Low cost sensor system for wave monitoring

Most wave monitoring buoys and systems conventionally rely on the direct acquisition of wave height data. This paper introduces an alternate wave monitoring method that uses acceleration and angular deviation data. A threshold level crossing counting scheme is used as a means for data compression and as a basis for an alarm system. The sensor modules pre-process data at predetermined sampling periods before sending out telemetry to more efficiently manage power. The MEMS based sensors used provide a smaller footprint lower cost alternative to direct wave height measurement systems.