| NSF Org: |
OPP Office of Polar Programs (OPP) |
| Recipient: |
|
| Initial Amendment Date: | August 5, 2021 |
| Latest Amendment Date: | August 5, 2021 |
| Award Number: | 2134146 |
| Award Instrument: | Standard Grant |
| Program Manager: |
Lauren Culler
lculler@nsf.gov (703)292-8057 OPP Office of Polar Programs (OPP) GEO Directorate for Geosciences |
| Start Date: | August 1, 2021 |
| End Date: | January 31, 2024 (Estimated) |
| Total Intended Award Amount: | $225,000.00 |
| Total Awarded Amount to Date: | $225,000.00 |
| Funds Obligated to Date: |
|
| History of Investigator: |
|
| Recipient Sponsored Research Office: |
300 TURNER ST NW BLACKSBURG VA US 24060-3359 (540)231-5281 |
| Sponsor Congressional District: |
|
| Primary Place of Performance: |
VA US 24061-0001 |
| Primary Place of
Performance Congressional District: |
|
| Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): |
|
| Parent UEI: |
|
| NSF Program(s): | AON-Arctic Observing Network |
| Primary Program Source: |
|
| Program Reference Code(s): |
|
| Program Element Code(s): |
|
| Award Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Fund Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Assistance Listing Number(s): | 47.078 |
ABSTRACT
The Arctic is home to some four million people comprising a diverse range of cultures and an economy worth about $230 billion annually. With global concerns spanning climate change, energy resources, freshwater supplies, and sustainable economic growth, the Arctic has sparked intense research and public interest. International efforts to establish sustained Arctic observing systems, especially for long-term Arctic Ocean monitoring with near-real-time data transfer, are urgently needed. The harsh and remote conditions constraining year-round observation sites present significant logistical challenges and energy needs for sustained Arctic observations. In addition, monitoring of the Arctic Ocean using bottom-anchored stationary platforms is limited by a lack of real-time communication between the sensors deployed and Arctic operators. The ultimate goal of this project is to develop new energy harvesting and communication solutions so that it is feasible to have a real-time under-ice monitoring system in the Arctic Ocean.
This EAGER project tests the capacity to address three key challenges, including sustainable power supply through energy harvesting, near-real-time data communication under the sea ice, and survivability under harsh environmental conditions. Specifically, the project aims to develop novel techniques to harvest ultra-low-speed oceanic current energy using a two-level diffuser augmented turbine and a novel transverse flux generator. The harvested energy will be used to support sensors and power a novel real-time communication system through the sea ice. The proposed communication system adopts a novel antenna design that overcomes seawater attenuation effects on radio waves and creatively leverages satellite protocols to ensure the under-ice communication unit can transmit observational data to satellites. The project also explores techniques to enhance the survivability of the under-ice monitoring system, such as robust material choice and ice ridge/keel detection and avoidance systems and extends science and engineering education among K-12 and PhD-level students in Arctic research with an emphasis on diversity including female and underrepresented students.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED AS A RESULT OF THIS RESEARCH
Note:
When clicking on a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) number, you will be taken to an external
site maintained by the publisher. Some full text articles may not yet be available without a
charge during the embargo (administrative interval).
Some links on this page may take you to non-federal websites. Their policies may differ from
this site.
PROJECT OUTCOMES REPORT
Disclaimer
This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed its content.
Underwater monitoring in the Arctic Ocean is essential for scientific studies addressing critical issues like Arctic ecology and global warming. However, this task is particularly challenging during the winter months, when thick, shifting ice sheets cover the ocean surface, making it difficult for underwater monitoring systems to transmit data to the outside world.
To solve these challenges, this project has explored the feasibility of building a groundbreaking system for real-time data communication beneath Arctic sea ice, powered by a newly designed energy harvesting system. This initiative not only promises to enhance Arctic research but also demonstrates innovative approaches to overcoming the challenges posed by one of the most extreme environments on Earth.
During this project, we have designed an energy system that harnesses the slow-moving ocean currents beneath the ice, providing a constant power supply in a region where traditional energy sources are unfeasible. Our design of the turbine and generator are very efficient, easy to assemble, and resilient against the icy waters. Our novel designs are simple in structure, ensuring they can be maintained even in challenging conditions. In addition, we have explored the feasibility of a communication system that operates beneath thick Arctic sea ice, allowing for the continuous relay of scientific data. A new type of antenna, called the Digital Antenna Array (DAA), has been created to fit under the ice, adjusting to its uneven surface. This antenna is crucial for sending data to satellites above, despite the thick ice coverage. The antenna operates on a specific frequency band (L-Band) and has been designed to minimize losses and maximize data transmission efficiency. Our tests in controlled environments show that it performs exceptionally well, maintaining strong signals even under less-than-ideal conditions.
The project has provided extensive student training opportunities in areas like 3D CAD design, generator design and theory, electromagnetic field simulation, and 3D printing, aimed at enhancing the skills of master and undergraduate students. Participants have also engaged in collaborative educational activities with local community colleges, gaining practical experience and insights into renewable energy and engineering practices. This hands-on approach not only bolsters their technical expertise but also prepares them for future challenges in the renewable energy sector.
Last Modified: 04/21/2024
Modified by: Yaling Yang
Please report errors in award information by writing to: awardsearch@nsf.gov.
