Product

AquaNode Wave Data Buoy

Lightweight, low power, and low cost wave sensor data buoy.

AquaNode is a small scale, lightweight, low cost wave data buoy. A high sampling frequency enables accurate wave data measurements, whilst the option for cell and satellite communication ensures the transmission of data in any configuration, and in any location. AquaNode’s high density polyethylene hull, and hermetically machine sealed IP68 electronics pod provide a durable solution to capturing wave data in harsh conditions.

AquaNode is supplied as a complete system inclusive of buoy, electronics pod, mooring line, mooring hardware, and mooring block. The only variation between systems is the mooring line, which is dependent on water depth at the desired deployment location.

Wave data captured by AquaNode is transmitted by either local cell or satellite networks to AquaStat IoT, where multiple users can login to the web-based dashboard and view the wave data in real-time. Alerts, GPS geofences, and automated messaging can all be configured using the AquaStat IoT web platform, providing users with a versatile and low-cost solution to capturing and analysing wave data.

Applications

AquaNode is a small scale, lightweight, low cost wave data buoy. A high sampling frequency enables accurate wave data measurements, whilst the option for cell and satellite communication ensures the transmission of data in any configuration, and in any location. AquaNode’s high density polyethylene hull, and hermetically machine sealed IP68 electronics pod provide a durable solution to capturing wave data in harsh conditions.

AquaNode is supplied as a complete system inclusive of buoy, electronics pod, mooring line, mooring hardware, and mooring block. The only variation between systems is the mooring line, which is dependent on water depth at the desired deployment location.

Wave data captured by AquaNode is transmitted by either local cell or satellite networks to AquaStat IoT, where multiple users can login to the web-based dashboard and view the wave data in real-time. Alerts, GPS geofences, and automated messaging can all be configured using the AquaStat IoT web platform, providing users with a versatile and low-cost solution to capturing and analysing wave data.

Data Parameters

  • Wave height maximum (HMax)
  • Wave height average (TAvg)
  • Wave height significant (Hs)
  • Dominant wave direction (°)
  • Wave mean period (Tm)
  • Wave peak period (Tp)
  • Temperature (°C)
  • GPS position (DMS)

Data Precision

  • Maximum Period: 30.0s
  • Maximum Height: 25.4m
  • Period Resolution: 2dp
  • Height Resolution: 200mm
  • Direction Resolution: 3°
  • Temperature Resolution: 1°
  • GPS Accuracy: 3.0m

Technical Specification

  • Mass In Air: 31.1kG
  • Dimensions: 750mm Ø x 391mm

Requirements

  • Subscription to AQUASTAT IoT.
  • Cell contract (if using cell transmission).

Frequently Asked Questions

Transmission method

AquaNode wave data buoys can transmit wave data by either the Iridium satellite network, or by land based cell infrastructure. Each transmission method has it’s strengths and weaknesses. Please use the following details to determine the specification required.

Satellite Network

The iridium network consists of 76 active satellites in orbit, which provide a global coverage. It is recommended that Iridium transmission is used in deployment locations where cell signal is weak (-110dB) to marginal (-80dB), to ensure real-time data updates on current wave conditions are delivered. Aqua Power Technologies can confirm a success rate of 99.7% on first attempt transmissions using Iridium, and thanks to buffering and queuing techniques, a 100% transmission success rate of all messages on second attempt.

Satellite transmission of messages is more expensive than cell messages. So, it is recommended that satellite enabled AquaNode wave data buoys only transmit on an hourly basis. A typical transmission costs £0.15, and over a week the cost for transmissions is £25.20.

Cell Network

AquaNode wave data buoys operate on the 900Mhz – 1800Mhz frequencies, depending on which major network operator is used. Major network operators to consider include the following:

  • O2
  • EE
  • Vodafone
  • Network 3.

In addition, virtual mobile network operators that utilise the major networks infrastructure can also be used. The main difference between major and virtual operators is the speed of data download, which is not an issue due to the small data packets the AquaNode wave data buoy transmits. Consider the following virtual network operators:

  • Lebara
  • Giffgaff
  • VOXI
  • BT Mobile

Aqua Power Technologies can provide a network analyser, which can be used to determine the best network operator and the signal strength at the deployment location. Please contact sales@aquapowertech.com if this service is required.

Summary & Considerations

Iridium provides global coverage, compared to cell networks dependency on nearby infrastructure. However, Iridium messages are more expensive than messages transmitted using cell networks.

Battery Life

AquaNode wave data buoys use either alkaline or Lithium Thionyl Chloride batteries, due to their ability to retain charge over long periods of time in cold temperatures. Please use the following details to determine the specification required.

Alkaline

Alkaline batteries are a low cost solution to powering the AquaNode wave data buoy. A typical deployment duration using the most power intensive setup (Iridium transmission every hour) provides a minimum of four months operation, or 2,688 satellite transmissions. Conversely, a typical deployment duration using the least power intensive setup (datalogging every hour) provides a minimum of 13 months operation, or 9,409 data entries.

Lithium Thionyl Chloride

Lithium Thionyl Chloride batteries are upto 14 times more expensive than Alkaline, but provide a 25% uplift on battery lifespan. Lithium Thionyl Chloride batteries are typically used in military and aerospace industries where powered appliances are subjected to extreme conditions, such as sub zero temperatures.

Summary & Considerations

For most ocean temperatures which do not fall below 6°C alkaline batteries are adequately sufficient for powering the AquaNode wave data buoy. If Lithium Thionyl Chloride batteries are required, please contact sales@aquapowertech.com as there are restricted freight routes and courier options using Lithium Thionyl Chloride battery chemistry.

Maintenance & Servicing

All servicing and maintenance of the AquaNode wave data buoy system is carried out by Aqua Power Technologies. Do not attempt to service the unit as this will invalidate any warranty and potentially result in damage.

How To Service?

To service your AquaNode wave data buoy, please contact sales@aquapowertech.com. Once booked in, Aqua Power Technologies will turnaround a service of the AquaNode wave data buoy pod within 5 working days.

When To Service?

It is advisable that if a long deployment of the system is proposed that the system be serviced to ensure that the battery will provide power for the duration of the proposed deployment.

Accessing Data

AquaStat Internet of Things (IoT) is a web based platform, which displays data captured by remote devices, such as AquaNode. These connected devices transmit their data from anywhere in the world, via cell or satellite networks, to Aqua Power Technologies servers. Users can then log into their AquaStat IoT account from anywhere in the world and view the data received in real-time. Within Aquastat, data can be viewed as graphs and tables, whilst further manipulation of the data can be undertaken by downloading the dataset as a .csv and analysing the data in third party applications, such as Microsoft Excel.

Internal Logging

In addition to transmitting the wave data, all data is stored on an industrial grade micro SD within the AquaNode wave data buoy, which provides a guarantee of accessing all the data throughout the deployment duration at the time of servicing.

Configuration Options

  • Interval Duration: 10 Minutes / 15 Minutes / 20 Minutes / 30 Minutes / 60 Minutes
  • Backup: Industrial Micro SD
  • Positioning: Global Navigation Satellite System
  • Transmission: Cell (900Mhz / 1800Mhz) / Satellite (Iridium)
  • Depth of Deployment: Custom length of main line mooring assembly pre-prepared

Optional Extras

  • 2NM Carmanah M550 navigation light
  • Training & deployment assistance