Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.21278/brod77413
Micro-ROV tethered to HOV for deep-sea observation: design, implementation and experimental validation
Jinrong Zheng
; School of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430074, China
Xianbo Xiang
; School of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430074, China
Shaolong Yang
; School of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430074, China
Jialei Zhang
; School of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430074, China
*
Baosheng Li
; Department of Deep-Sea Technology and Engineering, Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 28 Luhuitou Road, Sanya 572000, China
Jing Leng
; Department of Deep-Sea Technology and Engineering, Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 28 Luhuitou Road, Sanya 572000, China
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Human-occupied vehicles (HOVs), constrained by substantial volume and weight, encounter significant challenges in exploring complex seabed terrains, such as rugged seabed and confined operational spaces. To compensate for the limitations of HOV, a micro-observation-class remotely operated vehicle (ROV) tethered to the HOV Shen Hai Yong Shi was developed to enhance HOV’s exploration capability in complex seabed terrains. This paper, for the first time, presents an overall design of the functions and composition of the deep-sea micro-observation-class ROV system. In the design of the micro ROV mechanical, electrical and control systems, the payload space, weight and energy constraints of the HOV are considered. A power supply and communication scheme is designed for the ROV from the mother HOV via an optoelectronic composite umbilical cable. This scheme provides sufficient weight margins and spatial allocation for the thrusters and detection sensors, thereby significantly optimising the ROV’s performance in terms of lightweighting and motion maneuverability. The design concept of the micro-observation-class ROV, mounted on the HOV Shen Hai Yong Shi, has been comprehensively validated during a sea trial at a depth of 1,380 m.
Keywords
Human occupied vehicle (HOV); remotely operated vehicle (ROV); lightweight design; deployment and recovery device; deep-sea trials
Hrčak ID:
351219
URI
Publication date:
1.10.2026.
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