Submariner
1 mW
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2009
- Messages
- 17
I am nearing completion of designing a very unique personal micro submarine.
Think of it as a submarine you wear.
It is really small, very low drag and extremely sporty in performance.
It resembles a torpedo with wings.
I need ideas on powering options to consider.
I have 36, 6 volt, 12Ahr, sealed lead acid batteries that are three years old but in great condition having served
as unused back-up or stand-by power for 36, individual, high-end earthquake sensors.
I'm looking for 2, 5Kw motors which will turn 2, 2 blade, contrarotating, 90% efficient propellers at 1000 RPM.
This will allow for ~15 knot (~17 MPH, ~28 KPH).
I'm looking for 1 hour operating time with 1 hour reserve.
I would prefer two independant systems providing redundancy for safety.
Although my space is somewhat limited, I do have about 400 pounds of capacity for both batteries and motors.
Velocity versus power is a cubic relationship in submarines.
What I am looking for is bursts of full power with the vast majority of time under low power.
In fact, the most efficient manner of operation may be only bursts of higher power and lots of gliding or drifting.
The vessel carries high inertia with a density of 63.5 pounds per cubic food (that of sea water).
Fine speed control will be necessary to avoid cavitating the propellers.
Instant reverse is on the wish list for brakes.
Simplicity is desirable and cost a consideration.
This is a personal toy and not for commercial gain.
Service pressure on the batteries will vary from +1 (ambient surface pressure)
to +2 (33 feet depth) atmospheres, (0 to +15 PSIG).
I got the batteries for free and am in no way commited to using them for this project.
The sub interior is dry (not flooded as in some designs).
Your thoughts, comments, ideas and experience appreciated.
Tom
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (the south-west coast)
Think of it as a submarine you wear.
It is really small, very low drag and extremely sporty in performance.
It resembles a torpedo with wings.
I need ideas on powering options to consider.
I have 36, 6 volt, 12Ahr, sealed lead acid batteries that are three years old but in great condition having served
as unused back-up or stand-by power for 36, individual, high-end earthquake sensors.
I'm looking for 2, 5Kw motors which will turn 2, 2 blade, contrarotating, 90% efficient propellers at 1000 RPM.
This will allow for ~15 knot (~17 MPH, ~28 KPH).
I'm looking for 1 hour operating time with 1 hour reserve.
I would prefer two independant systems providing redundancy for safety.
Although my space is somewhat limited, I do have about 400 pounds of capacity for both batteries and motors.
Velocity versus power is a cubic relationship in submarines.
What I am looking for is bursts of full power with the vast majority of time under low power.
In fact, the most efficient manner of operation may be only bursts of higher power and lots of gliding or drifting.
The vessel carries high inertia with a density of 63.5 pounds per cubic food (that of sea water).
Fine speed control will be necessary to avoid cavitating the propellers.
Instant reverse is on the wish list for brakes.
Simplicity is desirable and cost a consideration.
This is a personal toy and not for commercial gain.
Service pressure on the batteries will vary from +1 (ambient surface pressure)
to +2 (33 feet depth) atmospheres, (0 to +15 PSIG).
I got the batteries for free and am in no way commited to using them for this project.
The sub interior is dry (not flooded as in some designs).
Your thoughts, comments, ideas and experience appreciated.
Tom
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (the south-west coast)