CALL: 2022/CFP/RIU/01 - Novel Technologies for Border Management (Open Theme)
GRANT AGREEMENT NUMBER: No. 2023/352
BENEFICIARIES:
Escola Superior Náutica Infante D. Henrique (Portugal)
Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon (Portugal)
DURATION: 1 September 2023 – 31 August 2024
FOCUS AREA: situational awareness, maritime surveillance, prevention and detection of cross-border crimes, unmanned surface vehicles, energy management system, energy optimisation
The project is focused on the development of a fossil-free Unmanned Marine Surface Vehicle (USV) integrating electric propulsion, batteries, photovoltaic panels, cameras, and navigation sensors, capable of extended (to unlimited) range.
At the core of the novel solution, there will be an on-board Smart Energy Management System capable of making efficient propulsion adjustments based on predicted and real weather and sea conditions to obtain the required mission profile.
Part of the design process will be devoted to the development of a comprehensive multi-physics dynamic model of the USV, essential to simulate and optimise the integrated system.
Finally, a prototype of the novel USV will be experimentally tested under real river and sea conditions to demonstrate its viability for maritime border surveillance missions.
Foreseeable Outcomes:
The project aims to result in a working prototype of the novel USV, demonstrated under real river and sea conditions. It is meant to constitute a significant step towards the future development of cost-effective and sustainable technologies for border surveillance missions requiring extended range and payload capabilities.
This project has received funding from Frontex under the Frontex Research Grants Programme Call for Proposals 2022/CFP/RIU/01- Grant Agreement No. 2023/352.