Design and Fabrication of Power Management Systems for Deep-Sea Environments

Underwater vehicles used in deep-sea exploration require the coordinated operation of multiple sensors and actuators, which depend on a power management system for the distribution of various voltages. However, the extreme water pressure, low temperatures, and high corrosiveness of the deepsea environment present substantial challenges for the development of power management systems. To address these challenges, we have designed and developed a power management system tailored for high-pressure deep-sea environments. The system incorporates multiple voltage outputs, infrared control, and wireless charging capabilities, controlled by an integrated microcontroller. Flexible buoyant materials are employed in the system to achieve zero buoyancy balancing and pressure-resistant encapsulation, minimizing weight and reducing manufacturing costs without the need for rigid protective structures. The system underwent simulated deep-sea high-pressure testing, demonstrating stable output of driving voltages and control signals at a water pressure of 110 MPa. The design's adaptability to deep-sea conditions was further validated by periodic flapping powered by a biomimetic pectoral fin. This design offers an innovative solution for the lightweight and cost-effective development of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), advancing the technology of deep-sea underwater equipment.