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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