Simple Commercial Buoyancy Engine
 

Hi All!

First post, and generally unfamiliar with the community and rc submarines. I have a project for university, requiring us to design a system which can descend and ascend, to as deep as possible preferably (but not critical). It is encouraged to use off the shelf components, rather than design everything from scratch. I have done research and found applications of using a syringe, RCABS, peristaltic pumps to simulate a buoyancy engine. However, I have having difficulty finding a fully commercial one available, only a model from Arkmodels.
Note it doesn't have to be super complex - it is only going up and down so no complex ballast system is needed! It just should be reliable and ideally have a failsafe mechanism. Can anyone help me point me in the right direction of a commercially available buoyancy engine, or possibly at least one that would require minimal parts to supply?

Thanks

Although I've never been involved with model submarines, your challenge sounds intriguing.

My approach to your problem would be to go with simplicity and the simplest system that I can think of is one that is primary comprised of a compressed air tank (for power) and an air bladder.

For control, 2 valves can be used, one to supply compressed air from the tank to the bladder (to ascend) and another one that would release air from the bladder (to dive).

I don't know what criteria your failsafe system would have to meet so I'll leave that to your imagination.

Hi airsteve172,

Thanks for response. I've had a look at some compressed air systems. Some use not a compressed air cannister, but just use the air from the water-tight chamber, causing a low pressure cell. We've also had a look at some peristaltic pumps as well but not sure that they could withstand pressures at lower depths, especially given the size we're meant to be restricted to (150mm diameter cylinder).

The RC submarine hobby is a small group. We do not have the volume like the quad copter folks do. You are limited in number of sources or cost.
At forum.rc-sub.com there is a gentleman selling a couple of sub-drivers.

Look up the Nautilus Dry docks. There are ballast compartments with exactly what you are looking for.
RP