The Wirewalker: A vertically profiling instrument carrier powered by ocean waves

Abstract

Ocean wave energy is used to drive a buoyant instrument platform down a wire suspended from a surface float. At the lower terminus of the profiling range, the cam that rectifies wave vertical motion is released and the package, termed the Wirewalker, free ascends. No electronic components are used in the profiler, and only a few moving parts are involved. The Wirewalker is tolerant of a broad range of payloads: the ballast is adjusted by adding discrete foam blocks. The Wirewalker profiles 1000-3000 km month-1, vertically, with typical missions lasting from days to months.A description of the profiler is presented along with a discussion of basic profiling dynamics. © 2011 American Meteorological Society.