AquaBuoy
Contributors: Hendrik Hagala (Primary Research), Last Updated: March 17, 2021
AquaBuoy: Smart Buoy Project
Problem: The world's coral reefs are dying. The ocean's ecosystems are in decline. We need to understand the problem and have it backed up with real data so that we can find solutions.
Solution: We would like to build an inexpensive, multi-purpose, remote monitoring buoy which can be reproduced globally so we can get real data to understand the problem and work towards real solutions. The buoy should consist of multiple sensors which can continuously collect scientific research data and transmit it to a central station for analysis. Here is a similar project built by some students (https://www.instructables.com/id/Smart-Buoy/). A typical line of sight radio transmission is 3 miles (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Line-of-sight_propagation) unless there is a raised antenna.
Potential Collaborators or Similar Work or Youtube videos and other references:
DARPA https://vimeo.com/389269188, https://oceanofthings.darpa.mil/index#Floats
Timeframe: (???)
Size Constraints: (maybe in pounds???)
Target Build Cost: Under $500
Prize: Get credited as a Project Contributor for the Ocean Builders Project, <insert text>
Repository: https://github.com/oceanbuilders
License Requirement:
Open Source: Can be used for private or commercial projects
Software: GNU General Public License (GNU GPL V3) here
Non-Software: Creative Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) here
Project Areas
- 3D Renderings
- CAD Design
- IoT Development (sensors, arduino’s and raspberry pi’s)
- Software Development (python)
Stages
1
2
3
|
Points |
Required |
Feature |
|
100 |
Yes |
Does it float? |
|
300 |
Does it float in waves over 1m? |
|
|
200 |
Yes |
Is the body more than 80% 3D printed, laser cut, or made from repurposed recycled object(s) that are easy and cheap to acquire? |
|
150 |
Yes |
Is it waterproof? |
|
100/week |
How long will the power run for? Ideally it can run continuously on solar power (maximum 700 points) |
|
|
150 |
Yes |
Can it collect GPS location data? |
|
100 |
Can it detect wave height data? |
|
|
100 |
Can it detect wave direction? |
|
|
100 |
Can it detect wave period (the time in between maximum wave heights? |
|
|
50 |
Can it detect turbidity? |
|
|
300 |
Can it transmit data to an external/remote station periodically or continuously? |
|
|
1/GB |
Data Storage |
|
|
50 |
Can it detect water temperature? |
|
|
50 |
Can it collect motion data? |
|
|
50 |
Can it detect wind speed? |
|
|
50 |
Can it detect wind direction? |
|
|
200 |
Is it solar powered? |
|
|
50 |
Can it collect salinity data? |
|
|
100 |
Can it detect pH? |
|
|
200 |
Can it capture 360 degree images on camera 0.5 to 1m above the water? |
|
|
500 |
Can it detect sensor data at various depths below the water? |
Resources:
Low Res: https://www.dropbox.com/s/e5b6xdn56r4bhhx/Aqua%20Buoy_low.jpg?dl=0
Med Res: https://www.dropbox.com/s/qm6oefplz7339pi/AquaBuoy.jpg?dl=0
Draft Outline: https://www.dropbox.com/s/g2tc4ahy8gmc9kt/AquaBuoy.docx?dl=0