The Low-Cost Profiler (LCP): Enabling ocean science at scale
PI: Noah Lawrence-Slavas, NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory
Partners: Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean and Ecosystem Studies/University of Washington
This project will complete the development of an opensource, air-deployable, Low-Cost ocean Profiler (LCP) technology to reduce the cost of collecting critical ocean observations in support of making forecasts that protect life and property. This LCP technology has numerous operational applications from hurricane intensity forecasting, to real-time fisheries management data collection, to Arctic and coastal research. The LCP can be configured pre-mission to perform in different observational roles, including drifting, timed release and moored, making it a unique tool for autonomously profiling the upper ocean. The LCP, which is currently undergoing engineering field trials, uses a direct-drive buoyancy engine to reduce mechanical complexity and incorporates OEM manufacturer calibrated sensors to enable it to be manufactured at scale. The LCP has been designed to be assembled primarily from off-the-shelf commercially available components, and significant effort went into minimizing the complexity and number of custom machined parts. This makes the LCP an ideal candidate for the transition of the technology to an open source manufacturing solution. Key benefits of the LCP technology for filling gaps in the U.S. coastal observing arrays include. a) Low cost allows them to be deployed in greater numbers in high risk locations where they can fill observational gaps between expensive observing nodes; b) In moored mode the LCP’s small size does not require the high level of infrastructure and operational support of current coastal moorings and it can be easily moved in response to changing conditions; c) Sonobuoy A-size aircraft deployment package allows for rapid deployment in response to extreme events (hurricanes) and in areas where ship-based deployments are too risky or expensive (around sea ice). Design objectives for this project are: a) Develop and qualify the LCP’s air deployment package; b) Re-design the LCP’s electronics hardware and controlling software for ultra-low power consumption, to reduce cost, and improve reliability; c) Develop user documentation in preparation for transitioning the LCP technology to an open source solution.