Floating vertical wind profile sensor or LiDAR device (1) comprising a vertical wind profile sensor sensor (8) for sensing a vertical wind profile, a self-propulsion system (24) for propelling the device through a body of water, and a deployable special mark (10), actuatable to switch between a deployed state for identifying the device as a special marker buoy and an undeployed state for identifying the device as a vessel. A controller (22) is provided for switching the device (1) from a vessel mode to a buoy mode when the vessel is anchored. The controller (22) switches the special mark (10) to the deployed state when the device (1) is in the buoy mode. The method involves the floating LiDAR device (1) navigating to a target location and the buoy mode being activated while vertical wind profile data are collected.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a self-contained ocean data and acquisition module (SCODAM) configured to mount to a floating body and having a sensor array, geospatial locating engine, wave measurement engine, communication engine to transmit collected data to a remote device, an energy conversion module adapted to convert ambient energy inputs into electrical energy, and an energy storage module configured to receive the converted electrical energy and to supply operating power to the SCODAM. In an illustrative example, the SCODAM may be configured to generate a transfer function based on motion characterization data obtained in a training mode corresponding to motion of the floating body in response to perturbation in a predetermined sequence and to apply the transfer function data obtained by the wave measurement engine to determine wave motion. Various embodiments may advantageously facilitate use of an existing floating body as an ocean data acquisition system (ODAS).

A self-deployable apparatus for facilitating collecting data from multiple depths of water bodies. Further, the self deployable apparatus comprises a main body, substances, a sensor, a storage device, and a power source. Further, the substances in amounts are to be disposed in a second interior space of the main body for sinking the self-deployable apparatus to a depth of water body. Further, the amounts of the substances undergo a thermochemical reaction at a temperature for producing a gaseous substance. Further, a check valve of the main body expels a portion of the gaseous substance from the second interior space for rising the self-deployable apparatus to a surface of the water body. Further, the sensor generates sensor data based on detecting a parameter of a water sample. Further, the storage device stores the sensor data. Further, the power source powers the sensor and the storage device.

A sensor platform is provided with a rigid hull having a planar shape having a bow, stern, a port and a starboard side. The platform includes an inflatable perimeter tube having sides extending along a perimeter of the hull. A tow connection is at the bow and rigid control surfaces are at the stern. A planar sensor array is disposed within the platform. The planar sensor array includes inflatable sensor panels attached to the port and a starboard side of the perimeter tube. Each of the inflatable sensor panels has a plurality of sensors embedded with electrical conductors for power and data transfer. A manifold disposed within the platform operationally connects to the inflatable perimeter tube and the inflatable sensor panels. An electrical controller disposed within the platform connects to the sensors and the manifold.

A benthic lander can include a frame structure that comprises a plurality of frames, wherein each frame is formed with a central aperture, and a first plurality of coupling structures coupling adjacent frames of the plurality of frames. The benthic lander can also include at least one pressure vessel formed with an interior cavity comprising electronics disposed within the interior cavity. Each pressure vessel can be disposed within the central aperture of at least one frame of the plurality of frames such that the at least one frame holds the pressure vessel in place. A weight structure can be disposed underneath the frame structure, wherein the weight structure is removably coupled to the frame structure.

A technique provides a modular sensing device having multiple separable modules attached end to end. The modules are selectable based on mission requirements, with different modules and combinations thereof selected for different mission types and/or requirements.

Disclosed is a novel type of computing apparatus which is integrated within a buoy that obtains the energy required to power its computing operations from waves that travel across the surface of the body of water on which the buoy floats. Additionally, these self-powered computing buoys utilize their close proximity to a body of water in order to significantly lower the cost and complexity of cooling their computing circuits. Computing tasks of an arbitrary nature are supported, as is the incorporation and/or utilization of computing circuits specialized for the execution of specific types of computing tasks. And, each buoy's receipt of a computational task, and its return of a computational result, may be accomplished through the transmission of data across satellite links, fiber optic cables, LAN cables, radio, modulated light, microwaves, and/or any other channel, link, connection, and/or network.

The location of lost or entangled fishing gear, known as derelict gear, is detected. The motion or change of position of a buoy attached to fishing gear is determined via sensors mounted on the buoy and compared to typical buoy motion. If the buoy has moved beyond a threshold value from its original location, an alert is sent to the fisherman. The available sensor data will be used to determine the likelihood of loss or entanglement. This alert facilitates recovery of lost or entangled gear by identifying where immediate retrieval efforts should be focused. The number of traps lost to the ocean that otherwise would continue to trap or entangle marine life may be reduced.

Disclosed is a novel type of computing apparatus which is integrated within a buoy that obtains the energy required to power its computing operations from winds that travel across the surface of the body of water on which the buoy floats. Additionally, these self-powered computing buoys utilize their close proximity to a body of water in order to significantly lower the cost and complexity of cooling their computing circuits. Computing tasks of an arbitrary nature are supported, as is the incorporation and/or utilization of computing circuits specialized for the execution of specific types of computing tasks. And, each buoy's receipt of a computational task, and its return of a computational result, may be accomplished through the transmission of data across satellite links, fiber optic cables, LAN cables, radio, modulated light, microwaves, and/or any other channel, link, connection, and/or network.

A submergible wave energy converter and method for using the same are described. In one embodiment, the wave energy converter may be used for deep water operations. In one embodiment, the submergible wave energy converter is an autonomous unmanned vehicle that enables remote ocean power generation. In one embodiment, the wave energy converter apparatus comprises an absorber having a body with an upper surface and a bottom surface and at least one power take-off (PTO) unit coupled to the absorber and configured to displace movement of the absorber body relative to a reference, where the power take-off unit is operable to perform motion energy conversion based on displacement of the absorber body relative to the reference in response to wave excitation, and where the power take-off unit is operable to return the absorber body from a displaced position to a predefined equilibrium position and to provide a force acting on the absorber body for energy extraction.