Angle sensors enhance submersible
When optimising the design of its new ASV 6000 coastal class semi-submersible vehicle, ASV selected Novotechnik GL series hollow shaft potentiometric angle sensors from Variohm EuroSensor to provide rotary position feedback as an intrinsic part of in-house designed actuators used for the steering and ride stabilisation control system.
The ASV 6000 was developed for hydrographic survey and surveillance work in shallow coastal waters and is operated remotely via a continuous GPS communications link. With an overall length of six metres, the semi submersible operates just below the water surface and carries a payload capacity of 300 kg for sonars, computers, sensors, winches and camera equipment. Its diesel propulsion systems allows a range of 400 miles at 4 knots.
The relatively shallow submersion requirement for the ASV 6000 meant that actuators specifically for sub-sea use, operational at much greater depths, were massively over-engineered and consequently very expensive. Other commercially available actuators either did not provide angle position feedback or were not waterproof.