Work

Accuracy Evaluation of a Wave Monitoring System by Testing the Hydraulic Performance of Portable Low-Cost Buoys

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Lakes are complex ecosystems affected by various anthropogenic influences, including vessel-induced waves. Detecting these waves by a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS)-based inertial measurement unit (IMU) equipped on a buoy-based monitoring system can help assess their impacts and support developing sustainable water ecosystem management. This study evaluated and optimized the measurement accuracy of a wave-monitoring system designed to detect waves generated by recreational vessels on lakes. In laboratory tests, we analyzed and, separately, compared the hydraulic behavior of different buoy configurations and assessed the IMU integration in field test campaigns. Results showed that all tested buoys exhibited a mean average absolute deviation (AAD) of less than 20 mm, while the IMU integration achieved an overall AAD of 1.9 mm. For small waves, characterized by wave heights < 50 mm, the IMU’s AAD corresponds to the buoy’s AAD. However, for larger waves, the buoy’s AAD often significantly exceeds that of the IMU, indicating that the hydraulic performance of the buoy limits measurement accuracy in case of greater waves. The best-performing buoy configuration in laboratory tests achieved a measurement accuracy (mean AAD) below 10 mm (or 10% of wave height), confirming the suitability of the developed wave buoys for a vessel-induced wave-monitoring system on lakes.

Source: Water

DOI: 10.3390/w17091345

Authors: Susanne Scherbaum, Robin Härtl, Franziska Hübl, Philipp Berglez, Josef Schneider

Institution: Graz University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Ship Hydrodynamics and Maneuverability

Subfield: Ocean Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funders: TU Graz, Internationale Beziehungen und Mobilitätsprogramme, Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft