Pressure-Tolerant Battery and Power Systems for the Nereid Under Ice Hybrid ROV: Design and Field Experience

Power supply systems are essential for deep-ocean underwater vehicles. Pressure-tolerant power systems have potential to be more buoyant and more reliable than power systems housed in abyssal pressure housings. We describe the design and field experience with the abyssal-pressure-tolerant battery and power systems on the Nereid Under Ice (NUI) hybrid remotely operated vehicle. Pressure-tolerant SeaSafe lithium-ion battery modules were developed in parallel with the NUI vehicle, along with several pressure-tolerant power distribution components. Our experience operating NUI's power systems over several underice campaigns is reviewed, including a power failure that nearly resulted in a total loss of the vehicle.