Wireless Surface Interface for Subsea Instrumentation
Abstract
The buoy controller platform enables data acquisition from the connectable acoustic receiver, in addition to the other implemented log devices and connectable instruments. This allows the buoy platform to provide functionality beyond a specific application, thus enabling a wider range of use. The basic operation of the buoy controller platform consists of collecting datafrom its environment and instruments, and utilizing the data logging functionality for storing the data. In cases where several buoy controllers are deployed, they make use of the network capabilities of the radio module to enable a cooperative network. Through the network, each buoy controller will provide its data logs, which is collected by the buoy controller gateway. When equipping the gateway buoy controller with a separate communication module, remote access to the system is enabled, thus allowing data log download from the entirety of buoy controllers.The design provides power-friendly solutions, such as the possibility to control the power to all connected devices and instruments, and to define intervals for when to power them on, or off. The design also makes use of many of the integrated power saving features of the microcontroller.A great deal of functionality have been included in the design of the buoy controller platform. Most mentionable may be the time synchronization and positioning abilities using the on-board GPS module, network communication provided by the radio module, data logging capabilities by use of a SD-card, and remote connectivity through the implemented communication interface. In addition, a separate harvester module provides power consumption measurements and the ability to connect a solar panel for operation over longer periods of time.