Development and Validation of an Instrument for Wave Height Measurement with Encoder Sensors and Accelerometer

Abstract

Ocean waves play a significant role in coastal dynamics and the management of coastal development activities. However, there are limited instruments to measure the wave height, particularly in developing countries. This study introduces a novel instrument design for simple and cost-effective wave height measurement. The proposed instrument combines a Hall-effect sensor and an accelerometer to capture the rise and fall of a buoy in response to wave movements. The Hall-effect sensor as a rotary encoder detects the rotation of the buoy while the accelerometer measures the tilt of the instrument caused by ocean waves. The instrument is constructed using PVC pipes and incorporates long-range (LoRa) communication technology for real-time monitoring. Experimental tests were conducted at a study site in Banyuwangi Regency, Indonesia, where the performance of the instrument was compared with an ultrasonic sensor-based instrument. The results validate the effectiveness of the proposed instrument design for wave height measurement. The collected data were transmitted via the LoRa communication system, enabling convenient monitoring and analysis of sea-level changes. The valuable contribution of the instrument to the field stems from its precision in measuring the wave height, adaptability to diverse conditions, and potential applicability in shallow waters.