Development of a plunge-diving aerial aquatic drone with foldable wings for applications in water analysis
File(s)
Author(s)
di Tria, Julien
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Currently, water analysis in rivers, lakes, oceans, or dams relies on traditional methods developed
by biologists, oceanographers, and microbiologists. These methods involve human operators
travelling to the site, collecting samples, storing them safely, and transporting them back to
the laboratory for detailed examination. This process is often repetitive, time-consuming, and
potentially hazardous.
This thesis proposes using drones to automate and improve the efficiency of water analysis,
thereby reducing the workload and exposure to danger for human operators. The research
explores the feasibility and challenges of using drones for each step of the water sampling process.
For drones to replace humans in water sampling, they must perform tasks autonomously,
quickly, and reliably. Most modern drones can navigate between GPS positions, avoid static
obstacles, and land and take off autonomously. However, current drones face significant limitations
when it comes to landing and taking off from water. No commercially available drones
are designed for these tasks, as their mechanics and electronics are not suited for water environments.
Onboard water analysis is possible with specialized sensors, but typically offers
limited performance. Although integrating water sampling systems into small drones has shown
promise, further development is needed.
The project addresses the challenges of landing and taking off from water, and sampling
water with small-scale drones, focusing on the complexity and uniqueness of the required components.
It involves mechanical design, electronics solutions, software development, and practical
implementation of functional UAVs capable of air-water missions such as water analysis and
inspection. The research focuses on a platform: BADAS, for designing a plunge diving platform.
by biologists, oceanographers, and microbiologists. These methods involve human operators
travelling to the site, collecting samples, storing them safely, and transporting them back to
the laboratory for detailed examination. This process is often repetitive, time-consuming, and
potentially hazardous.
This thesis proposes using drones to automate and improve the efficiency of water analysis,
thereby reducing the workload and exposure to danger for human operators. The research
explores the feasibility and challenges of using drones for each step of the water sampling process.
For drones to replace humans in water sampling, they must perform tasks autonomously,
quickly, and reliably. Most modern drones can navigate between GPS positions, avoid static
obstacles, and land and take off autonomously. However, current drones face significant limitations
when it comes to landing and taking off from water. No commercially available drones
are designed for these tasks, as their mechanics and electronics are not suited for water environments.
Onboard water analysis is possible with specialized sensors, but typically offers
limited performance. Although integrating water sampling systems into small drones has shown
promise, further development is needed.
The project addresses the challenges of landing and taking off from water, and sampling
water with small-scale drones, focusing on the complexity and uniqueness of the required components.
It involves mechanical design, electronics solutions, software development, and practical
implementation of functional UAVs capable of air-water missions such as water analysis and
inspection. The research focuses on a platform: BADAS, for designing a plunge diving platform.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2022-03-28
Date Awarded
2024-07-01
License URL
Advisor
Kovac, Mirko
Publisher Department
Aeronautics
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)