Some recent developments in wave buoy measurement technology

• Published in: Coastal engineering (Amsterdam) 1999-08, Vol.37 (3), p.309-329
• Main Authors: Krogstad, Harald E., Barstow, Stephen F., Aasen, Svein Erik, Rodriguez, Ignacio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: GPS; Marine; Motion Reference Unit; Seawatch; Smart-800; Wave buoys; Wave direction
• ISSN: 0378-3839; 1872-7379
• DOI: 10.1016/S0378-3839(99)00031-9

Two new wave sensors, the Motion Reference Unit (MRU) and the differential Global Positioning System (GPS) technology used in the new Smart-800 buoy are described and the results of a series of sea trials and intercomparisons with conventional wave measuring buoys using Datawell sensors are given. The results have shown that the directional spectra derived from the MRU are practically indistinguishable from the Datawell Heave/Pitch/Roll (Hippy) sensor. The Smart-800 directional wave data are also shown to be of good quality. Both sensors have no moving parts and are, therefore, more robust than the conventional accelerometer based wave sensors which have dominated the market for the last 30 years. In addition, of importance in particular to coastal applications and transportation in the high latitudes, neither sensor is sensitive to extremes of temperature. Both sensors have also low mass making for lighter buoys, easier deployment and transportation.