A Novel Thermal Tactile Sensor Based on Micro Thermoelectric Generator for Underwater Flow Direction Perception

Area of Science:

• Robotics and Autonomous Systems
• Marine Engineering
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Underwater vehicles face challenges from water flow disturbances, impacting marine resource exploitation.
• Existing underwater flow direction sensing methods are costly and difficult to integrate with vehicles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a new underwater flow direction sensing method using micro thermoelectric generators (MTEGs).
• To develop a cost-effective and easily integrable solution for underwater flow perception.

Main Methods:

• Established a theoretical model for flow direction sensing based on MTEG thermal tactility.
• Fabricated a prototype and conducted experiments under three distinct flow conditions (parallel, 45°, and variable).
• Validated the theoretical model against experimental output voltages.

Main Results:

• Experimental data confirmed that the prototype's output voltages align with the theoretical model.
• The prototype accurately identified flow directions within 0–2 seconds across velocities of 0–5 m/s and angles of 0–90°.
• The MTEG method demonstrated superior cost-effectiveness and ease of integration compared to traditional methods.

Conclusions:

• The proposed MTEG-based method is a viable and practical solution for underwater flow direction sensing.
• This technology has significant application prospects for enhancing the capabilities of underwater vehicles.
• The MTEG system can be self-powered using waste heat from underwater vehicle batteries, increasing its utility.