Well how cold is the ice and how thick do you want the wall thickness? What is the mineal content of the ice, is it made from fresh or salt water? How long do you thick it will last in Tahiti?
Here's a touch more data on the ring thruster.
The Quest ROV is propelled by seven thrusters, each powered by a 7.5-kilowatt electric ring motor. Each thruster weighs 55 pounds, or 25 kilograms, in water, and while turning at 1,000 rpm, provides a maximum thrust rated at 450 lbs., or 204 kg, in forward or reverse operation. The entire propulsion system contains only seven moving parts, one for each thruster, compared with 100 or more moving parts on most hydraulic work class ROVs, according to Stanley. "The thrusters' electric direct drive increases the Quest's overall propulsion efficiency by a minimum of 40 percent, compared to similar hydraulic systems," said Stanley.
The electric motor is equipped with hydrodynamic bearings lubricated with seawater, eliminating the need for sealed, oil-lubed bearings that can be contaminated. Most of the motor's parts are made of engineered thermoplastic to lighten their
weight and make them corrosion resistant. The rotor magnets and stator windings are encapsulated in plastic.
This next bit is from Harbor Branch Oceanographic
"Another example of HBOE&P ROV technology is the "Ring Thruster". The "Ring Thruster" was developed and patented by HBOE&P primarily as a high efficiency thruster for AUV's and manned subs. After proof of concept, prototypes of a number of power ranges were built and tested on the Johnson Sea Link manned submarine. HBOE&P licensed the technology to Alstom/Shilling who has developed a production version for use in their new Quest ROV. "
So if Harbor Branch still holds the patents perhaps someone else will be able to get a new license and buy design data and molds from Schilling.
What can I say I'm a submarine half full kind of guy.
Brent Hartwig reporting from the ice world of Hoth
From: "Mark Roberts - Harbortronics" <Mark@Harbortronics.com>
Reply-To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
To: <personal_submersibles@psubs.org>
Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Ring Thruster Data
Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 22:57:13 -0800
Hmmmm, what is the compressive strength of ice? :)