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Vicor supports Saab UK deep-sea exploration efforts to mitigate risk to divers and the environment
High-density power modules designed into world's most advanced all-electric work-class ROVs ANDOVER, Mass., July 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Less than
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[{"type":"text","content":"High-density power modules designed into world's most advanced all-electric work-class ROVs\nANDOVER, Mass., July 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Less than two years ago, two Saab UK remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs) descended over 3,000 meters into the frigid Antarctic waters in search of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship, Endurance, which sank in 1915. The story of the British explorer is a legendary tale of courageous leadership and perseverance. Saab’s ROVs were integral to the mission’s success, using sophisticated technology to locate, examine and film the wreckage, thus eliminating the need to endanger human lives for deep-sea exploration. Historically, commercial divers have taken great risks to inspect oil and gas pipelines, high-voltage electrical cables, wind turbines and other critical infrastructure deep undersea. Saab continues to innovate with Vicor Corporation, which has helped Saab to reduce that risk by bringing deep-sea exploration expertise to commercial underwater applications. With a mission to keep people and society safe, the Seaeye range of ROVs has been developed with more agile and modular systems designs. Saab UK’s Seaeye systems are capable of performing a wide range of tasks from observation and inspection to more complex functions like underwater maintenance. This evolution has culminated in the world's first work-class all-electric ROV (eWROV), which incorporates Vicor power modules to enable a lightweight, thermally adept power system. Unlike traditional hydraulic ROVs, the eWROV eliminates the need for traditional hydraulic fluid, thereby mitigating environmental risks (Figure 1). eWROV: all-electric ROV With a burgeoning ocean economy, Saab’s eWROV competes with traditional hydraulic ROVs, delivering performance equivalent to a 250hp undersea vehicle. The eWROV uses limited hydraulic systems with minimal oil, which reduces the risk of accidentally discharging pollutants into the ocean that can harm the surrounding ecosystem. The move to electric propulsion required high-density Vicor power modules, which helped to improve reliability and extend service intervals, allowing for longer operating periods and self-monitoring. Power density: a competitive advantage The advanced features in Saab’s eWROVs are largely achieved by their exceptionally high-power density, which adds significantly more payload...