Discussion of Deep-sea Dynamic Positioning Methods with Ultra-short Baseline Multi-beacon Constraint

Objectives High-precision positioning of long-term voyage in the deep sea is the premise of underwater survey carriers to carry out marine surveys. The ultra-short baseline system integrates the acoustic array into a transducer, and realizes positioning by measuring the distance and direction of the acoustic beacon, which reflects great flexibility and convenience.

Methods In order to further improve the positioning accuracy and reliability of the ultra-short baseline system, the concept of ultra-short baseline multi-beacon constraint positioning method is proposed under the background of the great development of ultra-short baseline multi-beacon synchronous positioning technology. Different situations are discussed including multi-beacon constraint modes (distance constraint, distance and direction constraint) and beacon base array construction modes (fixed baseline, kinematic baseline).

Results The deep-sea dynamic positioning experiment with ultra-short baseline and multi-beacon constraint shows that the positioning accuracy of multi-beacon fixed-baseline distance and direction constraint can be increased to 1‰ of depth when the positioning accuracy of ultra-short baseline single beacon is 2‰ of depth, and the incidence angle, baseline length and kinematic baseline ranging accuracy are all important factors affecting the positioning of multi-beacon constraint.

Conclusions The multi-beacon constraint positioning modes of ultra-short baseline system reflect practical feasibility and good adaptability, and have broad application prospects in the development of deep-sea positioning technology.