Projects : Liquid Robotics: Wave Gliders

IntroductionSensorsMissionsLiquid Robotics

Introduction

Wave Glider

Photo: Liquid Robotics, Inc.

Wave Gliders® are able to travel long distances (2,500+ miles), hold station, and monitor vast areas without ever needing to refuel by continuously harvesting wave energy from the environment. Engineered by Liquid Robotics, Inc., their unique two-part architecture and wing system directly converts wave motion into thrust while solar panels provide electricity for sensor payloads. This means that Wave Gliders can travel to a distant area, collect data, and return for maintenance without ever requiring a ship to leave port.

The Wave Glider is a configurable platform designed to support a wide variety of sensor payloads. Data are transmitted to shore via satellite, and the continuous surface presence means that data can be delivered as they are collected.

Sensors On Board

Wave Glider Subsea

Photo: Liquid Robotics, Inc.

The following sensors are available for installation on the Wave Glider. The sampling interval for all sensors is 30 minutes.

  • Seabird GPCTD with Dissolved Oxygen Sensor: measures water conductivity, temperature, depth, and dissolved oxygen just below the float of the Wave Glider.
  • Datawell MOSE-G Directional Wave Sensor: measures significant wave height, average period, peak period, and peak direction.
  • Airmar PB200 WeatherStation: measures air temperature, barometric pressure, wind speed, wind gust speed, and wind direction one meter above the deck of the Wave Glider.
  • Turner Designs C3 Submersible Fluorometer: measures chlorophyll-a and crude oil fluorescence, as well as turbidity and water temperature just below the float of the Wave Glider.

Wave Glider Missions

Aʻa

This mission started off of the leeward, or western, coast of Hawaiʻi Island (Big Island), Hawaiʻi on October 23, 2013. The glider recorded wave height, wave direction, and wave period every half hour as it made its way to the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. It reached the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) moored buoy 51101 on November 7, 2013 where it measured nearby wave heights as high as 21 feet (6.5 meters). This buoy is located 190 nautical miles northwest of Kauaʻi. Once the Wave Glider reached this buoy, it began retracing its path and returned to Big Island on December 6, 2013.

Travel time for Aʻa Wave Glider mission Significant wave height for Aʻa Wave Glider mission Peak wave from direction for Aʻa Wave Glider mission Peak wave period for Aʻa Wave Glider mission

Click on the previews above to see enlarged images of the Aʻa Wave Glider data.

Aʻa2

This mission started off of the leeward coast of Hawaiʻi Island on July 16, 2014. The glider recorded wave height, wave direction, and wave period every half hour as it made its way to the windward, or eastern, coast of the island. It traveled towards Hilo many times and recorded wave heights as high as 23 feet (7 meters) while it encountered Hurricane Iselle on August 7, 2014. The mission ended when the glider returned to Kawaihae Harbor on September 19, 2014.

Travel time for Aʻa2 Wave Glider mission Significant wave height for Aʻa2 Wave Glider mission Peak wave from direction for Aʻa2 Wave Glider mission Peak wave period for Aʻa2 Wave Glider mission

Click on the previews above to see enlarged images of the Aʻa2 Wave Glider data.

NC2

This mission started off of the leeward coast of Hawaiʻi Island on September 12, 2014. Its time frame corresponded with Tropical Cyclone Ana as it passed over Hawaiʻi on October 17-20, 2014, during which time the glider continued to collect wave height measurements, reaching as high as 10 feet (3 meters). The mission remained off the leeward coast for its entire duration and returned to shore on November 21, 2014.

Travel time for NC2 Wave Glider mission Significant wave height for NC2 Wave Glider mission Peak wave from direction for NC2 Wave Glider mission Peak wave period for NC2 Wave Glider mission

Click on the previews above to see enlarged images of the NC2 Wave Glider data.

About Liquid Robotics

Liquid Robotics logo

Liquid Robotics, Inc. is an active member of the PacIOOS Governing Council Executive Committee. Beginning with an interest in recording whale songs in 2003, Liquid Robotics has expanded its passion for transforming ocean observation techniques through a network of wave-powered ocean robots. These instruments, including the Wave Glider®, solve critical problems for decision makers while making data collection and monitoring easier, safer, and more cost-effective.

To learn more about Liquid Robotics and its Wave Gliders, please visit the Liquid Robotics website. All information and instrument images provided by Liquid Robotics.