Kraken Robotics Battery Upgrade Doubles Unmanned Submarine Endurance
Ocean Infinity has achieved significant milestones in the endurance testing of its autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) using Kraken Robotics' new pressure-tolerant batteries. The new batteries enable missions exceeding 100 hours without recharging.
Kraken Robotics Inc. announced that its customer, Ocean Infinity, has achieved significant milestones in the endurance testing of its Kongsberg Hugin AUVs using new pressure-tolerant batteries from Kraken. Ocean Infinity successfully completed missions exceeding 100 hours without recharging, operating at depths below 5000 meters with a full survey payload.
The batteries, supplied by Kraken's subsidiary Kraken Power GmbH, provide nearly double the energy capacity in the same physical form factor compared to the original batteries. This advancement allows Ocean Infinity's AUVs to achieve survey ranges of nearly 700 line-kilometers per deployment. The enhanced capacity offers greater operational flexibility, increased area coverage, and better management of weather impacts.
Kraken's proprietary pressure-tolerant gel encapsulation technology for lithium polymer batteries offers a cost-effective, more environmentally friendly, and superior alternative to the oil-compensated batteries commonly used in subsea applications. The batteries are modular and feature an integrated battery management system.
Ocean Infinity's AUVs, powered by Kraken batteries, can now conduct missions lasting over four days without the need for battery recharge or replacement. This significantly reduces launch and recovery operations, enhances safety, and improves weather tolerance for clients. The technology provides a more efficient deep-water data acquisition platform, further solidifying Ocean Infinity's position in advanced subsea solutions.