modWinch: A Modular Direct-Drive Electric Winch
Abstract
Ocean surface boundary layer variability influences acoustic propagation and air/sea interactions. Mapping the temporal and spatial variability of the boundary layer in situ requires specialized equipment that can elucidate variability on small lateral, vertical, and temporal scales over prolonged periods. Under previous ONR support, we have developed a rapid profiling system for regional and global class vessels. This system is driven by a direct-drive electric winch and can profile a CTD or turbulence package up to 2 km depth as rapidly as 6-8 m/s. Here we propose to design and build a medium duty, portable, multi-use, modular winch (modWinch) for use on coastal vessels and ships of opportunity. Like the full-scale system, it will use a direct-drive transmission and be capable of ultra-_ne tension control over a large dynamic range. It will be designed as an integrated winch/level-wind/control system package, and, crucially, will be feature a combination optical/electrical slip ring and swappable hubs for multiple uses. The winch would allow rapid profiling of our FastCTD package, our `epsi-fish turbulence package, handle optical telemetry and power for our towed phased array sonar system, allow towed and subsurface fiber optic distributed temperature sensing, and serve as a spooler for Wirewalker operations. Sea-trials for the proposed winch will be conducted on Scripps Institution of Oceanography s recently commissioned coastal research vessel, the R/V Bob and Betty Beyster. It is envisioned that the winch will facilitate ONR and Naval research activities onboard the R/V Beyster and other coastal vessels by both the proposing group as well as other ONR PIs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 20, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912658
Entities
People
- Andrew J. Lucas
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California, San Diego