System and method for using autonomous underwater vehicles operated from surface platforms for ocean bottom seismic nodes

Abstract

A system and method for deploying and retrieving a plurality of ocean bottom seismic nodes to and from the seabed by using a floating platform. The system comprises an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) coupled to a node skid that is configured to handle a plurality of ocean bottom seismic nodes. The AUV and coupled skid may be lowered to and raised from the seabed and a platform in a garage. The AUV may comprise one or more fuel cells in addition to or as a replacement of traditional rechargeable batteries. The system may utilize an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) or unmanned surface vehicle (USV) to monitor and track AUV deployment and to provide acoustic communications between the surface platform and the AUV.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A subsea system for the subsea transfer of a plurality of ocean bottom seismic nodes, comprising:
 an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) comprising a power source and a propulsion system, wherein the power source comprises a plurality of rechargeable batteries and one or more hydrogen fuel cells.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the power source is configured to switch between the fuel cells and the rechargeable batteries during subsea travel. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the hydrogen fuel cells are configured for a primary power source and the rechargeable battery cells are configured for a secondary power source. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more pressure chambers comprising pressurized hydrogen (H 2 ) and pressurized oxygen (O 2 ). 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an AUV garage configured to be raised to and lowered from a surface platform and the seabed, wherein the AUV garage is configured to hold the AUV. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a skid configured to be removably attached to the AUV, wherein the skid is configured to hold a plurality of ocean bottom seismic nodes, wherein the skid comprises a variable buoyancy system (VBS). 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the VBS comprises a plurality of pipes and a positive displacement pump, wherein the VBS is configured to control a buoyancy of the skid based on a payload of the skid. 
     
     
         8 . An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for the subsea transfer of a plurality of ocean bottom seismic nodes, comprising
 a power source comprises a plurality of rechargeable batteries and one or more hydrogen fuel cells; and   a propulsion system configured to propel and steer the AUV while travelling underwater, wherein the propulsion system comprises a plurality of thrusters,   wherein the AUV is configured to hold a plurality of ocean bottom seismic nodes, wherein the AUV is configured to move each of the plurality of ocean bottom seismic nodes to and from the seabed by a manipulator arm.   
     
     
         9 . A method for the deployment of a plurality of ocean bottom seismic nodes on or near the seabed, comprising
 deploying an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) from a surface platform, wherein the AUV comprises a power source that comprises a plurality of rechargeable batteries and one or more hydrogen fuel cells;   deploying an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) from the surface platform to assist communications from the AUV to the surface platform; and   automatically deploying the plurality of ocean bottom seismic nodes at a pre-plot position for each of the plurality of ocean bottom seismic nodes.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising switching a power supply for the AUV between the plurality of rechargeable batteries and the one or more hydrogen fuel cells. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the AUV is coupled to a node skid comprising the plurality of ocean bottom seismic nodes. 
     
     
         12 . A system for the deployment of a plurality of ocean bottom seismic nodes from the seabed, comprising:
 a surface platform;   one or more autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs);   one or more unmanned surface vehicle (USVs); and a plurality of ocean bottom seismic nodes.