In 2020, a commercial diver was seriously injured while inspecting the Tobin Bridge in Massachusetts due to strong currents and poor visibility. The incident highlighted the dangerous conditions divers face during underwater infrastructure inspections. Divers often risk their safety dealing with unpredictable environments, equipment malfunctions, and low visibility. However, an innovative company called Premergy, with its advanced battery management technology, could advance marine drone capabilities, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to these dangerous tasks.
The Incident: Risks in Port Inspections
The Tobin Bridge incident underscores the risks associated with underwater inspections, particularly in high-current, low-visibility environments. Divers performing these inspections face numerous hazards, from strong underwater currents that can disorient them to potential equipment failures that could compromise their oxygen supply. In the case of the Tobin Bridge inspection, the diver had to navigate poor visibility while conducting the structural examination, which posed an added layer of difficulty and risk. Similar risks are common in port inspections, where divers are often required to work under challenging conditions to assess the state of underwater infrastructure, including piers, bridges, and seawalls. Unfortunately, these risks can lead to injuries or even fatalities.
Marine Drones as a Safer Alternative
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Given the dangers associated with underwater inspections, the maritime industry has increasingly turned to marine drones, sometimes called Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), to perform these tasks. These underwater drones can be outfitted with high-definition cameras, sonar systems, and various sensors to gather detailed information about underwater structures without risking human lives. Drones can inspect a wide range of port infrastructure, from detecting structural weaknesses in piers to identifying corrosion on submerged pipelines.
However, marine drones are not without their limitations. Their battery life often restricts how long they can operate underwater before needing to resurface for recharging. This can be particularly challenging when inspecting large or complex infrastructure, as it increases the time required to complete the task.
How Premergy’s Technology Enhances Marine Drones
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This is where Premergy’s advanced battery technology can make a significant difference. Premergy’s multi chemistry battery management systems address the key limitations of marine drones by extending their operational range and reducing the need for frequent recharging. With Premergy’s multi-chemistry battery systems, drones can switch between different battery banks to optimize energy use, allowing them to stay underwater for longer periods. This extended range is critical when inspecting large or complex structures like bridges, piers, or port facilities.
Moreover, Premergy’s technology enables rapid recharging, ensuring that drones can quickly return to operation after short recharge periods. This minimizes downtime and allows for more efficient inspections, especially in busy port environments where time is of the essence. The ability to perform back-to-back missions without long delays between recharges enhances the overall effectiveness of the inspection process.
Premergy’s thermal management capabilities also ensure that the drone’s battery systems remain at optimal temperatures during extended underwater missions. This prevents overheating, a serious issue for battery-powered drones operating in challenging underwater conditions. By managing heat effectively, Premergy’s system extends the lifespan of the drone batteries, making them more reliable and cost-effective in the long run.
The Future of Underwater Inspections
Marine drones, enhanced by Premergy’s rapid battery recharging technology, offer a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective alternative to diver-based inspections. These drones can perform detailed inspections in harsh underwater environments without risking human lives, all while gathering precise data for infrastructure assessment.
For industries that rely heavily on port infrastructure, including shipping, energy, and transportation, adopting marine drones equipped with advanced battery systems like Premergy’s could lead to faster, safer, and more frequent inspections. This would enhance safety and reduce long-term maintenance costs by detecting issues earlier and addressing them before they become critical problems.
Conclusion
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The dangers faced by divers during underwater infrastructure inspections, like the incident at the Tobin Bridge, demonstrate the urgent need for safer alternatives. Marine drones, equipped with Premergy’s innovative battery technology, provide a way to conduct thorough inspections without exposing human workers to unnecessary risks. Premergy is playing a pivotal role in making port and underwater infrastructure inspections safer and more efficient by improving battery life, reducing downtime with rapid recharging, and managing thermal risks. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, Premergy’s advancements in battery management will be essential in driving the adoption of marine drones for safer, more reliable operations.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
