Devices, systems and methods for real-time wave monitoring are described. One example system for real-time monitoring of wave conditions includes a plurality of buoys, wherein each of the plurality of buoys comprises a sensor array configured to continuously monitor one or more characteristics of the wave conditions, a transceiver configured to transmit, to a remote server, information corresponding to the one or more characteristics of the wave conditions over a wireless communication channel, and a tether that physically couples the buoy to an anchor, wherein the information from each of the plurality of buoys is combined with a user preference to provide a user with a message regarding the wave conditions in response to a user request, and wherein a duration between the user request and transmission of the information from each of the plurality of buoys is less than a predetermined value.

Devices, systems and methods for real-time wave monitoring are described. One example method for real-time monitoring of wave conditions includes receiving, from a buoy over a first wireless communication channel, information based on continuously monitoring one or more characteristics of the wave conditions, receiving, from a user device over a second wireless communication channel, user preferences, and transmitting, to the user device over the second wireless communication channel, a message based on the information and the user preferences in response to a user request. Another example method includes transmitting, to a remote server, user preferences and a user request, and receiving, from the remote server and in response to the user request, a message based on the user preferences and information corresponding to the wave conditions. In these methods, the time duration between communication of the user request and the information acquisition may be less than a predetermined value.

The present invention relates to a tether for connecting a moving device submerged in liquid to a support structure, e.g. a submersible power plant comprising a stream-driven vehicle provided with at least one turbine for generation of electrical energy. The tether extends in a main direction, and at least a tether portion of the tether comprises a tensile force bearing portion extending in the main direction of the tether, wherein the tether portion is arranged to strive to self-align in relation to a relative flow direction of the liquid during use.

The invention relates to a device (60), such as a chain stopper, for connecting a chain 320 or at least one portion of a chain (320) to a structure (55), such as an offshore structure or vessel. The device comprising a first portion (70) pivotably or rotatably connected or connectable to a structure (55) so as to provide movement of the first portion (70) relative to a structure (55) about or around a first axis (310) of the first portion (70). The first portion comprises a chain or line guiding means (75) arranged for rotational movement about or around the first axis (310) of the first portion (70). In some examples, the device (70) may comprise a second portion (80) pivotably or rotatably connected or connectable to the first portion (70) so as to provide movement of the second portion (80) relative to the first portion (70) about or around a second axis (315) of the second portion. In some examples, the device may comprise at least one means for engaging (85) a chain 320, the engaging means (85) being connected, such as pivotably or rotatably connected, to the second portion.

Offshore airborne wind turbine systems with an aerial vehicle connected via a tether to an adjustably buoyant body are disclosed. The tether may be coupled to an underwater mooring through which it may move, or it may be coupled to a floating platform through which it may move. The buoyancy of the buoyant body may be adjusted to change the tension in the tether or for other purposes. Methods related to changing the buoyancy are also disclosed.

Systems for real-time wave monitoring, which provide real-time updates of wave conditions to users who wish to access the beach for leisure or sporting activities, are described. One example system includes a plurality of buoys and a transceiver. Each of the plurality of buoys includes a sensor array configured to continuously monitor one or more characteristics of the wave conditions, and the transceiver is configured to transmit, to a remote server, information corresponding to the one or more characteristics of the wave conditions over a wireless communication channel. The information from each of the plurality of buoys is combined with a user preference to provide a user with a message regarding the wave conditions in response to a user request, and a duration between the user request and transmission of the information from each of the plurality of buoys is less than a predetermined value.

The present embodiments relate to launch and recovery management systems with a pass through tether for an offshore object. The embodiments turn a free flying remotely operated vehicle system into a tether management controlled system by separately supporting the tether management system frame with an independent load line so the tether or umbilical only passes through the frame going direct to a remotely operated vehicle. A traction system coupled with a constant tension system on the tether management system topside maintains the tether or umbilical directly below the launch and recovery system down to the desired working depth thereby avoiding any slack or impacts of current forces.

A water current power generation system is provided, including at least one or more submerged flotation chambers; one or more submerged induction type power generation units disposed in communication with the one or more submerged flotation chambers; one or more impellers disposed in communication with the one or more submerged induction type power generation units; one or more body frame members disposed in communication with the one or more submerged induction type power generation units; and one or more impeller rotation means disposed in communication with the one or more body frame members. A variety of additional structures useful together, individually or in various combinations with the disclosed system, are also disclosed. Methods of transporting and maintaining the system, or individual components and subsystems thereof, are also disclosed.

The invention relates to a device (60), such as a chain stopper, for connecting a chain 320 or at least one portion of a chain (320) to a structure (55), such as an offshore structure or vessel. The device comprising a first portion (70) pivotably or rotatably connected or connectable to a structure (55) so as to provide movement of the first portion (70) relative to a structure (55) about or around a first axis (310) of the first portion (70). The first portion comprises a chain or line guiding means (75) arranged for rotational movement about or around the first axis (310) of the first portion (70). In some examples, the device (70) may comprise a second portion (80) pivotably or rotatably connected or connectable to the first portion (70) so as to provide movement of the second portion (80) relative to the first portion (70) about or around a second axis (315) of the second portion. In some examples, the device may comprise at least one means for engaging (85) a chain 320, the engaging means (85) being connected, such as pivotably or rotatably connected, to the second portion.

A subsea structure monitoring system can include a base device configured to be secured to a subsea structure. The subsea structure monitoring system can also include a release mechanism disposed within the base device, where the release mechanism has a default state and a released state. The subsea structure monitoring system can further include a buoy detachably coupled to the release mechanism, where the buoy includes a housing that houses a communication module and a switch. The subsea structure monitoring system can also include a trigger that is configured to convert the release mechanism from the default state to the released state. The release mechanism can be converted from the default state to the released state when the trigger exerts a minimum force on the release mechanism.