reported during the operation of AUV. Since the system won’t be built physically, designers are allowed to choose real components but the virtual machine cost should not exceed 1000 USD. Arduino microprocessor, sensors, actuators, motors, pumps and ballast tank are some of many components that can be used. Designer should provide a sketch of his/her idea and draw their own 3D CAD/CAM detailed standard drawings with sizes (e.g. Solid work, AutoCAD, Tinkercad) for the whole system including all components. Simulation by Tinkercad should be conducted to show how the system is controlled fully automatic. Flow chart and Arduino circuits in Tinkercad will be used for simulation. All sensor operations, system and fault check, and warning messages should be considered in the flow chart and Tinkercad simulation. Renewable energies (e.g. wave, tides, etc.) are also other key factor for self-sustainability of AUV design. The emphasis is on innovative ideas. Designers is expected to have good knowledge and to study fluid flow and electrical circuits and devices and provide mathematical models and calculations concepts for the design of AUV dynamics and hydrodynamics, pump and ballast tank, elaborate on construction and working principle of fluid momentum, fluid heating, flow rate, water discharge and pressure calculations, and provide performance curves for selected pumps, ballast tank, and valve systems. Designer also should consider appropriate electrical system designs for electric motors, renewable electricity production, sensors, and automatic control of the AUV and include machine safety features and also machine protection from failure of mechanical, fluid, and electrical systems. Please also note that all the components should withstand harsh environment of seawater and standard materials and products for use in sea should be selected.