Micro Underwater Vehicles for Autonomous Lake Inspection
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bath
Department Name: Chemical Engineering
Abstract
Traditional, routine reservoir monitoring is typically conducted by either by (a) fixed moorings that measure densely in time but not in space or (b) by spot profiling which can provide greater spatial resolution, but which is done at weekly scale at most.
Research effort is being expended to address this lack of both temporal and spatial resolution through fixed lake sensor systems. A cheaper and more flexible approach could potentially be achieved using micro underwater vehicles on extended duration missions and the higher quality spatial and temporal data gathered could be used to bring about research and water quality benefits. Vehicles can potentially sample more of a water body than traditional methods by sampling either over (a) the whole water body, (b) in a variety of specific locations using virtual moorings, (c) whilst floating or (d) whilst sitting on the bottom.
It is proposed that a micro underwater glider may be uniquely suited to address these data gathering challenges in shallow and confined lake environments where its agility, low cost and ability to undertake long duration missions could be exploited to produce new data products (such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and contaminants) with high spatial resolution at higher frequencies than traditional profiling methods can provide.
The goals of this project are to:
(a) Compare and validate traditional water quality data gathering methods and outputs with data obtained using autonomous vehicles,
(b) Using the research data to design and develop a micro vehicle suitable for water quality monitoring and
(c) Use the developed vehicle to obtain validated, high spatial-temporal resolution data sets of bulk water parameters in shallow lakes/reservoirs on both short and extended duration missions which have not been produced previously.
Research effort is being expended to address this lack of both temporal and spatial resolution through fixed lake sensor systems. A cheaper and more flexible approach could potentially be achieved using micro underwater vehicles on extended duration missions and the higher quality spatial and temporal data gathered could be used to bring about research and water quality benefits. Vehicles can potentially sample more of a water body than traditional methods by sampling either over (a) the whole water body, (b) in a variety of specific locations using virtual moorings, (c) whilst floating or (d) whilst sitting on the bottom.
It is proposed that a micro underwater glider may be uniquely suited to address these data gathering challenges in shallow and confined lake environments where its agility, low cost and ability to undertake long duration missions could be exploited to produce new data products (such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and contaminants) with high spatial resolution at higher frequencies than traditional profiling methods can provide.
The goals of this project are to:
(a) Compare and validate traditional water quality data gathering methods and outputs with data obtained using autonomous vehicles,
(b) Using the research data to design and develop a micro vehicle suitable for water quality monitoring and
(c) Use the developed vehicle to obtain validated, high spatial-temporal resolution data sets of bulk water parameters in shallow lakes/reservoirs on both short and extended duration missions which have not been produced previously.
Planned Impact
We will deliver the Centre's impact aims in depth and breadth through the following objectives:
1) Ensuring that skilled recruits are available to industry to enhance the global competitiveness of UK plc thereby filling an industry-identified skills gap in appropriately trained water informatics professionals - Beneficiary: Industry;
2) Maximising the recruitment opportunities for graduates, by providing them with the professional and development skills needed to succeed - Beneficiary: Students;
3) Promote the work of the CDT to the widest possible audience so that the true value of the investment in the centre is realized - Beneficiary: Communities (both public and academic);
4) Create and develop the next generation of academics - Beneficiary: Academia / Students.
Economic and Societal Impact: Water professionals are faced with increasingly complex problems of ensuring sustainable use of water resources, given a rapidly expanding demand for energy and food from a growing population, and the dynamic nature of our world. Simultaneously we see an explosion in new data and in computational power, which allows us to build more and more complex models of our environment. Organisations such as Toshiba and IBM expect the Centre to support them in developing a 'real business opportunity' in Smart Utility systems. Partners such as the Environment Agency and MET Office feel that WISE will give them access to essential skills in long term planning and climate impact assessment. HR Wallingford and Wessex Water see the opportunity to maintain and enhance their global advantage in technology and catchment management expertise. The impact on the industrial sectors relevant to this Centre will be guided and supported by our Advisory Board. To facilitate wider impact we will also work through regional and national groups, networks, and Learned Societies.
We will undertake the following activities in support of our pathways to impact:
1) Bi-Annual WISE Mini-Conference: One day events to engage current Partners and additional end-users including the student cohort and established research projects.
2) Annual 'Hackathon': A sector specific one day event will be an opportunity for the students to focus on a real industry problem and provide solutions.
3) Short Film: To facilitate outreach, we will produce a short film to promote the awareness of the centre topic and the research of its students.
4) Case Studies: We will jointly develop a number of case studies for our website to showcase research and allow industry to understand how it can benefit from engagement with the Centre.
5) Third Party Events and Activities: Our student cohort and supervisors will work with existing and new networks to develop new relationships.
6) Public Engagement: The Centre will benefit from RCUK funded "Public Engagement with Research Catalyst" projects based at Exeter, Bath and Bristol. We will also engage with the British Science Association.
Impact on Knowledge Creation: The training approach has been designed to facilitate the transfer and dissemination of knowledge. From Year 2 onwards students will work in other institutions and/or with our industry partners for 3-6 months. We have agreement from our overseas and industrial partners to host placements. In terms of the wider academic and industrial sectors, students will be expected to attend and present at leading national and international conferences, and at our bi-annual mini-conferences.
Broader Impact on Postgraduate Students: The Centre has worked with partners to develop an environment that will provide training across a wide range of interdisciplinary topics. Bespoke skills-based workshops, novel approaches and strong relationships with partners are key features of this environment. Specifically our students will undertake modules within the University of Exeter Business School, which will give them the opportunity to explore challenges facing leaders in industry around the globe.
1) Ensuring that skilled recruits are available to industry to enhance the global competitiveness of UK plc thereby filling an industry-identified skills gap in appropriately trained water informatics professionals - Beneficiary: Industry;
2) Maximising the recruitment opportunities for graduates, by providing them with the professional and development skills needed to succeed - Beneficiary: Students;
3) Promote the work of the CDT to the widest possible audience so that the true value of the investment in the centre is realized - Beneficiary: Communities (both public and academic);
4) Create and develop the next generation of academics - Beneficiary: Academia / Students.
Economic and Societal Impact: Water professionals are faced with increasingly complex problems of ensuring sustainable use of water resources, given a rapidly expanding demand for energy and food from a growing population, and the dynamic nature of our world. Simultaneously we see an explosion in new data and in computational power, which allows us to build more and more complex models of our environment. Organisations such as Toshiba and IBM expect the Centre to support them in developing a 'real business opportunity' in Smart Utility systems. Partners such as the Environment Agency and MET Office feel that WISE will give them access to essential skills in long term planning and climate impact assessment. HR Wallingford and Wessex Water see the opportunity to maintain and enhance their global advantage in technology and catchment management expertise. The impact on the industrial sectors relevant to this Centre will be guided and supported by our Advisory Board. To facilitate wider impact we will also work through regional and national groups, networks, and Learned Societies.
We will undertake the following activities in support of our pathways to impact:
1) Bi-Annual WISE Mini-Conference: One day events to engage current Partners and additional end-users including the student cohort and established research projects.
2) Annual 'Hackathon': A sector specific one day event will be an opportunity for the students to focus on a real industry problem and provide solutions.
3) Short Film: To facilitate outreach, we will produce a short film to promote the awareness of the centre topic and the research of its students.
4) Case Studies: We will jointly develop a number of case studies for our website to showcase research and allow industry to understand how it can benefit from engagement with the Centre.
5) Third Party Events and Activities: Our student cohort and supervisors will work with existing and new networks to develop new relationships.
6) Public Engagement: The Centre will benefit from RCUK funded "Public Engagement with Research Catalyst" projects based at Exeter, Bath and Bristol. We will also engage with the British Science Association.
Impact on Knowledge Creation: The training approach has been designed to facilitate the transfer and dissemination of knowledge. From Year 2 onwards students will work in other institutions and/or with our industry partners for 3-6 months. We have agreement from our overseas and industrial partners to host placements. In terms of the wider academic and industrial sectors, students will be expected to attend and present at leading national and international conferences, and at our bi-annual mini-conferences.
Broader Impact on Postgraduate Students: The Centre has worked with partners to develop an environment that will provide training across a wide range of interdisciplinary topics. Bespoke skills-based workshops, novel approaches and strong relationships with partners are key features of this environment. Specifically our students will undertake modules within the University of Exeter Business School, which will give them the opportunity to explore challenges facing leaders in industry around the globe.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Thomas Arnot (Primary Supervisor) | |
| James RAND (Student) |