Das Projekt "Entwicklung von Tastensystemen fuer Offshore-Tauchboote - Phase 1" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Thyssen Nordseewerke durchgeführt. General Information: The project covers the development design of the following submersible systems and their integration in the conceptual design of a prototype vessel: Energy Supply System: The energy system is to operate independent of ambient air and is based on a Cosworth closed cycle diesel engine. This system uses sea-water for scrubbing the CO2 from the exhaust gases and a mixture of CO2 and argon for the inert part of the suction air. A special water management system provides fresh sea-water at reduced pressure and discharges the waste water outboard by using the pressure energy of the surrounding water. A test rig for a 120 kW prototype system will be built to test the closed cycle engine under service conditions. Propulsion and dynamic positioning system: The propulsion and DP-system must have a highly efficient transmission system with sensitive power control for economic transit and accurate 3-dimensional positioning. Alternatives for the transmission system will be to be investigated and a system chosen. Then a conceptual design of the propulsion and DP-system for the prototype submersible will be prepared to satisfy the requirements of the planned operation profile. Finally a prototype thruster will be built and tested under simulated operating conditions. Life support system: The extended diving period requires an efficient air purifying system with respect to size and weight. New systems have to be investigated and evaluated. A study will be made to identify the possible contaminants in breathing air. Working conditions and safety criteria will be examined. A concept for the life support will be designed and evaluated, and a system specification prepared. Emergency backup systems will also be studied. Mission control system: A control and monitoring system for the submersible with a high degree of integration and automation is to be developed in order to increase safety and reduce the manning level. Initially, system functions, interfaces, kind of signals and type of sensors are to be defined. Concepts for control and monitoring of equipment, navigation and safety will be prepared. Layout for the monitoring and control of the vessel systems will be made. A specification of the required hardware and software will be drawn up. Crane work module: A crane-serviced work module with manipulators is to be designed for operation in and from a wet cargo hold. Initially, the operation procedures and task profiles are to be investigated and defined. On this basis the crane and its components, and the multi-function work unit with manipulators, will be designed. Special development is required for the machinery operating in a wet environment and for the power supply and control systems. Conceptual design of the prototype submersible: will be made for a theoretical but realistic operation profile. The work includes the integration of the key systems, the general layout of the submersible and the specification of the main components.