Development of autonomous multi-sensor ocean monitoring instrument designed for complex archipelagic waters

Abstract

This paper presents the development of low-cost multi-sensor ocean monitoring instrument to measure oceanographic parameters. The aim of this instrument is to fulfil the monitoring specifically for archipelagic countries with complex waters, and it allows for both vertical and horizontal measurements. The platform contains removable sensors, rechargeable batteries, satellite system, and micro-controller. Inside the instrument, the probes are primarily to measure acidity level (pH), water temperature (°C), salinity (ppt), conductivity (ms/cm), turbidity (NTU), and depth (m). Furthermore, data are stored in an internal SD card and simultaneously transmitted to a website portal data via satellite after it goes to the surface water. For validation, several tests had been conducted in controlled laboratory conditions and field setting, in which the test results had shown satisfactory results. In the future, the system will be upgraded by adding extra units of antenna, chlorophyll sensors, and a power changer made from thrusters. Currently, this instrument is operational and available for use in archipelagic countries with dynamics depth.