RANGER 1: A self-propelled data buoy

Abstract

This paper describes a radically new concept in deep-water ocean data collection platforms. The Ranger 1 buoy, an extension of the Active Driftter concept developed at the Institute of Ocean Sciences, Patricia Bay, B.C., is an autonomous, self-propelled vehicle. It is designed to perform the functions of intelligent drifting buoys: oceanographic and meteorological data acquisition, but at the same time can self-position or travel a programmed course. The Ranger is powered by an 192 watt solar array, and hence the buoy travel will be a function of insolation. To examine the feasibility of solar-powered propulsion in the marine environment, a simulation of buoy performance under sample conditions was performed. A comparision of the solar energy budget at Stn. P (50\degN,145\degW) and the buoy power requirement of 36 watts shows that the Ranger buoy travelling at a net speed of 0.36ms^{-1}will cut the average annual drift by 80%. A buoy deployed at the latitude of the Hawaiian Islands would have sufficient solar energy to propel the Ranger 4100 km a year against the prevailing currents. With the projected performance in wind, a list of potential applications for the Ranger platform is given.