Development of propulsion control with emergency stop system

• Main Author: Zhang, ShengHao
• Other Authors: Xie Ming
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Engineering; Propulsion; Emergency
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/176525
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This project aims to develop a manually controllable propulsion system with integrated Emergency-stop (E-stop) system for an autonomous Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) to participate in the Maritime RobotX challenge for NTU. This report includes the design, development, and implementation of methodologies for both the propulsion and the E-stop system. Utilizing Arduino technology, the project enables the control of four motors: two via voltage adjustment and two through the RS485 communication protocol. For the project’s safety measure, the implemented E-stop system can be accessible through a Graphical User Interface (GUI) on an Onboard Control Station (OCS). Additionally, a physical E-stop button integrated into the controller serves as another remote trigger for the E-stop system. Furthermore, the project also establishes four physical E-stop buttons onboard the USV, providing immediate access to shut down the system. The combination of the remote and onboard E-stop functionalities enhances the safety of the USV.