This project is in preliminary phase with objective description as follows: A 60 w ultrasonic transducer (28 kHz or 40kHz) mounted on the interior hull driven by a generator capable of frequency sweep of 18kHz to 65kHz with multipeak resonance control. The purpose is to stunt algae and barnacle growth on the exterior hull. I am considering using Peter Walsh's Haber process project and its ultrasonic generator as a starting point with modifications...his approach appears sound and well developed. Further development will increase number of transducers to 2, 3, and 4. I would appreciate correspondence with folks interested/experienced in similar ultrasonic application and in prototype PCB production.
Since the least expensive system i I could find was us$500, i've been looking at DIYing a simple system using components from ultrasonic cleaning systems.
A survey of retail ultrasonic antifouling systems indicates that they utilize frequencies between 25 and 60 kHz, and that they deliver a pulse every minute or so, rather than running constantly as do US cleaners. Some of the nicer ones deliver pulses at different frequencies, claiming that each frequency targets a specific organism.
I figure operating the switch with a simple microcontroller could effectively deliver pulses. Haven't found inexpensive driver boards that support multiple frequencies. Pulsing also might sidestep the considerable cooling needs most of these boards require.
Waterproofing for a marine environment is always a tricky challenge.
Since the least expensive system i I could find was us$500, i've been looking at DIYing a simple system using components from ultrasonic cleaning systems.
A survey of retail ultrasonic antifouling systems indicates that they utilize frequencies between 25 and 60 kHz, and that they deliver a pulse every minute or so, rather than running constantly as do US cleaners. Some of the nicer ones deliver pulses at different frequencies, claiming that each frequency targets a specific organism.
I figure operating the switch with a simple microcontroller could effectively deliver pulses. Haven't found inexpensive driver boards that support multiple frequencies. Pulsing also might sidestep the considerable cooling needs most of these boards require.
Waterproofing for a marine environment is always a tricky challenge.