Near shore spar buoy communication platform

摘要

The Near Shore Spar Buoy Communication Platform is a semi-stable platform for data collection and retrieval for distances up to and over several miles offshore. It is an ocean-going computer housed in a modified spar buoy which is connected to a shore computer via a wireless Ethernet LAN. The Ethernet LAN is provided through use of wireless link technology capable of 2 to 11 megabits of bi-directional throughput and is expandable to higher data rates in the future. The platform behaves much like a spar buoy, which is essentially decoupled from waves and has a very small roll motion. An anti-heave appendage allows for the decrease of the heave motion normally associated with traditional spar buoys. The platform has a airfoil-like design which allows it to align itself with the current thus decreasing the overall yaw motion commonly associated with buoy communication platforms. This unique design allows the use of a single axis positioner rather than the three axis positioner used on present discus style communication buoys. This positioner allows for constant communication between the buoy and the shore station. Also, the platform's sectioned design allows it to be deployed from small water craft in various water depths. Multiple Near Shore Spar Buoy Communication Platforms can be deployed over a region and networked together in the same Ethernet LAN.