Subsea Cable Tracking Using Data Fusion of Signals from Array of Sensing Coils

The subsea cable is a dominant feature in the modern energy supply systems using offshore wind energy farms, floating solar panels, offshore installations such as oil and gas platforms, fishing farms etc. After laying the subsea cable with high and medium voltages, the subsea cable buried under the seafloor will be prone to be damaged by anchors of ships, fishing trawlers etc. In addition, the burial depth of the subsea cables is a factor to be considered to protect the marine flora and fauna, as the heat emanating from the cables can disturb their habitat, an issue coming within the sustainability criteria of the UN. A tracking system coupled to already existing UAVs will help to locate the cable and help to mitigate problems associated with these. A sensorics module consisting of an array of sensing coils measuring the magnetic field components form the subsea cable can help to track and locate the subsea cable facilitating georeference of the subsea cables. A sensorics module using an array of sensing coils and the fusion of the data from this module are described in this paper. The technique helps to track and locate the subsea cable and the developed module can be integrated into existing UAV-modules. Results from preliminary tests are presented along with detailed description of the sensorics module developed. This work represents a holistic approach to system integration in an educational perspective with elements of PBL and focus in learning outcome in multiple disciplines involving groups of international students and staff.