Analyzing the operating efficiency of autonomous water vehicles
Author(s)
Fraser, Michael B. (Michael Brent)
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Other Contributors
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.
Advisor
Henrik Schmidt.
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Power consumption is a huge limitation in the application of autonomous vehicles, making the need for efficient processes more important. A greater operating efficiency could extend the capabilities of missions by consuming less power and energy. This thesis analyzed the operating efficiency of a small, autonomous water craft. The results of the study showed that the most efficient operating condition is to run the vehicle at the bare minimum to require movement. Less current is drawn from the battery to rotate the propellers and a greater proportional thrust return when compared to the work requirements. It was not possible to measure all of the operating conditions due to the limitations of the device themselves.
Description
Thesis (S.B.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2011. Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. Includes bibliographical references (p. 29).
Date issued
2011Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical EngineeringPublisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Keywords
Mechanical Engineering.