Abstract: A non-contact underwater docking system on ocean observatory network was designed and realized in order to make full use of the advantage of ocean observatory and autonomous underwater vehicle and to construct the ocean three-dimensional observatory system. Based on underwater docking requirement and the characteristic in ocean, the mechanical structures of docking system including guiding structure and cavity were designed. Making use of high frequency electromagnetic wave communication technology and connecting with the practical situation in ocean, the underwater non-contact signal transmission with high speed was realized. Based on electromagnetic coupling technology and considering the design of circuit topology and coupling coil, the non-contact power transfer with high power and great efficiency was realized by using sealing coils. A system upper computer software was developed based on WinCC. Combining with embedded PC, a central control system was built. Pressure test for cavity was conducted in laboratory. Overall tests including non-contact signal transmission, non-contact power transfer and central control system were completed in lake trial. The experimental results verified the compatibility among various modules and the reliability of the whole system scheme and provided basis for successive tests.

Key words: ocean observatory network, underwater docking system, autonomous underwater vehicle(AUV), non-contact signal transmission, non-contact power transfer