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Student Autonomous Underwater Challenge - Europe

The SAUC-E Event

Young engineers and scientists participating in the Student Autonomous Underwater Challenge - Europe (SAUC-E) are required to design and build an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) to perform realistic underwater missions. The event is hosted by the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) to support innovation in AUV technology and encourage the next generation of engineers to be involved at a practical level.

REAPsystems support

In 2006 REAPsystems sponsored the University of Glasgow SHARC team and the University of Southampton Soton AUV team. In 2007 the company again sponsored the Soton AUV team who went on to win the overall competition and an award for innovation in autonomy.

As a company we believe it is important to encourage such a hands on approach and allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge base. During the competition the students encounter the difficulties related to practical applications that cannot be learnt in the lecture theatre. Through supporting this event REAPsystems helps to ensure the future capability of engineers whilst introducing students to the ever increasing importance of battery technology.

REAPsystems provided the Soton AUV team with Li-Ion cells, an off the shelf BMS, access to workshop facilities, supervision and free consultancy. Plans are already underway for support of next years team with provision of a complete battery pack.

Key challenges of the project

Due to the small size of this vehicle it is essential to have a small and lightweight battery system. The BMS must therefore have low power consumption to prevent quickly draining the smaller batteries required. The remaining battery energy available must be viewable to allow the team to make decisions on whether the vehicle should be sent underwater and to discourage unnecessary charging.

Customer benefits

REAPsystems supplies to underwater vehicle manufacturers, and smaller projects such as SAUC-E allow the development and trial of new ideas and increased experience in this field.