In the ever-evolving landscape of marine technology, the integration of advanced sensors and instruments is crucial for unlocking new frontiers of ocean exploration. Teledyne Valeport discusses the Valeport SWiFT Sound Velocity Profiler, which is at the forefront of this transformation, adapting to the demands of autonomous platforms and remote deployment.
From extended battery life to versatile sensor capabilities, this innovative profiler is redefining the standards for underwater data collection, empowering researchers and scientists to push the boundaries of ocean science and technology with greater efficiency and accessibility.
Adapting to Autonomous Platforms
The rise of autonomous platforms, such as Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs), has brought forth new operational considerations. Instruments once manually operated now require remote deployment and extended endurance capabilities to meet the demands of these advanced systems. The Sound Velocity Profiler has undergone several enhancements to address these evolving requirements.
Extending Operational Endurance
Instrument power consumption has always been a key factor for prolonged deployments. The introduction of low-power modes, such as Bluetooth Sleep Mode (BSM), has significantly increased the SWiFT SVP’s battery life. By powering down the main processes and maintaining only the Bluetooth connection, the instrument can conserve energy, drawing as little as 2.6 mA in this mode.
Maximizing Deployment Scenarios
The SWiFT SVP’s endurance is further optimized by leveraging its Smart Profile Mode, which intelligently manages the sampling frequency based on the dynamics of the marine environment. This feature ensures the instrument captures the necessary data without unnecessarily draining the battery.
Versatile Sensor Integration
In addition to the core sound velocity profiling capabilities, the SWiFT SVP range has expanded to include the SWiFT SVPplus, featuring optical sensors for turbidity, chlorophyll, fluorescein, rhodamine, crude oil, or phycocyanin measurements. The SWiFT CTD variant adds conductivity, temperature, and depth monitoring to the instrument’s repertoire.
To maximize the SWiFT SVP’s operational endurance, users are advised to ensure the instrument is set up in Smart Profile Mode with Bluetooth Sleep Mode enabled. The SWiFT CTD and SVP (without additional sensors) provide the best battery life. As autonomous platform capabilities continue to advance, the SWiFT SVP’s adaptability positions it as a versatile solution for a wide range of ocean science and technology applications.
Read the full article here, or visit the Teledyne Valeport website to find out more.
