Profiling buoy
The PROLIPHYC buoy continuously measures the physicochemical parameters of water and weather parameters which influence the proliferation of phytoplankton. It is designed to be anchored in inland water bodies (lakes, dams...).
The structure of the Proliphyc buoy is made up of a steel frame that supports the ballast and anchor holding points, two cylindrical half-hull floats and an overhead gantry. The two anchor lines, which allow the buoy to be positioned with its solar panel facing south, are secured on side rings made of stainless steel.
Characteristics
The overhead gantry, made of aluminium, is fitted with the following equipment:
- An Automaton
It carries out the automated control of the buoy, control of the aerial sensors, radio communication with the instrumented basket and GSM/GPRS communication with the measurement processing station. Inside an IP66 watertight box, it integrates the automaton board, together with its onboard software, the motor control board, the GSM/GPRS (SIM card), and "Socapex" connectors to which the equipement is connected.
- An electrical power supply
Made up of a 68W solar panel, a solar panel controller and two 33Ah batteries.
- A low consumption hoist
This hoist is equipped with a 20m stainless steel cable and ensures the movement of the instrument basket and the operation of the chlorination system.
- A "basket" limit switch
This is the reference position of the basket, from which the automaton calculates the length of cable spun out by the hoist, and control of the movements of the chlorination system.
- A "bottom" limit switch
This limit switch signals when the hoist cable is fully unreeled. This sensor can only be activated in case of failure of the system's equipment (hoist, automaton, "bottom" sensor…). The automaton then sends an alarm to the control station.
- An irradiance sensor (Kip&Zonen type) measures the insolation.
- A Vaisala weather station measures wind speed (ultrasound sensor) and direction, temperature and atmospheric pressure, pluviometry.
- An nke compass allows wind direction to be determined.
- A chlorination system made up of: a chlorinator that contains a disk of chlorine and a 1.3kg counterweight linked to the chlorinator by a halyard. The chlorination system is driven by the movement of the instrumented basket.
2 buoy sizes are available, designed for 2 types of lake or body of water.
The GL buoy for large lakes, with swell damper, winding system and 1000 to 1400l float
The PL buoy for small lakes with 200l float
