Underwater monitoring system for oil exploration using acoustic sensor networks

Abstract

This paper proposes an underwater monitoring system built with sensors distributed over a subsea infrastructure, which is responsible for operation and transportation of oil production. We consider the use of currently available equipment. Data is transmitted by underwater acoustic modems installed on the sensors, platforms and vessels used for logistic support of the oil exploration. These vessels are used to collect data and provide references for positioning the sensors. However, the vessels may not be within the sensor range at all times, requiring the use of Delay/Disruption Tolerant Network. This work performs an analysis of the behavior of the monitoring system, investigating the features that influence the underwater sensor network, using the Opportunistic Network Environment simulator. In this case, the displacement of logistic-support vessels on the maritime routes is very important, therefore we consider real-world scenarios based on the Brazilian offshore oil exploration area.