Movement & Operational Controls
Overview
We need to build a movement and operational control system that can be used in a swath vessel (what is a swath?) or our SeaPod GT model. This same system can be slightly modified and used in these additional projects Plug Plug-in platforms, Self Connecting Platforms, and Aquatic Service Drone. Here is a 1:20 scale model we built. A full-size model is about 30% complete at our factory. We need a navigation and electronic control system for this vessel.
Why this is important: This is a core technology that will be essential in building a wide variety of water water-based vehicles that will be essential for a floating community. This technology can be used for surface surface-level delivery and transport drones, underwater vehicles, high high-speed human transport vehicles, moving platforms, and more.
Requirements
- Control between one to four thrusters (electric motor-driven propellers or RIM drive motors) of up to 2 kilowatts per thruster. We are currently using these trusters.
- Each thruster should be able to be controlled in forward and reverse movement.
- Precise control of between one and five control surfaces like rudders and fins using marine grade stepper motors so we have directional control and they could potentially be used for stabilizing movement when stationary in the water.
- A fuel level indicator for gas or diesel.
- A battery charge level indicator.
- Control four
TrimtrimControlcontrolTanks:tanks: We will have multiple trim tanks which can be filled or emptied with water with pumps. Two tanks will be at the front (one on the left and oneofon theright)right hull). Two tanks will be at the back (one on the left and oneofon theright)right hul). These tanks do not need to fill or empty water too fast as the trim will not need to be changed often orrapidly.rapidly on each trip. They will help keep the vessel level when weight is moved around on the passenger platform. We will need pumps to move the water or air from tank to tank. - Control four
BuoyancybuoyancyControlcontrolTanks:tanks: We will have up to four buoyancy control tanks which will add/remove water/air as needed from the tanks to adjust the height of the vessel depending on whether the vessel is in movement or docked or in other situations that require the height to be adjusted. - All pumps will run on 12,
2424, or 48VDC (TBD). - Movement sensor (9 axis accelerometer)
- Water level sensor in buoyancy tanks
- Water level sensor of the vessel relative to the ocean
- Water/air temperature sensor - Optional
- Additional sensors - Optional
- The vessel should be able to connect via API to the Ocean Builders web server when in range of the internet (specific
API'sAPIs to be determined later). Movement (9 axis accelerometer)-REQUIREDBONUSWater level sensor in buoyancy tanks -REQUIREDWater level sensor of vessel relative to the ocean -REQUIREDWater/Air temperature - OptionalAdditional sensors- Optional
Project Prizes
Winner(s) for each level will be judged by Ocean Builders and the Sponsor.
- Level 1: Submit a detailed outline of your proposal.
UpThetoproposal3shouldwinningdetailteamsaorrealisticindividualplanapplicantsforwillthebesimplest,chooseneasiest,basedandsolelylowestoncostyourmethoddetailedofproposal.completingPrizeas much of this project as possible and a proposed timeline and cost estimates for various parts of the project. The prize for this level is set to $100 which will be paid by our sponsor in Ghost cryptocurrency to each team entry orsinglesingle-member applicants. Level 1 winners may be supplied with a parts list to build Level 2. - Level 2: Build a
basicbasic, workingproofhardware computer controller which is able to control 2 thrusters with variable thrust in the forward and reverse directions. Sample thrusters can be used for this level ofprincipledevelopment.hardwareThedeviceprize for this level is set to $1,000 which will be paid by our sponsor in Ghost cryptocurrency to each team entry or single-member applicants. Level 2 winner(s) may be supplied with a parts list to build Level 3. - BONUS: Connect to the Ocean Builders backend server with APIs. The prize for this bonus is $500 paid in Ghost to the winning project.
- Level 3: Add any
2two of the required sensors (can't be the same for both)&andcontrollershave their data read by the computer controller. The prize for2thisthrusterslevelthatisallow$500variablepaidforwardinandGhostreversetocontrol.the winning project. - Level
3:4: Use an accelerometer sensor to control pumps in four trim tanks that allow the computer controller to balance the vesselineven with changing weight distributionconditionsconditions. The prize for this level is set to $750 paid in Ghost to the winning project. - Level
4:5:ControlUse a sensor to detect the height of the swath passenger section, allow the user to select a desired height above the water and control pumps that change the height of the vessel by pumpingairair/water into buoyancy controltankstanks. LevelThe5:prize BONUS:forConnectthis level is set to $750 paid in Ghost to theOceanwinningBuildersproject.- Level
server6:withSychronizeAPI's.thePrizecontrol of the control surfaces and thrusters to steer the vessel. The prize for this level is set to $500750 paid inGhost.Ghost to the winning project.
Project Management Page
Coming soon
Participants/Teams:
Applicants needed
Project Manager
This project is being developed as an open open-source project with the following licensing:
- Software:
- Hardware, Design & other Intellectual Property:
Related Project(s)
Dynamic Positioning, Swath Engineering, Plug Plug-in platforms, Self Connecting Platforms, and Aquatic Service Drone, SeaPod GT model, and RIM drive motors
Sponsorship
Prizes for this project are sponsored by Ghost and they will be held in escrow by Ocean Builders until each prize level has been completed.