Nova Ray
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Nova Ray is a new type of remotely operated vehicle introduced to the public in 2003 [1]. It differs from other ROVs, due to its arcuate (bow-shaped) wing design.
The hydrodynamic design effectively uses water flow rather than resistance to maintain operational control under changing operating modes. The arcuate wing is stable under tow or with the vehicle's own thruster power.
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[edit] Design details
There are many key points behind the creation of an arcuate winged ROV. The arcuate wing solves issues with umbilical cable drag in strong currents. The design counteracts the lifting force of the umbilical cable (also known as tether). Therefore, the speed of the ship or current has little effect on the operational stability of the vehicle. The arcuate wing has proven to increase cable use efficiency and reduce the amount of cable necessary to operate or tow at depth. [2][3]
The physical dynamics of the arcuate wing creates a stable instrumentation platform and allows for maneuverability. This increases system effectiveness in high currents and cross currents when towed or using thruster power. There is little tendency for the vehicle to rock in shifting currents. [4][5]
[edit] Applications
Below is an overview of applications the Nova Ray can be used for, along with a description showing why the Nova Ray differs from other ROVs in the industry.
- Ship Hull Surveys
More goods pass through sea ports than are shipped by any other means of international transportation. The Nova Ray has the maneuverability to survey and inspect ship hulls and ports in currents and tides. With its imaging capabilities and real time feedback, the Nova Ray is a cost effective solution for port authorities, commercial shipping companies and marine contractors.
- Homeland Security, Government Agencies and Military
The Nova Ray design allows for easy modification and fast mobilization. User defined equipment is easily adaptable with the existing digital operating system. The digital operating system allows for synchronized communications with a central command system. The Nova Ray can be towed, operating much like a kite, or fly under its own thruster power. Equipped with detection equipment, the Nova Ray can perform baseline and repetitive imaging, wide area sweeps and reconnaissance missions.
- Emergency Response Search and Surveys
The Nova Ray can quickly search a wide area with currents in the critical period following an accident. Forensic teams can conduct detailed surveys prior to sending divers or equipment underwater. Wreckage retrieval or other evidence is easier and safer to assess with Nova Ray. Operators have the added benefit of being able to multi task by selecting one of three auto pilot modes. [6] [7]
- Subsea Inspections, Surveys and Maintenance
Field assembly and serviceability are quick and easy with the Nova Ray to stay on schedule. Its modular design provides for basic onsite servicing, reducing costly downtime. While quality is built into each Nova Ray, spare parts are handy to have. For example, if the circuit board malfunctions, remove it, insert a spare board and get back to work. Later, ship the board economically to Nova Ray, Inc. for repair.
- Dams, Reservoirs and Bridges
Structural integrity issues, staff safety concerns and other threats make inspection and survey of dams, reservoirs and highway bridges an important application for Nova Ray. Many of these structures are in or located near densely populated communities. The Nova Ray digital operating system can integrate with user specified technology for recording, imaging and reporting of data rich information. The portability and maneuverability of the Nova Ray makes it a strong asset for protection of such critical infrastructures.
- Research and Education
The Nova Ray delivers a multi-function platform capable of serving the diverse needs of marine researchers, oceanographers and educators. The wing design offers stability in strong currents and tides, increasing data gathering efforts. Its patented channel rail system allows for add-on instruments and technology specified by marine scientists and researchers. Applications can include real time video recording of marine life, site mapping of archeological projects in strong currents and rugged underwater conditions, coastal science and research, marine biotechnology, oceanography, global climate research and eel grass surveys.[4] [8]
[edit] Background
The Nova Ray is manufactured by Nova Ray, Inc., (a subsidiary of Nova Marine Exploration, Inc.) which was incorporated in January 2003.[9] Brothers Marc and Krist Geriene are the founders of Nova Marine Exploration.
Both companies are headquartered in Kirkland, Washington, USA.
A 1995 job for the Philippine Navy inspired the development of the Nova Ray. The ROVs used in the project were unable to function in a consistent four-knot current. Since increasing the power of the existing ROV would have also increased bulk and size, the Nova Ray's founders and co-developers instead came up with a design that appears like a gull from the front and a ray from below.[10]
[edit] References
- ^ ROV Designs and Classes
- ^ BlueView Technologies Contact
- ^ Admiralty Corporation
- ^ a b SCRIPPS John Orcutt
- ^ Nova Ray high current usability for SCRIPPS
- ^ Twin Rivers Search
- ^ Twin Rivers Vehicle
- ^ Seattle University ECE
- ^ Fact sheet about the company Nova Ray Fact Sheet
- ^ Sub Systems Engineering from the March 2004 issue of Mechanical Engineering, an ASME magazine
