Solar Powered AUVs; Sampling Systems for the 21 Century

The long-term goal of this program is to investigate those technologies that will enable the use of solar energy to power Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). The program is focused on investigation of our ability to extract sufficient energy from the sun's radiation to power an AUV and our ability to efficiently manage the collection, storage, and utilization of that energy such that an AUV is able to perform tasks required during a mission. It is expected that, at the conclusion of this phase of the program, we will understand not only the relevant technologies, but also the advantages, methods of implementation, and limitations of their use on solar AUVs.