The industry standard for Wave measurements is to use a buoy moored freely in the ocean transmitting data to shore or a nearby platform. This method has operational limitations that, in many cases, require other solutions.
Several other solutions based on down-looking radars or lasers exist for offshore use and work reliably, depending upon location. Also, systems based on using horizontally looking radars, even standard X-band ship radars, have been used, as well as up-looking ADCPs and pressure sensors.
Wave Buoy sensors
WISE Group can recommend several types of Wave Buoys with complete mooring systems designed for specific water depths. Additional parameters, such as Sea Temperature and others, can be added upon request and tracking devices to avoid loss of buoy.
Onboard Wave sensors – radar sensors
Wave measurements using a down-looking narrow beam radar is a well-proven method offshore and will usually give excellent results providing that an installation site with an unobstructed view of the waves can be found. Radar sensors with installation frames are available to measure Wave Height and Period.
Onboard Wave sensor – ADCP sensors
ADCP Sensors with Wave measurements can be deployed over the side of the vessel/rig by a winch and davit arrangement or deployed using a guideline frame arrangement.
These systems will measure Wave Height, Period and Direction, and Surface Current Speed and Direction.
Onboard Wave sensor – Horizontal radars
Wave measurements can also be done by extracting the wave data from horizontal radars installed onboard the vessel, even by extracting data from a standard X-band ship radar. These systems will typically measure Wave Height, Period and Direction and possibly Surface Current Speed and Direction. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for details.