Abstract: The method of constructing a hull for ocean profiling or gliding vehicles which reduce the energy required to make vertical excursions. Composite materials are used in constructing the hull, specifically a fiber reinforced matrix, wherein the choice of the fiber material and orientation allows a balance of strength and elastic properties optimized for oceanic profilers and gliders thereby allowing operations with minimum energy expenditure.

Abstract: A compensator added to the hydraulic circuit of an ocean profiler. The compensator stores energy by compression of gas during descent and expansion of the gas during ascent, thereby reducing the work required of the active buoyancy mechanism. The pressure from the external liquid medium in which the vehicle is submerged provides the energy, a portion of which is stored within the compensator.

Abstract: A compressed gas buoyancy generator powered by temperature differences in a fluid medium having a thermal gradient which includes a body having an inflatable chamber connected thereto for rendering the body buoyant at a surface of the fluid medium and a mechanism for inflating the inflatable chamber with a gas, the inflating mechanism including a mechanism for inflating the inflatable chamber with the gas by obtaining energy from the thermal gradient within the fluid medium. The inflating mechanism includes a mechanism for absorbing heat at a surface portion of the fluid medium and for converting the absorbed heat at a predetermined depth of the fluid medium into a mechanical work for inflating the inflatable chamber when the body is at the surface of the fluid medium.

Abstract: Energy is collected from temperature differentials in a volume of fluid and the energy is used for autonomous propulsion in the fluid.