Design and Development of a Novel Autonomous Moored Profiler

The ocean is a dynamic and complex system. Understanding it through observation is critical to predicting and adapting to it. This paper details a new approach to making vertical profiles at a fixed geographic location. It describes the high level design of a novel autonomous moored underwater profiler to characterize the water column of the continental shelf. The operation of the profiler is explained, the system and component designs are described, and the results of field tests are presented. The resulting prototype is a hybrid of a wire follower type profiler. The profiler is attached to a subsea mooring and it is capable of profiling the entire water column. Using a buoyancy engine and compound pulley system, the unique propulsion system only requires power for the ascent. Performance analysis of the prototype during open water field trials indicated a high potential for the profiler to operate as intended.