Underwater Applications for Brushless Motors



In addition to helping aerial photographers and hobbyists take to the skies with drones, brushless motors can also power explorers seeking to reach the depths of the ocean. Besides the apparent necessity of being waterproof, brushless motors for underwater applications must be equipped to perform in extreme conditions, enabling these motors to withstand the high pressure and oxidation levels found several fathoms underwater.

Underwater Drones

As of 2017, drones are taking both the skies and seas by storm. Drones capable of operating underwater feature technology able to advance marine research and undersea cinematography in addition to helping us explore depths that experienced divers are unable to reach.

While oceanographers first began utilizing undersea drones a couple of years ago, the car-sized contraptions were costly and required highly skilled operators. The market has since broadened to encompass consumer models no more expensive than an aerial drone. Tech projects like PowerRay and the Trident open a world of possibilities to scientists and hobbyists alike.

Uncrewed underwater drones can search the seafloor for submerged mines and relay their images to human operators almost instantly. Drones for deep sea exploration are torpedo-shaped and able to scan the ocean floor with sonar, using image recognition to identify shapes that resemble submerged mines. After a drone discovers a corresponding shape, it can send that picture to a human up to 130 meters away so that he or she can decide whether or not to send in a crewed or remote-controlled vehicle to give the area a more detailed look. This technology can also be used to map the ocean floor, study hydrothermal vents, and track the locations of underwater wildlife colonies.

Diver Propulsion Vehicles

A diver propulsion vehicle, also known as a DPV or underwater scooter, is a type of diving equipment used by scuba and rebreather divers to help them increase their travel range while underwater. The range of a diver is restricted by the amount of breathing gas that can be carried, diver fatigue, the rate at which the gas is consumed, and the time limits imposed by dive tables to avoid decompression sickness.

There are a number of applications for diver propulsion vehicles, including cave diving and technical diving to help move heavy equipment underwater and to use a diver’s limited time underwater as efficiently as possible when deep diving. Most DPVs also allow divers to mount their gear, including compasses, cameras, and spearguns.

DPVs have also been used for military applications throughout the years to deliver combat divers and equipment over long distances and speeds. Human torpedoes, also known as manned torpedoes, were used by commando frogmen as a rideable submarine used as naval weapons during World War II.

KDE Motors for Underwater Use

Brushless motors can be used for several other underwater uses, including boats, jet skis, model submarines, automatic fish feeders, and more. Our brushless motors are ideal for marine, oceanographic, and underwater industries, thanks to their ability to perform consistently and reliably in some of the harshest environments in the world. Our strong IP ratings coupled with our aerodynamic design ensure that your motors and components are protected against salt, water, and dust.

KDE Direct’s brushless motors are designed and engineered in the United States. Our motors provide power, performance, and efficiency for a wide range of underwater applications. KDE Direct motors are engineered for remarkable efficiency and power that push the limits of today’s technology. Our motors are designed to provide market-leading performance and zero-vibration operation for hours of maintenance-free usage and market-leading performance.