Fluid-based buoyancy compensation

摘要

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.

主权项

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.