Remote Data Set Manipulation and Fusion via Bandwidth-Independent Networks

A miniaturized, low power and low-volume instrumentation system using waterproofed micro-thin hot-film sensors and large bandwidth constant voltage anemometer will be developed for accurate measurement of speed and direction of underwater vehicles. Theperformance of the proposed innovation will be unaffected by changes in ambient temperatures, depth, and salinity. Sensors will be waterproofed to protect them from corrosive effects of marine environment. The device will have a large built-in redundancyand the design will permit a relatively straightforward handling of biofouling.The proposed innovation is based on flow characteristics and thereby eliminates inherent disadvantages present in conventional techniques based on fluid properties. The proposed innovation will be practically immune to EMI, RFI, and drift. Both the probeand the electronic instrumentation system will be amenable to miniaturization. The weight of the sensor will be negligible while the instrumentation weight will be reduced to a few grams with the use of flexible circuits, with corresponding decrease inpower requirements. In Phase I effort, a number of probe-design configurations will be tested in Tao Systems' high-speed water tunnel to demonstrate the feasibility, accuracy and repeatability of the innovation.Velocity indicator can be used for commercial marine vehicles or in industrial facilities requiring cost-effective flow measurement data.