Design and Analysis of the Wave Activated Sensor Power Buoy – A Novel Wave Measuring Device

Walsh, Brendan and Kelly, Thomas (2026) Design and Analysis of the Wave Activated Sensor Power Buoy – A Novel Wave Measuring Device. Doctoral thesis, Dundalk Institute of Technology.

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Abstract

The research followed a multi-stage experimental methodology, encompassing scaled laboratory testing (1:20 and 1:2.4 scale models) and full-scale field deployment. Each stage was designed to investigate the hydrodynamic behaviour of the WASP and to establish a transfer function capable of converting internal chamber pressure fluctuations into equivalent surface elevation spectra. Scaled testing confirmed the frequency-dependent nature of the system, with dominant resonance occurring within the 0.3–0.6 Hz range. These insights informed the derivation of a full-scale transfer function subsequently validated using data from a four-month sea trial (March–June 2019). The validated pressure-to-surface transfer function successfully reproduced wave spectra with strong correlation (r > 0.9) to a co-located Waverider buoy under medium to high-energy conditions. Analysis demonstrated that frequency restriction to the 0.3–0.6 Hz band improved spectral coherence and reduced RMS error, particularly during energetic sea states. However, performance degraded in low-energy conditions, reflecting the system’s conditional linearity and sensitivity to signal-to-noise ratio. Beyond spectral validation, the transfer function was applied to estimate key sea-state parameters, including significant wave height (Hs) and zero-crossing period (Tz). Results generate reasonable estimations, with deviations of less than 10% from Waverider-derived values in most iv March 2026 conditions. These findings demonstrate the WASP’s potential for autonomous, frequency-selective sea-state monitoring in coastal and offshore environments. The research concludes by identifying pathways for future refinement, including broadband transfer function modelling, hydrodynamic design optimisation, and wave-powered energy autonomy to support extended deployments. Collectively, this work contributes to a foundation for the next generation of compact, energy-efficient, and cost-effective ocean wave measurement systems, which assists in advances in marine observation, offshore engineering, and renewable energy applications.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Wave measurement
Subjects:	Engineering Engineering > Renewable Energy
Research Centres:	UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User:	Thomas Kelly
Date Deposited:	02 Apr 2026 07:40
Last Modified:	02 Apr 2026 07:40
URI:	https://eprints.dkit.ie/id/eprint/1043

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