In a recent experiment conducted at the lake beside the Antwerp Maritime Academy, we developed and deployed a low-cost buoy designed to monitor wave patterns and its own motion in the water. The buoy, constructed from a simple plastic tube, is powered by a lead battery and features a Redshift RSX-UM7 accelerometer connected to an Arduino microcontroller. Measurements were taken at a frequency of approximately five measurements per second. The electronic components were securely mounted on a support glued to the lid inside the tube, ensuring stability even in challenging water conditions.
We also deployed a model ship, approximately 1 meter in length—similar in length to the buoy—which contained a comparable motion monitoring system. Both systems allowed us to compare the motion and wave interaction between the two objects. The goal was to explore the potential for using the ship’s motion to assess the surrounding wave activity. Before starting the main experiment, we conducted several calibration tests with the sensors to understand and compensate for any differences in the systems.
During the experiments, we observed that the buoy’s position was affected in a limited way by wind and waves, maintaining relative stability. In contrast, the model ship behaved differently: it rotated until the wind was behind it, after which it was pushed and moved by the wind. These observations revealed that, despite their similar lengths, the motion dynamics of the ship and the buoy were substantially different. This highlighted the distinct ways in which vertically positioned and horizontally positioned objects interact with wind and wave forces.
This experiment demonstrated the potential of low-cost monitoring systems for maritime research, offering valuable insights into wave activity and the behaviour of floating structures in water.
Author: Olivier Schalm
