Team Fortitude aimed to design, build and test an autonomous platform capable of transiting the Atlantic Ocean. From the outset it was decided to build a full scale prototype of the vessel The project was run in a business like manner where sponsorship was sought and secured, budgeting was implemented and a good team structure was applied; all to ensure that the task was completed to the best possible standard.
The project was split into two main parts; naval architecture/mechanical engineering design and software/systems design. The aim for the naval architecture side was to design an ultra efficient yet practical hull form, which minimized resistance but still allowed for the necessary number of solar panels and provided sufficient seakeeping capabilities for Atlantic conditions. The vessel was also designed to self-right in the event of capsize through the use of a buoyant superstructure. The engineering systems included the design of the electric motor propulsion system, custom propeller and rudder design and the integration of an electric generator.
Software design was a key aspect of the project and was done in detail to ensure that the vessel performed as required. The software was programmed onto a Beaglebone Black microprocessor and is capable of performing simple waypoint-to-waypoint tracking right up to complex object avoidance. Remote operation has also been designed into the software such that in the case o an emergency, a human operator can take control of the vessel and override the autonomous systems. Electronics and systems design were also done to create a robust and reliable electrical system, which allows communication between the key components and transfers power throughout the system incorporating the two powering sources.
As of the completion of the first phase of the project, the vessel has been constructed and all systems have been designed and put into place; none of this would have been possible without our sponsors. A second group design project will be ran on the project in the following year, this will allow the system to be fine tuned, the design to be perfected and the necessary changes to be made to ensure that the vessel is capable of operating fully autonomously in Atlantic
The project was split into two main parts; naval architecture/mechanical engineering design and software/systems design. The aim for the naval architecture side was to design an ultra efficient yet practical hull form, which minimized resistance but still allowed for the necessary number of solar panels and provided sufficient seakeeping capabilities for Atlantic conditions. The vessel was also designed to self-right in the event of capsize through the use of a buoyant superstructure. The engineering systems included the design of the electric motor propulsion system, custom propeller and rudder design and the integration of an electric generator.
Software design was a key aspect of the project and was done in detail to ensure that the vessel performed as required. The software was programmed onto a Beaglebone Black microprocessor and is capable of performing simple waypoint-to-waypoint tracking right up to complex object avoidance. Remote operation has also been designed into the software such that in the case o an emergency, a human operator can take control of the vessel and override the autonomous systems. Electronics and systems design were also done to create a robust and reliable electrical system, which allows communication between the key components and transfers power throughout the system incorporating the two powering sources.
As of the completion of the first phase of the project, the vessel has been constructed and all systems have been designed and put into place; none of this would have been possible without our sponsors. A second group design project will be ran on the project in the following year, this will allow the system to be fine tuned, the design to be perfected and the necessary changes to be made to ensure that the vessel is capable of operating fully autonomously in Atlantic
