Zero Buoyancy Impact on Energy Density for AUV Power Systems

April 17th 2013
ME Auditorium
1200

Mr. William Kirkwood

Senior R & D Engineer
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute 

Abstract

This seminar will discuss the engineering design of such advanced systems. The presentation will enable the audience to understand what makes the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) unique in ocean exploration and technology development for science and society. It will cover MBARI’s application of robotics and instrumentation on local oceanographic problems, looking for understanding and answers for today’s environmental issues. The talk will include a review of past technologies, current efforts and future directions of technology development at MBARI for Ocean Exploration and Scientific Study. Engineering developments have included Tiburon, Dorado, Mapping AUV, PUP, and Lego ROV Video. These developments, along with many others, have enabled countless oceanographic studies, including studies of the effects of greenhouse gases on the ocean, with such notable projects as: The Laser Raman (DORISS) Project; The High CO2 Initiative; and The Free Ocean CO2 Enrichment (FOCE).

Biography

Bill Kirkwood is an internationally respected expert in the field of AUV design at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, and graduated from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1978 with his BSME and received an MSCIS in 2000 from the University of Phoenix. His predominant focus has been in the area of electromechanical design. Prior to joining MBARI he was a group leader at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company (LMSC) in the Advanced Systems Division working on a variety of applied design projects for communications, satellites, and active optics for high-energy laser systems as part of the Strategic Defense Initiative. Bill joined MBARI in 1991 as the lead mechanical designer and project manager a several technology efforts including the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Tiburon and the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) Dorado. A number of variants of the Dorado system have been constructed, the most advanced being the Mapping AUV. Bill moved to Northern California in 1987 when he joined the Lockheed Missiles and Space Company (LMSC). He became a supervisor in the Advanced Systems group doing a variety of applied design projects for communications, satellites, and active optics for high-energy laser systems (you might have known it as SDI). Bill began doing sub-sea equipment designs at Lockheed which eventually fostered contacts with MBARI.

POC

Dr. Daniel A. Nussbaum
Naval Postgraduate School 
Principal, Energy Academic Group
Monterey CA 93943
Phone: 831-656-2387
Mobile: 831-324-3228
Email: dnussbaum@nps.edu