The Critical Technology Of Wave Powered Vertical Profiler For Long Term Multipurpose Observations In Ocean

It is certain useful to obtain multi parameter profiler (such as CTD, current and so on) for a long term in ocean research and Engineering application. The normal way to do it is to bring sensors to move up and down along the certain depth scope underwater on the operation platform. Such as shipboard profiling and sample collection, Stringed mooring array of self-recording instruments, cabled sensor arrays by winch and so on. It is high costly for continuous observations at the regular sites using research vessels and power supply is also effectively limited in traditional mooring buoy stations. It would be an ideal project to design a platform which could be powered by wave to carry various sensors going up and down to execute profilering observation.A vertical profiler that transforms wave energy from ocean surface to drive observation platform down has been developed. It consists of mooring parts, sensors platform, data logger and electronic controller. This system uses a ratchet system controlled by an onboard microprocessor to harness natural energy of wave and transfer it into motion. This ratchet system can be set to glide freely or engaged to set the profiler in down way motion along the mooring line. Once at the bottom or a position programmed, and waiting for a pre-programmed length of time, the ratchet is released allowing the instrument to float along the mooring wire towards the surface. Onboard microcomputer logs sensor data in memory. It can be activated in very calm conditions (as little as 20 cm at 2 second period) and keep operation more than 90 days. Some critical technologies of the system are given in the paper, including system design, wave energy utilizing and transfer, sensor loading and so on. Additional results about the parts and whole system are shown and analyzed. Also, the dissertation gives a summarization of the design and potential application in the future.