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© Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2018
J. E. Corredor, Coastal Ocean Observing,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78352-9_4
Chapter 4
Environmental Constraints to Instrumental
Ocean Observing: Power Sources, Hydrostatic
Pressure, Metal Corrosion, Biofouling,
and Mechanical Abrasion
Abstract Electronic instruments and platforms, especially the mobile platforms, require
a stable source of electrical power which in most cases is not available from a large-scale
terrestrial power grid. Batteries alone for submerged applications or combinations of
solar cells and batteries for surface applications are the principal power sources now in
use, but wave, wind, and other power sources are becoming available. Significant power
economy afforded by modern electronic systems now extends power autonomy beyond
1 year for certain applications. Sensitive electronic components for ocean observing are
contained in pressure-resistant housings constructed from corrosion-resistant materials
or otherwise protected from corrosion. Pressure housings must be provided with waterproof ports for external sensors, power, and data cables. Metal structures are subject to
electrochemical seawater-induced corrosion, in many cases mediated by bacterial
metabolism. Metal structures immersed in seawater can be protected using both passive
and active strategies, the former employing sacrificial metals and the latter the use of
impressed electrical current. Biofouling can severely impair instrument response and
vehicle performance. Mechanical means (wipers, shutters, slick surfaces) and/or biocidal means (organometallic formulations) allow reduction or amelioration of biological
fouling. Special consideration is due to anchoring systems and electrical wires and
cables subject to abrasion in high energy marine environments.
Keywords Pressure housings · Metal corrosion · Biofouling · Mechanical abrasion
4.1 Power Supplies for Autonomous Coastal Ocean
Observing Platforms and Instrument Payloads
Unless connected to a land-based power grid, coastal ocean observing platforms
must be provided with one or more sources of electrical power for instrument operation, telecommunications, satellite positioning, and, in some cases, climate control.
Mobile platforms moreover require propulsive power.
The original version of this chapter was revised. A correction to this chapter can be found at
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78352-9_9
© Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2018
J. E. Corredor, Coastal Ocean Observing,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78352-9_4
Chapter 4
Environmental Constraints to Instrumental
Ocean Observing: Power Sources, Hydrostatic
Pressure, Metal Corrosion, Biofouling,
and Mechanical Abrasion
Abstract Electronic instruments and platforms, especially the mobile platforms, require
a stable source of electrical power which in most cases is not available from a large-scale
terrestrial power grid. Batteries alone for submerged applications or combinations of
solar cells and batteries for surface applications are the principal power sources now in
use, but wave, wind, and other power sources are becoming available. Significant power
economy afforded by modern electronic systems now extends power autonomy beyond
1 year for certain applications. Sensitive electronic components for ocean observing are
contained in pressure-resistant housings constructed from corrosion-resistant materials
or otherwise protected from corrosion. Pressure housings must be provided with waterproof ports for external sensors, power, and data cables. Metal structures are subject to
electrochemical seawater-induced corrosion, in many cases mediated by bacterial
metabolism. Metal structures immersed in seawater can be protected using both passive
and active strategies, the former employing sacrificial metals and the latter the use of
impressed electrical current. Biofouling can severely impair instrument response and
vehicle performance. Mechanical means (wipers, shutters, slick surfaces) and/or biocidal means (organometallic formulations) allow reduction or amelioration of biological
fouling. Special consideration is due to anchoring systems and electrical wires and
cables subject to abrasion in high energy marine environments.
Keywords Pressure housings · Metal corrosion · Biofouling · Mechanical abrasion
4.1 Power Supplies for Autonomous Coastal Ocean
Observing Platforms and Instrument Payloads
Unless connected to a land-based power grid, coastal ocean observing platforms
must be provided with one or more sources of electrical power for instrument operation, telecommunications, satellite positioning, and, in some cases, climate control.
Mobile platforms moreover require propulsive power.
The original version of this chapter was revised. A correction to this chapter can be found at
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78352-9_9