In the vast ocean, waves are more than just surface fluctuations; they contain a wealth of energy information. Accurately capturing this data is crucial for modern ocean observation. Our Clever Buoy is a high-precision intelligent observation device designed precisely for this purpose. It enables comprehensive monitoring of wave characteristics, from wave height, period, and direction to energy and directional spectra, providing reliable data support for scientific research and engineering.
The core of Clever Buoy lies in its strapdown inertial navigation system, based on a nine-axis MEMS inertial measurement unit. By integrating a three-axis accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer, the buoy accurately records the displacement, velocity, and attitude of the sea surface in three dimensions, thereby deriving the complete wave motion process. Combined with our proprietary ocean dynamics algorithm, Clever Buoy effectively eliminates cumulative errors in integral calculations, significantly improving the accuracy of key parameters such as wave height and period.
In terms of wave height monitoring, Clever Buoy can fully measure the average wave height, one-third wave height, one-tenth wave height, and maximum wave height in real time, with a measurement range of 0–25 meters and an error of less than ±3%. This not only provides an overview of the overall wave energy level but also identifies extreme surge events, providing early warning for port operations, offshore wind power, and shipping safety. In terms of period monitoring, it can accurately identify period variations from 1–25 seconds with an error of less than ±0.2 seconds, distinguishing the propagation characteristics of different wave systems.
More notably, Clever Buoy is not limited to measuring single wave height or period. It also outputs a complete wave energy spectrum and directional spectrum, revealing the distribution of wave energy at different frequencies and directions. The energy spectrum covers the range of 0.04–1.0 Hz, and the directional measurement range extends from 0–360°. This high-resolution combined frequency-directional analysis enables the buoy to not only identify areas of concentrated energy but also to monitor wind waves and swells separately. This is particularly critical in complex sea conditions characterized by the superposition of multiple wave systems, providing more insightful energy structure information for scientific research and marine engineering.
In addition, the Clever Buoy's stable performance enables continuous observation. It utilizes a low-power STM32 microprocessor and an intelligent energy management system, along with highly effective corrosion-resistant materials and an optimized fluid dynamics design, enabling it to remain afloat for extended periods at sea and stably transmit real-time data. Even in strong winds, heavy rain, or in open ocean conditions, the system maintains high-precision operation and rapidly transmits wave parameters and energy spectrum information to the cloud via satellite communications, enabling global remote monitoring.
From the undulating wave heights of the sea surface to the energy spectrum, from subtle changes in wave direction to the overall pattern of energy propagation, the Clever Buoy can visualize it all. It's more than just an observation tool; it's an intelligent node connecting science and the ocean!