Skip to main content
Article
Control System Performance and Efficiency for a Mid-Depth Lagrangian Profiling Float
OCEANS 2010 IEEE - Sydney (2010)
  • B. McGilvray, University of Rhode Island
  • C. Roman, University of Rhode Island
Abstract

This paper presents the development of a new mid-depth Lagrangian profiling float with a primary emphasis on the control system performance and efficiency. While deep water floats have demonstrated much success in open ocean environments, many are not suited for the additional challenges associated with coastal regions. To study these regions, which are often subject to varying bathymetry within the operating range and higher variations in water density, a more advanced system is required. This new design utilizes pressure and altitude feedback to drive a high volume auto-ballasting system (ABS). The main operating modes of this float include step inputs to park and drift at constant depths, profiling inputs with adjustable rates and adaptable limits, and constant altitude bottom tracking. To handle these tasks, a state-space feedback control system, which uses feedback linearization to account for the nonlinear drag force acting on the moving float, was designed and simulated. Additionally, the development of the control system was coupled with empirical motor efficiency data to study the tradeoffs between efficiency and performance.

Keywords
  • Acceleration,
  • Brushless motors,
  • Control systems,
  • Mathematical model,
  • Open area test sites,
  • Pistons,
  • Power demand,
  • feedback,
  • linearization techniques,
  • marine systems,
  • oceanographic techniques,
  • state-space methods,
  • tracking,
  • altitude bottom tracking,
  • altitude feedback,
  • auto-ballasting system,
  • control system efficiency,
  • control system performance,
  • deep water floats,
  • feedback linearization,
  • mid-depth Lagrangian profiling float,
  • nonlinear drag force,
  • pressure feedback,
  • state-space feedback control system,
  • control system,
  • drifter,
  • float,
  • nonlinear control,
  • sensor platform,
  • state-space feedback
Publication Date
May 26, 2010
Citation Information
McGilvray, B., & Roman, C. (2010). Control system performance and efficiency for a mid-depth Lagrangian profiling float. OCEANS 2010 IEEE - Sydney pp.1-10, 24-27 May.

doi: 10.1109/OCEANSSYD.2010.5603906