Erik Campbell

Industrial Designer — San Francisco, CA

Alternative Marine Energy Submersible

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The Design - Streamlined, organic, robust design, incorporating biomimicry, is aesthetically appealing, ruggedly sea-worthy and increases hydrodynamic performance.

Designed to service, repair, and maintain tidal energy turbines and equipment in relatively shallow (around 30m) to deeper water. This is partly because flows tend to be faster in shallower water, and partly because grid connection is easier.

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Marine Current Renewable Energy Service Vehicle - A hydrokinetic vehicle designed to service, support, and maintain commercial alternative energy-producing ocean turbine farms faster, easier, and with less manpower.
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Features - The 360º view, anti-distortion acrylic windows allow for maximum visibility when inspecting turbines and during transit.

Tandem stadium seating is inspired by navy fighter jets. The person in the front operates the controls while the other navigates from the back, equaling better visibility and reduced space needs.
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Features - Left and right side mounted lights articulate out during survey mode to provide flood light to targeted area. The lights retract for hydrodynamics.
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Features - The vehicle accommodates two passengers, critical equipment for servicing turbines, and life support necessary for maximum allowable time underwater, including decompression stops.
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Features - The primary and secondary wing alleron show blue lit gills to communicate rotation for precision maneuverability underwater.

Modular service packs allow the diver to perform any task while serving turbines, including welding, grinding, and repairing.
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Scenario Phase 1 - Eleven thousand homes in SF
are using marine current
energy as dive team
descends on the first
of 37 turbines.
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Scenario Phase 2 - The operator plans his
docking strategy as
fellow diver prepares
gear for exit to turbine.
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Scenario Phase 3 - The dock captures Hydrostasis’
front facing pectoral wings,
holding vehicle in place.
The diver exits the vehicle
from the side, grabbing
onto the retractable tether.
The onboard diver monitors
fellow diver’s safety while
repairs and maintenance
are performed on each turbine.
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Marine Research Interviews - Through extensive research in the field, I gained critical knowledge about marine current energy on a commercial scale, the dangerous work executed underwater, and the submersibles needed to service ocean turbines safely and proficiently. To date, there are no underwater service vehicles such as the Hydrostasis available for technical diving missions.
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Designer Gets Scuba Certification Training

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