O presente trabalho apresenta a descrição de um modelo matemático completo em seis graus de liberdade para um Veículo Submersível Autônomo (VSA) sub-atuado. Desenvolveram-se métodos de identificação de sistemas para identificar o modelo não linear do veículo. A fim de evitar problemas de divergência na estimação de parâmetros hidrodinâmicos do modelo, usou-se o método de transformação paramétrica. Usou-se o filtro estendido de Kalman como estratégia para o processo de estimação de parâmetros quando ruídos de natureza gaussiana estavam presentes no modelo e nas medidas. Com o objetivo de estimar um maior número de parâmetros de uma só vez, empregou-se o método de máxima verossimilhança. Os experimentos mostraram que o filtro de Kalman responde bem à estimação de parâmetros específicos, porém, divergiu facilmente à estimação de múltiplos parâmetros. Uma alternativa que apresentou melhor desempenho foi o método de máxima verossimilhança. Testaram-se manobras circulares e de zig-zags para a obtenção de dados do veículo. Para os ensaios experimentais, utilizou-se o VSA sub-atuado do Laboratório de Veículos Não Tripulados (LVNT) do Departamento de Engenharia Mecatrônica da Escola Politécnica da Universidade de São Paulo. Validou-se o modelo identificado mediante o simulador do veículo. Numa segunda etapa, desenvolveram-se controladores H¥ capazes de controlar a dinâmica do VSA em seus seis graus de liberdade. Projetaram-se controladores SISO (uma entrada e uma saída) e MIMO (múltiplas entradas e múltiplas saídas) com o fim de avaliar o acoplamento dinâmico do sistema. Projetaram-se controladores centralizados robustos para garantir as condições de operação num ambiente marinho e em condições de laboratório próximas às de uma aplicação real. As leis de controle são baseadas na técnica de sensibilidade mista H¥ que garantem condições de robustez do sistema de controle, tanto no desempenho quanto na estabilidade. Uma estrutura de controle de dois graus de liberdade (2GL) produziu melhores propriedades de desempenho comparada com a estrutura do controlador de um grau de liberdade. Compararam-se as respostas dos controladores descentralizados SISO e os controladores centralizados. O controlador 2GL garantiu as especificações do projeto, inclusive aquelas definidas no domínio do tempo. Um controlador central pode controlar o veículo na realização de manobras complexas em três dimensões que emulem a inspeção ou monitoramento de sistemas offshores ou outras tarefas comuns na exploração submarinha. O trabalho apresenta também a integração dos algoritmos de controle com o sistema de tempo real embarcado, os sensores inerciais de navegação, os motores elétricos para os atuadores lemes e o propulsor, o banco de baterias e o processador central ARM7 de 32 bits de ponto fixo. Traduziram-se os algoritmos de controle de ordem elevada para a aritmética de ponto fixo produzindo a execução rápida e, no possível, evitando a ocorrência de transbordamento de dados. / This work presents a full six degrees-of-freedom mathematical model description of a subactuated Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV). The work developed methods of System Identification for identifying the nonlinear model of the vehicle. In order to avoid divergence problems in the process of hydrodynamic, it used the parametric transformation technique. It used the extended Kalman filter to estimate the model parameters subject to Gaussian noise, in the process and in the measurements. In order to tackle the problem of multiple parameter estimation at once, the work used the maximum likelihood approach. The experimental results showed that the Kalman filter approach is better when the aim is to estimate a specific parameter, however, it diverges easily when the aim is to estimate multiple parameters. The maximum likelihood technique showed better response to estimate multiple parameters of the model. Zig-zag and circular standard maneuvers were tested with the identification algorithms. For experimental tests, an AUV, namely Pirajuba and constructed by the Unmanned Vehicle Laboratory (LVNT), were used. Results were also assessed using an AUV six degrees of freedom simulator. In a second stage, the work developed H¥ controllers to manoeuvre the vehicle in six-degrees-of-freedom. Decoupled SISO (single input and single output variables) and MIMO (multiple input and multiple output variables) controllers were synthesized in order to validate the coupling dynamics of the AUV. Moreover, centralized robust controllers were developed to control the vehicle in the sea and in test tanks with extreme conditions close to the ocean environmental. The control techniques were based in the H¥ mixed sensitivity approach which guarantees robust performance and stability of the sub-actuated system. A structure of two-degrees-of-freedom (2GL) controller presented better performance compared with the classic single H¥ controller of one degree of freedom structure. A comparison between responses was used to validate the decoupling and centralized controllers. The 2GL controller has good performance specifications despite these defined in the time domain. A central controller can control the AUV in complex maritime task that require complex and three-dimensional manoeuvres. The work deals also with the implementation issues coding these advanced control algorithms into the real time embedded system including inertial sensors, electric motors for the propeller and actuator surfaces, battery banks, and the unit central process ARM7 of 32 bits of fixed point. The control algorithms were translated from floating point to fixed point arithmetic avoiding data overflow, seeking simplicity and fast task execution.

O presente trabalho apresenta a descrição de um modelo matemático completo em seis graus de liberdade para um Veículo Submersível Autônomo (VSA) sub-atuado. Desenvolveram-se métodos de identificação de sistemas para identificar o modelo não linear do veículo. A fim de evitar problemas de divergência na estimação de parâmetros hidrodinâmicos do modelo, usou-se o método de transformação paramétrica. Usou-se o filtro estendido de Kalman como estratégia para o processo de estimação de parâmetros quando ruídos de natureza gaussiana estavam presentes no modelo e nas medidas. Com o objetivo de estimar um maior número de parâmetros de uma só vez, empregou-se o método de máxima verossimilhança. Os experimentos mostraram que o filtro de Kalman responde bem à estimação de parâmetros específicos, porém, divergiu facilmente à estimação de múltiplos parâmetros. Uma alternativa que apresentou melhor desempenho foi o método de máxima verossimilhança. Testaram-se manobras circulares e de zig-zags para a obtenção de dados do veículo. Para os ensaios experimentais, utilizou-se o VSA sub-atuado do Laboratório de Veículos Não Tripulados (LVNT) do Departamento de Engenharia Mecatrônica da Escola Politécnica da Universidade de São Paulo. Validou-se o modelo identificado mediante o simulador do veículo. Numa segunda etapa, desenvolveram-se controladores H¥ capazes de controlar a dinâmica do VSA em seus seis graus de liberdade. Projetaram-se controladores SISO (uma entrada e uma saída) e MIMO (múltiplas entradas e múltiplas saídas) com o fim de avaliar o acoplamento dinâmico do sistema. Projetaram-se controladores centralizados robustos para garantir as condições de operação num ambiente marinho e em condições de laboratório próximas às de uma aplicação real. As leis de controle são baseadas na técnica de sensibilidade mista H¥ que garantem condições de robustez do sistema de controle, tanto no desempenho quanto na estabilidade. Uma estrutura de controle de dois graus de liberdade (2GL) produziu melhores propriedades de desempenho comparada com a estrutura do controlador de um grau de liberdade. Compararam-se as respostas dos controladores descentralizados SISO e os controladores centralizados. O controlador 2GL garantiu as especificações do projeto, inclusive aquelas definidas no domínio do tempo. Um controlador central pode controlar o veículo na realização de manobras complexas em três dimensões que emulem a inspeção ou monitoramento de sistemas offshores ou outras tarefas comuns na exploração submarinha. O trabalho apresenta também a integração dos algoritmos de controle com o sistema de tempo real embarcado, os sensores inerciais de navegação, os motores elétricos para os atuadores lemes e o propulsor, o banco de baterias e o processador central ARM7 de 32 bits de ponto fixo. Traduziram-se os algoritmos de controle de ordem elevada para a aritmética de ponto fixo produzindo a execução rápida e, no possível, evitando a ocorrência de transbordamento de dados. / This work presents a full six degrees-of-freedom mathematical model description of a subactuated Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV). The work developed methods of System Identification for identifying the nonlinear model of the vehicle. In order to avoid divergence problems in the process of hydrodynamic, it used the parametric transformation technique. It used the extended Kalman filter to estimate the model parameters subject to Gaussian noise, in the process and in the measurements. In order to tackle the problem of multiple parameter estimation at once, the work used the maximum likelihood approach. The experimental results showed that the Kalman filter approach is better when the aim is to estimate a specific parameter, however, it diverges easily when the aim is to estimate multiple parameters. The maximum likelihood technique showed better response to estimate multiple parameters of the model. Zig-zag and circular standard maneuvers were tested with the identification algorithms. For experimental tests, an AUV, namely Pirajuba and constructed by the Unmanned Vehicle Laboratory (LVNT), were used. Results were also assessed using an AUV six degrees of freedom simulator. In a second stage, the work developed H¥ controllers to manoeuvre the vehicle in six-degrees-of-freedom. Decoupled SISO (single input and single output variables) and MIMO (multiple input and multiple output variables) controllers were synthesized in order to validate the coupling dynamics of the AUV. Moreover, centralized robust controllers were developed to control the vehicle in the sea and in test tanks with extreme conditions close to the ocean environmental. The control techniques were based in the H¥ mixed sensitivity approach which guarantees robust performance and stability of the sub-actuated system. A structure of two-degrees-of-freedom (2GL) controller presented better performance compared with the classic single H¥ controller of one degree of freedom structure. A comparison between responses was used to validate the decoupling and centralized controllers. The 2GL controller has good performance specifications despite these defined in the time domain. A central controller can control the AUV in complex maritime task that require complex and three-dimensional manoeuvres. The work deals also with the implementation issues coding these advanced control algorithms into the real time embedded system including inertial sensors, electric motors for the propeller and actuator surfaces, battery banks, and the unit central process ARM7 of 32 bits of fixed point. The control algorithms were translated from floating point to fixed point arithmetic avoiding data overflow, seeking simplicity and fast task execution.

The term hydrobatics refers to the agile maneuvering of underwater vehicles. Hydrobatic capabilities in autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) can enable increased maneuverability without a sacrifice in efficiency and speed. This means innovative robot designs and new use case scenarios are possible. Benefits and technical challenges related to hydrobatic AUVs are explored in this thesis. The dissertation contributes to new knowledge in simulation, control and field applications, and provides a structured approach to realize hydrobatic capabilities in real world impact areas. Three impact areas are considered - environmental monitoring, ocean production and security. A combination of agility in maneuvering and efficiency in performance is crucial for successful AUV applications. To achieve such performance, two technical challenges must be solved. First, these AUVs have fewer control inputs than degrees of freedom, which leads to the challenge of underactuation. The challenge is described in detail and solution strategies that use optimal control and model predictive control (MPC) are highlighted. Second, the flow around an AUV during hydrobatic maneuvers transitions from laminar to turbulent flow at high angles of attack. This renders flight dynamics modelling difficult. A full 0-360 degree envelope flight dynamics model is therefore derived, which combines a multi-fidelity hydrodynamic database with a generalized component-buildup approach. Such a model enables real-time (or near real-time) simulations of hydrobatic maneuvers including loops, helices and tight turns. Next, a cyber-physical system (CPS) is presented -- it safely transforms capabilities derived in simulation to real-world use cases in the impact areas described. The simulator environment is closely integrated with the robotic system, enabling pre-validation of controllers and software before hardware deployment. The small and hydrobatic SAM AUV (developed in-house at KTH as part of the Swedish Maritime Robotics Center) is used as a test platform. The CPS concept is validated by using the SAM AUV for the search and detection of a submerged target in field operating conditions. Current research focuses on further exploring underactuated control and motion planning. This includes development of real-time nonlinear MPC implementations running on AUV hardware, as well as intelligent control through feedback motion planning, system identification and reinforcement learning. Such strategies can enable real-time robust and adaptive control of underactuated systems. These ideas will be applied to demonstrate new capabilities in the three impact areas. / Termen hydrobatik avser förmåga att utföra avancerade manövrer med undervattensfarkoster. Syftet är att, med bibehållen fart och räckvidd, utvigda den operationella förmågan i manövrering, vilket möjliggör helt nya användningsområden för maximering av kostnadseffektivitet. I denna avhandling undersöks fördelar och tekniska utmaningar relaterade till hydrobatik som tillämpas på undervattensrobotar, vanligen kallade autonoma undervattensfarkoster (AUV). Avhandlingen bidrar till ny kunskap i simulering, reglering samt tillämpning i experiment av dessa robotar genom en strukturerad metod för att realisera hydrobatisk förmåga i realistiska scenarier.  Tre nyttoområden beaktas - miljöövervakning, havsproduktion och säkerhet. Inom dessa nyttoområden har ett antal scenarios identifierats där en kombination av smidighet i manövrerbarhet samt effektivitet i prestanda är avgörande för robotens förmåga att utföra sin uppgift. För att åstadkomma detta måste två viktiga tekniska utmaningar lösas. För det första har dessa AUVer färre styrytor/trustrar än frihetsgrader, vilket leder till utmaningen med underaktuering. Utmaningen beskrivs i detalj och lösningsstrategier som använder optimal kontroll och modellprediktiv kontroll belyses. För det andra är flödet runt en AUV som genomför hydrobatiska manövrar komplext med övergång från laminär till stark turbulent flöde vid höga anfallsvinklar. Detta gör flygdynamikmodellering svår. En full 0-360 graders flygdynamikmodell härleds därför, vilken kombinerar en multi-tillförlitlighets hydrodynamisk databas med en generaliserad strategi för komponentvis-superpositionering av laster. Detta möjliggör prediktering av hydrobatiska manövrar som t.ex. utförande av looping, roll, spiraler och väldigt snäva svängradier i realtids- eller nära realtids-simuleringar. I nästa steg presenteras ett cyber-fysikaliskt system (CPS) – där funktionalitet som härrör från simuleringar kan överföras till de verkliga användningsområdena på ett effektivt och säkert sätt. Simulatormiljön är nära integrerad i robot-miljön, vilket möjliggör förvalidering av reglerstrategier och mjukvara innan hårdvaruimplementering. En egenutvecklad hydrobatisk AUV (SAM) används som testplattform. CPS-konceptet valideras med hjälp av SAM i ett realistiskt sceanrio genom att utföra ett sökuppdrag av ett nedsänkt föremål under fältförhållanden. Resultaten av arbetet i denna licentiatavhandling kommer att användas i den fortsatta forskningen som fokuserar på att ytterligare undersöka och utveckla ny metodik för reglering av underaktuerade AUVer. Detta inkluderar utveckling av realtidskapabla ickelinjära MPC-implementeringar som körs ombord, samt AI-baserade reglerstrategier genom ruttplaneringsåterkoppling, autonom systemidentifiering och förstärkningsinlärning. Sådan utveckling kommer att tillämpas för att visa nya möjligheter inom de tre nyttoområdena. / SMaRC

Connected devices have become an integral part of life in modern society. In the industry, several tasks have been automatized and are now performed by robots, a development that is called Industry 4.0. Robotics are breaking new ground, and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) will enable the exploration and exploitation of areas previously inaccessible. The underwater robots are therefore expected to be deployed at scale in our seas for commercial and military purposes. This will make them a target for malicious actors to exploit security issues in the AUVs. It has previously been reported that robot developers often down-prioritize security and that leading robotics frameworks have severe vulnerabilities. This thesis aims to assess the security of a modern AUV, SAM, by the Swedish Maritime Robotics Center. The goal was to determine if it is vulnerable to attacks common in robots and connected vehicles and to find out what cyber threats exist to underwater vehicles. The method in this project was ethical hacking through a penetration test. It included creating a threat model for the robot and vulnerability analysis. Several vulnerabilities were selected for exploitation to determine and demonstrate how an attacker could abuse them. The result showed that several vulnerabilities were exploitable, and SAM was considered insecure. The project's direct impact is that it provides SMaRC with advice on how to improve the security of its vehicle and the security practices in its development team. Underwater robotics is still a novel field, and there needs to be more research published on threats to robots. As a result, the threat model and vulnerability analysis can be a good guideline for another security researcher pentesting an AUV or a developer team looking to improve the security of their robots. / Uppkopplade enheter har blivit en integrerad del av livet i det moderna samhället. Inom industrin har flera uppgifter automatiserats och utförs nu av robotar, en utveckling som kallas Industri 4.0. Robotik bryter ny mark, och autonoma undervattensfordon kommer att möjliggöra utforskning och exploatering av områden som tidigare var otillgängliga. Undervattensrobotar förväntas därför användas i stor skala i våra hav för kommersiella och militära ändamål. Detta kommer att göra dem till ett mål för illasinnade aktörer. Tidigare har det rapporterats att robotutvecklare ofta nedprioriterar säkerheten och att ledande ramverk för robotar har allvarliga sårbarheter. Därför syftar denna avhandling till att bedöma säkerheten hos en modern undervattensrobot, SAM, av Swedish Maritime Robotics Center. Målet var att avgöra om den är sårbar för attacker som är vanliga inom robotar och uppkopplade fordon och att ta reda på vilka säkerhetshot som finns mot undervattensfordon. Metoden i detta projekt var etiskt hackande genom ett penetrationstest. Det innefattade att skapa en hotmodell och sårbarhetsanalys för roboten. Flera sårbarheter valdes för att avgöra om och visa hur en angripare kan utnyttja dem. Resultatet visar att flera sårbarheter var exploaterbara och att SAM betraktades som osäker. Den direkta effekten av projektet är att det ger SMaRC råd om hur de kan öka säkerheten hos sitt fordon och förbättra säkerhetspraxis i sitt utvecklingsteam. Undervattensrobotik är fortfarande ett nytt område, och det behövs mer forskning som undersöker hot mot robotarna. Därför kan hotmodellen och sårbarhetsanalysen vara riktlinjer för en annan säkerhetsforskare som utför penetrationstestning på en AUV eller ett utvecklingsteam som vill förbättra säkerheten hos sina robotar.

This dissertation addresses attitude control and inertial navigation of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). We present theoretical justification for using simplified models, derive system identification algorithms, and verify our results through extensive field trials. Although this research focuses on small AUVs with limited instrumentation, the results are useful for underwater vehicles of any size. For attitude control of aircraft systems, second-order equivalent pitch-axis models are common and extensively studied. However, similar analysis has not been performed for the pitch-axis motion of underwater vehicles. In this dissertation, we study the utility and the limitations of second-order approximate models for AUVs. We seek to improve the flight performance and shorten the time required to re-design a control algorithm when the shape, mass-distribution, and/or net buoyancy of an AUV/payload configuration changes. In comparison to commonly implemented AUV attitude controllers, which neglect roll motion and address pitch and yaw dynamics separately, we derive a novel linear time-varying model that explicitly displays the coupling between pitch and yaw motion due to nonzero roll angle and/or roll rate. The model facilitates an Hâ control design approach that explicitly addresses robustness against those coupling terms and significantly reduces the effect of pitch and yaw coupling. To improve AUV navigation, we investigate algorithms for calibrating a triaxial gyroscope using angular orientation measurements and formally define AUV trajectories that are persistently exciting and for which the calibration coefficients are uniformly observable. To improve AUV guidance, we propose a near real-time ocean current identification method that estimates a non-uniform flow-field using only sparse flow measurements. / Ph. D.

Distributed coordination of multi-agent systems (MASs) has been widely studied in various emerging engineering applications, including connected vehicles, wireless networks, smart grids, and cyber-physical systems. In these contexts, agents make the decision locally, relying on the interaction with their immediate neighbors over the connected communication networks. The study of distributed coordination for the multi-agent system (MAS) with constraints is significant yet challenging, especially in terms of ubiquitous uncertainties, the heavy communication burden, and communication delays, to name a few. Hence, it is desirable to develop distributed algorithms for the constrained MAS with these practical issues. In this dissertation, we develop the theoretical results on robust distributed model predictive control (DMPC) algorithms for two types of control problems (i.e., formation stabilization problem and consensus problem) of the constrained and uncertain MAS and apply robust DMPC algorithms in applications of cooperative marine vehicles. More precisely, Chapter 1 provides a systematic literature review, where the state-of-the-art DMPC for formation stabilization and consensus, robust MPC, and MPC for motion control of marine vehicles are introduced. Chapter 2 introduces some notations, necessary definitions, and some preliminaries. In Chapter 3, we study the formation stabilization problem of the nonlinear constrained MAS with un- certainties and bounded time-varying communication delays. We develop a min-max DMPC algorithm with the self-triggered mechanism, which significantly reduces the communication burden while ensuring closed-loop stability and robustness. Chapter 4 investigates the consensus problem of the general linear MAS with input constraints and bounded time-varying delays. We design a robust DMPC-based consensus protocol that integrates a predesigned consensus protocol with online DMPC optimization techniques. Under mild technical assumptions, the estimation errors propagated over prediction due to delay-induced inaccurate neighboring information are proved bounded, based on which a robust DMPC strategy is deliberately designed to achieve robust consensus while satisfying control input constraints. Chapter 5 proposes a Lyapunov-based DMPC approach for the formation tracking control problem of co-operative autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) subject to environmental disturbances. A stability constraint leveraging the extended state observer-based auxiliary control law and the associated Lyapunov function is incorporated into the optimization problem to enforce the stability and enhance formation tracking performance. A collision-avoidance cost is designed and employed in the DMPC optimization problem to further guarantee the safety of AUVs. Chapter 6 presents a tube-based DMPC approach for the platoon control problem of a group of heterogeneous autonomous surface vehicles (ASVs) with input constraints and disturbances. In particular, a coupled inter-vehicle safety constraint is added to the DMPC optimization problem; it ensures that neighboring ASVs maintain the safe distance and avoid inter-vehicle collision. Finally, we summarize the main results of this dissertation and discuss some potential directions for future research in Chapter 7. / Graduate / 2023-04-19

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T17:11:48Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Mariana Uzeda2.pdf: 3273824 bytes, checksum: cb0d125fc8aae9dfe673029b5f5a30a5 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-08-29 / This work presents a comparative study between four different sliding mode variable structure control strategies (SMVSC) applied to autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) positioning in 6 DOF, under the influence of wind, waves and marine currents. The addressed strategies are the conventional CEV-MD control based on Lyapunov stability, the CEV-MD control based on the equivalent control, the CEV-MD control based on the input-output stability and the CEVMD adaptive control. The accomplished comparisons seek a satisfactory tradeoff between the tracking performance and the closed-loop system stability in light of eliminating the chattering phenomenon. In that sense, the analysis and synthesis of the respective SMVSC control laws is carried out fromthe Lyapunov Stability Theory and the Barbalat s Lemma. As well as numerical simulations are implemented to obtaining the respective performances of each SMVSC control strategy presented. / Este trabalho apresenta um estudo comparativo entre quatro diferentes estratégias de controle de estrutura variável por modos deslizantes (CEV-MD) aplicadas ao posicionamento de veículos subaquáticos autônomos (VSA) em 6 GDL, sob a influência de ventos, ondas e correntes marinhas. As estratégias abordadas são o controle CEV-MD convencional baseado na estabilidade de Lyapunov, o controle CEV-MD baseado no controle equivalente, o controle CEV-MD baseado na estabilidade entrada-saída e o controle CEV-MD adaptativo. As comparações realizadas visam a eliminação do do fenômeno do chattering buscando um compromisso satisfatório entre o desempenho de rastreamento e a estabilidade do sistema em laço fechado. Nesse sentido, a análise e síntese das respectivas leis de controle CEV-MD é realizada a partir da Teoria de Estabilidade de Lyapunov e do Lema de Barbalat. Assim como simulações numéricas são implementadas para a obtenção dos respectivos desempenhos de cada estratégia de controle CEV-MD apresentada.

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2016-04-06T14:20:59Z No. of bitstreams: 1 israelfilipelopes.pdf: 3821077 bytes, checksum: 03973b1d4356ce4b46316762af40ac71 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2016-04-24T03:51:36Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 israelfilipelopes.pdf: 3821077 bytes, checksum: 03973b1d4356ce4b46316762af40ac71 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-24T03:51:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 israelfilipelopes.pdf: 3821077 bytes, checksum: 03973b1d4356ce4b46316762af40ac71 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-02-26 / Este trabalho apresenta um estudo sobre transferência de energia elétrica sem contato para carregamento de baterias de veículos autônomos subaquáticos (AUV - Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) utilizando transformadores de núcleo separado (TNS). Inicialmente, é feito um projeto para construção de um transformador de núcleo separado. Posteriormente, são desenvolvidas as equações que modelam o funcionamento do transformador, com base em seu circuito elétrico equivalente. Em seguida, o trabalho propõe uma alternativa para estimar os parâmetros do circuito equivalente do transformador operando com valores de entreferro diferentes, validando seu modelo matemático aproximado com simulações realizadas no software PSIM, versão 9.0. Com o modelo matemático do TNS, é feita uma avaliação da sua capacidade de transferência de energia, mostrando que, em virtude do entreferro, o transformador apresenta baixa eficiência e baixos valores de tensão de saída. Nesse sentido, metodologias para compensar os efeitos de queda de tensão na impedância de dispersão, bem como aumentar a eficiência do transformador, são investigadas introduzindo-se capacitâncias no circuito elétrico equivalente e variando-se a frequência de operação. Aplicando os resultados dessa metodologia de otimização, é mostrado, por meio de experimentos em laboratório, que o TNS é capaz de transmitir energia através de um entreferro de 10 mm, atendendo às condições de tensão e potência da carga, com eficiência relativamente elevada. Em seguida, é feito um experimento com água do mar a fim de verificar a aplicabilidade do TNS em veículos subaquáticos. Por fim, é apresentada uma simulação digital realizada no software PSIM, versão 9.0, com um conversor c.c./c.c. controlador de carga para o sistema de carregamento de bateria. Os resultados obtidos demonstram o funcionamento do sistema, verificando a metodologia para estimativa do modelo e a metodologia de otimização do TNS. / This work presents a study on contactless electrical energy power transfer for charging batteries of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV - Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) using transformers with separated core (TNS). Initially, a project is made for building a transformer with separated core. After, the equations that model the operation of the transformer, based on its electrical equivalent circuit, are developed. Then, the work proposes an alternative to estimate the parameters of the equivalent circuit of the transformer operating with different gap values, validating its mathematical model with simulations in PSIM software, version 9.0. With the mathematical model of TNS, an evaluation of its ability to transfer power is made, showing that, because of the air gap, the transformer has a low efficiency and low output voltage. Therefore, methodologies to compensate for the effects of voltage drop in the leakage impedance and increase the efficiency of the transformer are investigated by introducing capacitances in the equivalent circuit and varying the of operating frequency. Applying the results of optimization methodology is shown, through laboratory experiments, that the TNS is capable of transmitting power through an air gap of 10 mm, given the voltage and load power conditions, with relatively high efficiency. Then, an experiment is done with seawater in order to verify the applicability of TNS for underwater vehicles. Finally, the work presents a simulation in PSIM with a d.c./d.c. charge controller for battery. The results demonstrate the operation of the system, verifying the methodology for estimation of the model and optimization methodology of TNS.

<p dir="ltr">The growing movement toward sustainable use of ocean resources is driven by the pressing need to alleviate environmental and human stressors on the planet and its oceans. From monitoring the food web to supporting sustainable fisheries and observing environmental shifts to protect against the effects of climate change, ocean observations significantly impact the Blue Economy. Acknowledging the critical role of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) in achieving persistent ocean exploration, this research addresses challenges focusing on the limited energy and storage capacity of AUVs, introducing a comprehensive underwater docking solution with a specific emphasis on enhancing the terminal homing phase through innovative vision algorithms leveraging neural networks.</p><p dir="ltr">The primary goal of this work is to establish a docking procedure that is failure-tolerant, scalable, and systematically validated across diverse environmental conditions. To fulfill this objective, a robust dock detection mechanism has been developed that ensures the resilience of the docking procedure through \comment{an} improved detection in different challenging environmental conditions. Additionally, the study addresses the prevalent issue of data sparsity in the marine domain by artificially generating data using CycleGAN and Artistic Style Transfer. These approaches effectively provide sufficient data for the docking detection algorithm, improving the localization of the docking station.</p><p dir="ltr">Furthermore, this work introduces methods to compress the learned docking detection model without compromising performance, enhancing the efficiency of the overall system. Alongside these advancements, a station-keeping algorithm is presented, enabling the mobile docking station to maintain position and heading while awaiting the arrival of the AUV. To leverage the sensors onboard and to take advantage of the computational resources to their fullest extent, this research has demonstrated the feasibility of simultaneously learning docking detection and marine wildlife classification through multi-task and transfer learning. This multifaceted approach not only tackles the limitations of AUVs' energy and storage capacity but also contributes to the robustness, scalability, and systematic validation of underwater docking procedures, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable ocean exploration and the blue economy.</p>

Nowadays, small autonomous underwater robots are strongly preferred for remote exploration of unknown and unstructured environments. Such robots allow the exploration and monitoring of underwater environments where a long term underwater presence is required to cover a large area. Furthermore, reducing the robot size, embedding electrical board inside and reducing cost are some of the challenges designers of autonomous underwater robots are facing. As a key device for reliable operation-decision process of autonomous underwater robots, a relatively fast and cost effective controller based on Fuzzy logic and proportional-integral-derivative method is proposed in this thesis. It efficiently models nonlinear system behaviors largely present in robot operation and for which mathematical models are difficult to obtain. To evaluate its response, the fault finding test approach was applied and the response of each task of the robot depicted under different operating conditions. The robot performance while combining all control programs and including sensors was also investigated while the number of program codes and inputs were increased.