SMD Unveil Green, Super Capable ROV Technology
This week saw SMD unveil their electric Work Class ROV at Offshore Europe. Their new Quantum EV ROV introduces electric drive technology to the subsea sector in an optimised, modular package which brings Work Class ROV performance and capability to a new level.
The high capability Quantum EV is SMD’s environmentally responsible solution designed around five key principles covering performance, reliability, flexibility, ease of use and compact form factor.
The prototype, showcased at OE19, is equipped with a range of cutting-edge technologies including the completely new 25kW high power electric thrust system, a new long-distance DC transmission solution and locally managed DC power system. Quantum EV has a 20% increase in performance and is twice as efficient when compared to current Work Class ROVs. The new platform also features advanced flight processing for super stability, battery compatibility for tetherless operations and is future proofed to accept AI command technology.
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SMD has been subjecting the newly developed technologies and the new vehicle to a thorough testing programme that will continue over the coming months. First deliveries of the new WROV are expected to begin in 9-12 months.
Mark Collins, SMD’s Director for Remote and Autonomous Technologies has been involved throughout the development process “We have been listening to what our customers and the industry want and using our extensive real world, and sometimes painful experience, we’ve developed a new product range which has their needs at its very core. We have really focused on developing a tool that can be relied upon to take operational efficiency to a new level that’s easy for different uses; easily transferred for use in AUVs and USVs.”
Stephen Wilson, SMD’s Innovation Manager comments on the launch of this new EV technology: “We have been developing electric motors and ROV thrusters for over 20 years. As specialists in high power motor drive technology, our parent company, CRRC Tec, have given us access to high power systems technology that would be otherwise inaccessible to the subsea sector. All of this, combined with financial support from our parent and Innovate UK has put us in a unique position to bring a world class electric ROV system to the market.”
Mr Liu Kean, President of CRRC-TEC, has committed to support SMD by sharing TEC core technology from their advanced high speed train to develop SMD’s new generation of ROV and Trenching technology, to increase its efficiency, intelligence and autonomous features in the future.”