ORPC

Underwater Pneumatic Umbilical for Hydrokinetic Devices

This project focused on the need for a more reliable backup method for bringing variable-buoyancy air hoses to the surface in tidal and river energy systems, where strong currents, corrosion, sedimentation, marine growth, and limited access complicate maintenance. The student team developed a prototype Secondary Air Umbilical Unit intended to mount to existing equipment or provide standalone secondary hose storage. The unit needed to hold three 20-meter, 1/2-inch air hoses and release them when remotely triggered through ORPC’s subsea control and instrumentation interface, allowing the hoses to be retrieved at the surface. The design accounted for fresh and saltwater operation, flow speeds up to 2.5 m/s, depths up to 15 meters, repeated surface reset cycles, and minimal-maintenance operation without exposing sealed electronics. The prototype provides a testing platform for a more dependable secondary air-umbilical release capability in demanding marine energy environments.