Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

COOLING SYSTEM FOR A SUBMERSIBLE VEHICLE

PLANYS TECHNOLOGIES PVT. LTD INCORPORATED AS A PRIVATE LIMITED COMPANY RECOGNIZED AS A STARTUP BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR PROMOTION OF INDUSTRY AND INTERNAL TRADE, WHOSE ADDRESS IS NO. 5 JAYA NAGAR EXTENSION, BALAJI NAGAR MAIN ROAD, G.K. AVENUE, PUZHUTHIVAKKAM, CHENNAI 600091, TAMIL NADU, INDIA

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.
 
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a cooling system for a submersible vehicle. Particularly, the present invention relates to a cooling system for at least a heat generating component of a submersible vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Submersible vehicles, such as such as submarine robots, remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs), and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are widely utilized in underwater applications and are composed of several components, including a pressure-rated hull, navigation and vision systems, propulsion mechanisms, electrical and electronic components, motors, power converters, and the like. These components generate heat when the submersible vehicle is in operation. So, effective cooling of these heat generating components is important. Proper heat dissipation is essential to maintain the component’s temperature within operating range and to prevent potential damage and functionality issues.
Further, the conventional cooling systems are ineffective when multiple heat generating components or enclosures or compartments are present in a single vehicle. In addition, the uneven distribution of the cooling fluid in such configurations can lead to inefficient cooling.
Therefore, there is a need to provide a cooling system for a submersible vehicle that overcomes the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a cooling system for a submersible vehicle. The cooling system comprises a gas chamber storing a cooling gas, the gas chamber is connected to at least a heat generating component of the submersible vehicle through a cooling gas inlet hose and the gas chamber is configured to be in sealed gaseous communication with the heat generating component to inject the cooling gas into the heat generating component, a pump connected to the heat generating component through an outlet hose and the pump is configured to be in sealed gaseous communication with the heat generating component to eject the heated gas from the heat generating component, and a controller connected to the cooling system and the submersible vehicle, the controller is configured to maintain a positive pressure inside the heat generating component. The controller instantaneously determines pressure at a depth of an environment that surrounds the submersible vehicle and computes the pressure of the cooling gas to maintain positive pressure inside the heat generating component.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, each of the heat generating component is configured inside an enclosure, the pump removes air present inside the enclosure before starting a first cycle of cooling.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the enclosure has at least one pressure sensor and at least one temperature sensor that are disposed within to monitor a pressure and temperature of the cooling gas.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the cooling system further includes filter, regulator, and lubricator unit to clean, regulate and lubricate the cooling gas supplied from the gas chamber, at least a pressure regulators to regulate pressure, at least a pressure gauges to monitor the system pressure, at least a pressure sensors to monitor an inlet pressure and an outlet pressure of the system, a pressure relief valve, a non-return valve and a flow control valve to control pressure and ensure safety of the system.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the gas chamber is connected to an inlet port of the heat generating component, and the pump is connected to an outlet port of the heat generating component, at least one pressure regulator is connected to the inlet port and the outlet port to regulate gas pressure within the system.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the system is intermittently cooled.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, in an heat removing cycle in a first stage the inlet port and the outlet port are open, the cooling gas from the gas chamber enters the enclosed heat generating component, the incoming cooling gas is set at a pressure higher than the pressure of the heated gas present inside the enclosure which is passed inside in previous cycle so that the fresh cooling gas replaces the heated gas present in the enclosure.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, in the heat removing cycle in a second stage the inlet port and the outlet port are closed, the heat from the heat generating component is transferred to the fresh cooling gas present inside the enclosure removing the heat generated by the heat generating component, the heat exchange continues till the cooling gas reaches a threshold temperature thereby changing the status of the cooling gas to the heated gas.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the controller monitors the temperature and pressure of the heat generating component and actuates as per the cooling system as and when the heat generating component reaches a preset high temperature and pressure value.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the enclosure has at least one fan disposed within to circulate the cooling gas uniformly across the heat generating component.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the hose is a tether which transmits data, power and cooling gas.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the cooling gas has a temperature lower than the ambient fluid surrounding the submersible vehicle.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the cooling gas is selected from the group comprising of nitrogen, helium, argon and neon.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the heat generating components are a hull, at least an external sensor, a propulsion system, a vision system, a navigation system, plurality of motors, plurality of encoders, an electrical and electronics components, at least a power converter, and other electromechanical components which generates heat, in the submersible vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figure.
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a cooling system for a submersible vehicle, in accordance with the present invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the invention as defined by the description. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
The terms and words used in the following description are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of the present invention is provided for illustration purpose only.
It is to be understood that the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, a cooling system (1000) for a submersible vehicle (100) is provided in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention. The cooling system (1000) comprises a gas chamber (200) storing a cooling gas. The gas chamber (200) is connected to at least a heat generating component (102) of the submersible vehicle (100) through an inlet hose (202) and the gas chamber (200) is configured to be in sealed gaseous communication with the heat generating component (102) to inject the cooling gas into the heat generating component (102). A pump (300) is connected to the heat generating component (102) through a gas outlet hose (204) and the pump (300) is configured to be in sealed gaseous communication with the heat generating component (102) to eject the heated gas from the heat generating component (102). A controller (400) is connected to the cooling system (1000) and the submersible vehicle (100), the controller (400) is configured to maintain a positive pressure inside the heat generating component (102). The controller (400) is configured to instantaneously determine pressure at a depth of an environment that surrounds the submersible vehicle (100) and computes the pressure of the cooling gas to maintain positive pressure inside the heat generating component (102).
According to an aspect, the cooling system (1000) for a submersible vehicle (100) is described hereinafter. The cooling system (1000) comprises a gas chamber (200), a pump (300), and a controller (400), which are interconnected with each other to facilitate effective cooling of heat-generating components (102) present within the submersible vehicle (100).
The gas chamber (200) is configured to store the cooling gas therein. The gas chamber (200) is connected to at least a heat generating component (102) of the submersible vehicle (100) through a cooling gas inlet hose (202) and the gas chamber (200) is configured to be in sealed gaseous communication with the heat generating component (102) to inject the cooling gas into the heat generating component (102).
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the cooling gas has a temperature lower than the ambient fluid surrounding the submarine vehicle. The cooling gas is selected from the group comprising of nitrogen, helium, argon and neon. In an exemplary embodiment, the cooling gas is nitrogen.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, each of the heat generating component (102) is configured inside an enclosure. The enclosure is hermetically sealed. The enclosure is equipped with at least one pressure sensor and at least one temperature sensor that are disposed within each of the enclosures to monitor the pressure and temperature respectively of the cooling gas in a real time. The pressure and temperature data from the pressure and temperature sensors are transmitted to the controller (400), enabling it to regulate the cooling system parameters accurately.
The pump (300) is connected to the heat generating component (102) through a heated gas outlet hose (204). Further, the pump (300) removes air present inside the enclosure before the start of the first cycle of cooling. Furthermore, the pump (300) is configured to be in sealed gaseous communication with the heat generating component (102) to eject the heated gas from the heat generating component (102). During the initial setup or before the start of the first cooling cycle, the pump (300) removes any air present inside the enclosure of the heat-generating component (102), facilitating a vacuum-like environment within the enclosure so that the overall cooling system is explosive proof. Further, the explosive proof system leads to prevention of electrical hazards such as sparks or fire in electrical systems while working in hazardous environments such as hydrocarbons.
The controller (400) is connected to the cooling system (1000) and the submersible vehicle (100). The controller (400) is configured to dynamically monitor and maintain a positive pressure inside the heat generating component (102). Further, the controller (400) instantaneously determines pressure at a depth of an environment that surrounds the submersible vehicle (100). The controller (400) computes the required cooling gas pressure to maintain desired positive pressure inside the heat generating component (102). In an embodiment, the environment that surrounds the submersible vehicle (100) is hydrocarbon environment. Further, the pressure inside the submersible vehicle (100) is determined by the dept at which the entire submersible vehicle (100) is submerged, called as a submerged pressure. The positive pressure is maintained within the submerged vehicle (100), which is above the submerged pressure.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the cooling system (1000) further includes filter regulator and lubricator (FRL) unit to clean, regulate and lubricate the cooling gas supplied from the gas chamber (200). The cooling system (1000) further includes at least a pressure regulators (PR) to regulate pressure, at least a pressure gauges (PG) to monitor the system pressure, at least a pressure sensors (PS) to monitor an inlet pressure and an outlet pressure of the system, a pressure relief valve (PRV), a non-return valve (NRV) and a flow control valve (FCV) to control pressure and ensure safety of the system. These components prevent over-pressurization, ensure unidirectional flow of the cooling gas, and allow for precise control of pressure and flow rates of the cooling gas.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the gas chamber (200) is connected to an inlet port (104) of the heat generating component (102), and the pump (300) is connected to an outlet port (106) of the heat generating component (102), at least one pressure regulator (PR) is connected to the inlet port (104) and the outlet port (106) to regulate gas pressure within the system.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the cooling system (1000) operates intermittently in a heat-removal cycle. The intermittently purging cooling gas within the enclosures ensures that the cooling gas fills the entire empty volume of all the enclosures. The intermittent heat-removal cycle consisting of two stages, i.e. first stage and second which are explained hereinafter:
First stage of the cooling: The inlet and outlet ports (104, 106) of the enclosure are opened. The cooling gas from the gas chamber (200) is allowed to enter the enclosure, replacing the heated gas present inside the enclosure. The incoming cooling gas is set at a pressure higher than the pressure of the heated gas to ensure complete replacement of the heated gas.
Second stage of the cooling: The inlet and outlet ports (104, 106) are closed, and the cooling gas absorbs heat from the heat-generating component (102) within the enclosure. This heat exchange continues until the cooling gas reaches a threshold temperature, converting cooling gas to the heated gas. The heated gas is removed in the next cycle. The system’s (1000) temperature is adjusted dynamically during the cycle to meet specific cooling requirements, ensuring thermal stability of the submersible vehicle’s components (102). The cooling system (1000) of the present invention ensures that cooling gas is always present in the enclosures of the heat generating components (102).
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the controller (400) monitors the temperature and pressure of the heat generating component (102) and actuates the control system of the cooling system (1000) as and when the heat generating component (102) reaches a preset high temperature and pressure value.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the enclosure has at least one fan is disposed within to circulate the cooling gas uniformly across the heat generating components (102). The fan ensures that heat is distributed evenly, facilitating prevention of localized overheating within the enclosure.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the gas inlet hose (202), gas outlet hose (204) and other hoses function as tethers, transmitting data and power between the cooling system and other subsystems of the submersible vehicle (100), thereby reducing the need for additional wiring. Further, the hoses used herein in the present invention can be pneumatic hoses through which electrical and signal wires are connected to the components of the submersible robot. According to an embodiment of the invention, the gas inlet hose (202) and the gas outlet hose (204) are wound on a winch assembly (206) and the winch assembly (206) is placed near the gas chamber (200).
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the cooling system (1000) is configured to manage heat generated by various components (102) within the submersible vehicle (100). The heat generating components (102) are a hull, at least an external sensor, a propulsion system, a vision system, a navigation system, plurality of motors, plurality of encoders, electrical and electronics components, at least a power converter, and other electromechanical components which generate heat. The hull is the enclosure which houses majority of the electrical components to which all the external sensors, propulsion system, navigation system and other inspection equipment are interconnected. Since hull houses majority of electronic components, lights and camera, it becomes one of the major heat generating components in the system. In an embodiment, the cooling gas inlet hose (202) and heated gas outlet hose (204) are directly connected to the hull. From the hull, the cooling gas is distributed to other enclosures through hose assembly.
In an exemplary embodiment, the heat generating components (102) include motors and encoders which help to propel and maneuver the submersible vehicle as required. The encoders help in ensuring the heading direction of the submersible vehicle (100) and measuring the distance moved by the submersible vehicle (100) and speed thereof.
It is understood here that the cooling system (1000) is not restricted to submersible vehicle (100) applications and can be used in other applications where there are multiple enclosures/ multiple compartments inside a single enclosure, in other alternative embodiments of the present invention.
The terms and words used in the following description are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of the system is for the purpose of understanding and nowhere limits the invention. The abovementioned parts nowhere limit the invention and are provided for understanding of the invention.
Although there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made thereto which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following claims.
, C , C , Claims:
1. A cooling system (1000) for a submersible vehicle (100), comprising:
a gas chamber (200) storing a cooling gas, the gas chamber (200) is connected to at least a heat generating component (102) of the submersible vehicle (100) through an inlet hose (202) and the gas chamber (200) is configured to be in sealed gaseous communication with the heat generating component (102) to inject the cooling gas into the heat generating component (102);
a pump (300) connected to the heat generating component (102) through a gas outlet hose (204) and the pump (300) is configured to be in sealed gaseous communication with the heat generating component (102) to eject the heated gas from the heat generating component (102); and
a controller (400) connected to the cooling system (1000) and the submersible vehicle (100), the controller (400) is configured to maintain a positive pressure inside the heat generating component (102),
wherein the controller (400) instantaneously determines pressure at a depth of an environment that surrounds the submersible vehicle (100) and computes the pressure of the cooling gas to maintain positive pressure inside the heat generating component (102).
2. The cooling system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the heat generating component (102) is configured inside an enclosure, the pump (300) removes air present inside the enclosure before staring a first cycle of cooling.
3. The cooling system (1000) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the enclosure has at least one pressure sensor and at least one temperature sensor that are disposed within to monitor a pressure and temperature of the cooling gas.
4. The cooling system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, further includes filter (F), regulator (R), and lubricator (L) unit to clean, regulate and lubricate the cooling gas supplied from the gas chamber (200), at least a pressure regulators (PR) to regulate pressure, at least a pressure gauges (PG) to monitor the system pressure, at least a pressure sensors (PS) to monitor an inlet pressure and an outlet pressure of the system, a pressure relief valve (PRV), a non-return valve (NRV) and a flow control valve (FCV) to control pressure and ensure safety of the system.
5. The cooling system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gas chamber (200) is connected to an inlet port (104) of the heat generating component (102), and the pump (300) is connected to an outlet port (106) of the heat generating component (102), at least one pressure regulator (PR) is connected to the inlet port (104) and the outlet port (106) to regulate gas pressure within the system.
6. The cooling system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system is intermittently cooled.
7. The cooling system (1000) as claimed in claim 6, wherein in an heat removing cycle in a first stage the inlet port (104) and the outlet port (106) are open, the cooling gas from the gas chamber (200) enters the enclosed heat generating component (102), the incoming cooling gas is set at a pressure higher than the pressure of the heated gas present inside the enclosure which is passed inside in previous cycle so that the fresh cooling gas replaces the heated gas present in the enclosure.
8. The cooling system (1000) as claimed in claim 6, wherein in the heat removing cycle in a second stage the inlet port (104) and the outlet port (106) are closed, the heat from the heat generating component (102) is transferred to the fresh cooling gas present inside the enclosure removing the heat generated by the heat generating component (102), the heat exchange continues till the cooling gas reaches a threshold temperature thereby changing the status of the cooling gas to the heated gas.
9. The cooling system (1000) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the controller (400) monitors the temperature and pressure of the heat generating component (102) and actuates the cooling system as and when the heat generating component (102) reaches a preset temperature and pressure values.
10. The cooling system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the enclosure has at least one fan disposed within to circulate the cooling gas uniformly across the heat generating component (102).
11. The cooling system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hose (202, 204) is a tether which transmits data, power and cooling gas.
12. The cooling system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cooling gas having a temperature lower than the ambient fluid surrounding the submersible vehicle (100).
13. The cooling system (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cooling gas is selected from the group comprising of nitrogen, helium, argon and neon.
14. The cooling system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heat generating components (102) are a hull, at least an external sensor, a propulsion system, a vision system, a navigation system, plurality of motors, plurality of encoders, an electrical and electronics components, at least a power converter, and other electromechanical components which generates heat in the submersible vehicle (100).