Analysis and development of a buoyancy-pitch based depth control algorithm for a hybrid underwater glider

Abstract

The hybrid glider augments a Slocum electric glider with a propeller based propulsion device enabling new modes of operation. One of the new modes available is constant depth flight. The glider has two mechanisms which lend themselves to a control scheme for depth control, a ballast system and an internal mass shifting mechanism for pitch control. This paper examines the use of a ballast depth controller and a pitch based depth controller. The detailed implementation of both controllers is described and experimental results are presented.