LainePoiss®—A Lightweight and Ice-Resistant Wave Buoy

Abstract

Abstract Wave buoys are a popular choice for measuring sea surface waves, and there is also an increasing interest for wave information from ice-covered water bodies. Such measurements require cost-effective, easily deployable, and robust devices. We have developed LainePoiss (LP)—an ice-resistant and lightweight wave buoy. It calculates the surface elevation by double integrating the data from the inertial sensors of the microelectromechanical system (MEMS), and transmits wave parameters and spectra in real time over cellular or satellite networks. LP was validated through 1) sensor tests, 2) wave tank experiments, 3) a field validation against a Directional Waverider, 4) an intercomparison of several buoys in the field, and 5) field measurements in the Baltic Sea marginal ice zone. These extensive field and laboratory tests confirmed that LP performed well (e.g., the bias of Hm0 in the field was 0.01 m, with a correlation of 0.99 and a scatter index of 8%; the mean absolute deviation of mean wave direction was 7°). LP was also deployed with an unmanned aerial vehicle and we present our experience of such operations. One issue that requires further development is the presence of low-frequency artifacts caused by the dynamic noise of the gyroscope. For now, a correction method is presented to deal with the noise. Significance Statement Operational wave buoys are large and therefore expensive and inconvenient to deploy. Many commercially available devices cannot measure short waves and are not tested in ice. Our purpose was to develop an affordable wave buoy that is lightweight, ice resistant, capable of measuring short waves, and also has a longer operating life than existing research buoys. The buoy is easily deployed with a small boat or even an industrial drone, thus reducing operating costs. The buoy is accurate, and captures waves that are too short for operational wave buoys. This is relevant for coastal planning in, e.g., archipelagos and narrow fjords. We measured waves in ice in the Baltic Sea, and are planning to extend these measurements to Antarctica.