Wave Radars

A comparison of concepts and techniques

Radar Remote Sensing of ocean surface waves may in general be defined as measuring characteristics of the sea surface by means of electromagnetic waves so that the sea surface is itself not disturbed. The electro-magnetic waves transmitted by the radar antenna are scattered back from the sea surface, modulated in amplitude and phase or frequency by the interaction with the sea surface in motion. This modulation carries information about sea-surface characteristics, surface waves and currents. Oceanographic data is extracted from the backscatter signal by sophisticated signal processing and data analysis. Why remote sensing? Surface ocean waves may be measured by... (read more)

2008-01-01 01:00:00

TRIAXYS Wave Buoy Supports Wave Energy

A TRIAXYS Directional wave buoy was recently deployed in 50 metre waters off the west coast of Norway. This buoy will support a major EU renewable energy company in their wave energy site assessments, with the eventual goal to provide marine energy plants along various locations off Norway's coast. This buoy replaces a competitor's buoy and was chosen based on its ability to survive extreme weather conditions and high latitudes while using little power. The buoy uses VHF radio to send hourly data to an onshore receiving station. Users can also monitor the buoy's position and health online... (read more)

2009-03-30 03:57:55

Wave Buoys for PRIMaRE

The Peninsula Research Institute for Marine Renewable Energy (PRIMaRE) has ordered 8 Fugro Oceanor Seawatch Mini II buoys to form the core of an instrumentation network at the Wave Hub site off the South West of England. Wave Hub is a renewable energy project that aims to create the UK's first offshore facility for the demonstration and proving of arrays of wave energy generation devices (WECs). The Wave Hub facility will provide a well defined and monitored site with electrical connection to the onshore national grid. Four different proven commercial WEC manufacturers will each have a berth to connect... (read more)

2008-05-20 01:25:01

New Wave Analysis Software

Nortek AS have partnered with WaveForce Technologies to create a new comprehensive directional wave post-processing software toolbox called Wavector. Wavector is a set of modern ocean wave analysis tools in a convenient user-friendly software package for scientists, engineers, technicians and students. Based on the proven XWaves ocean wavefield analysis technology, Wavector provides a cost-effective solution for most common wave data analysis and visualisation requirements. A completely GUI-driven stand-alone application, is it useful for processing wave data collected with the Nortek AWAC, Aquadopp Profiler and Vector Velocimeter. It may also be used to process data from other sources, such... (read more)

2009-11-06 10:00:02

Wave Sensor for Echosounders

Innovation4C has presented Wavemapper, a heave sensor designed for single beam echosounders based on technology pioneered in space. Two years of development resulted in this sensor with space based algorithms. Wavemapper's MEMS technology offers a cost-effective miniaturised sensor platfom that has been succesfully tested on various vessels and under various port, harbour and coastal conditions.A dry unit or a wet version are available. The wavemapper product line requires no calibration, is according to the supplier small and portable, and claims to be cost-effective. (read more)

2006-09-21 12:00:00

Scottish Wave Buoys

New wave buoys, which will monitor wave activity around Scotland's coastline, were deployed this week on the east coast of Scotland. The project, which is part-funded by the Scottish Government, is part of the ongoing UK-wide development of the Storm Tide Forecasting Service (STFS) to extend the existing UK WaveNet network of buoys into Scottish waters. The type of wave buoys being deployed are ‘Directional Wave Riders' which measure wave height, period and direction, along with sea temperature. The information is transmitted via satellites direct to CEFAS (Centre of Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science) who manage WaveNet and takes... (read more)

2008-08-21 04:04:43

Wave Energy Converter Tested

The UK's dependence on energy from non-renewable sources is being challenged by a new wave energy converter called Anaconda that mimics the action of a sea snake. Now in final proof of concept testing at QinetiQ's facilities, Anaconda is producing energy data at an estimated cost that is excitingly low and as such may offer a serious and cost effective alternative in the delivery of future clean energy supplies. The Anacondas - up to 200 metres long and made almost entirely of rubber - could each be capable of generating 1 MW of power; typical farms of 50 could... (read more)

2009-05-29 10:23:18

Wave Monitoring off Bermuda

Carnegie Wave Energy(Australia) and its Bermuda-based developer Triton Renewable Energy have successfully deployed and commissioned a wave monitoring buoy off the south shore of Bermuda. This buoy is to gather data to quantify the wave energy resource in support of a potential CETO wave energy project in Bermuda. Such a project will be capable of producing electricity as well as desalinated water from an untapped and abundant renewable energy resource. The wave buoy will be moored for a minimum period of twelve months. The wave data collected will be shared with the Bermudian public, through the partnership with... (read more)

2011-04-08 02:25:52

Wave Energy Claim

Sonoma County seeks to use waves in coastal zones to develop wave energy power. A stretch of 41*12 miles has been assigned for this project. During the first three years, the zone will be running technology tests, the holder of a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission permit then may apply for commercial operation. Sonoma Country is stepping into this technology before private companies are claiming the prime stretch of the coast for their purposes. It will be the seventh pending wave-energy application on the Californian coastline, but none of them has been granted. Oregon saw four permits granted. The... (read more)

2007-11-14 09:55:20

Wave Measuring Advances

New initiatives from Dutch wave-buoy manufacturer Datawell bv include a novel, alternative power facility for the Datawell range of Waverider buoys. By combining solar panels with new ‘Boostcap’ capacitors and primary cells the company can now offer an all-environment, hybrid, long-lasting power solution for remotely deployed buoys. The second feature is a new software programme, ‘SeaSaw21’, which provides operational users such as port authorities or dredging companies with real-time, reactive digital displays of wave parameters, coupled with trend viewing and buoy-location monitoring. Also new is a solid-state wave-motion sensor, ‘MOSE’, ideal for integration with navigation buoys and similar third-party platforms. (read more)

2005-06-23 12:00:00