Mechatronics student at Nelson Mandela University, Simphiwe Khen, on-board the RV Observer after the successful launch of the research buoy with temperature measuring instruments in Algoa Bay.
Khen is an intern at the University’s innovation engagement entity, eNtsa Engineering, and his final-year project has been installed on a data-collection buoy launched in the Bay recently.
“My project monitors water temperature at three different depths, creating a database of collected info that will build over time,” says Khen. “The data is transmitted to shore via GSM modem, and the instruments can work for up to three days with no solar power being generated at all.”
The yellow buoy, which is visible a few hundred metres from Shark Rock Pier, is a project implemented by eNtsa, and Mandela University’s Marine Robotics Unit (MRU), with help from the South African International Marine Institute (SAIMI).
“This data-collection buoy project is the culmination of significant local research and input,” says eNtsa director, Andrew Young. “It was locally designed and manufactured, and serves as an education platform and opportunity for a number of Masters students, as the project scope expands.”
An array of sensors and equipment are planned as the research buoy is upgraded and maintained.
The buoy is 1.6 metres in height, 1.3 metres in diameter, and weighs approximately 100kg. It was taken to sea with the help of the South African Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), who made the launch possible with the research vessel RV Observer.
“The collaboration between eNtsa, Nelson Mandela University and the MRU, with support from SAIMI and the assistance of SAIAB is how projects like this become possible,” says Young.
“The enthusiasm of the organisations for local projects, promoting skills development and technology, enables us to provide opportunities that might be very difficult or impossible to access for students.
“For Simphiwe, this project is important to successfully completing his studies and, as an eNtsa intern, he has opportunities that make this possible. The skills he has developed in implementing his idea are transferable to other industries.”
The instrumentation and sensors on the buoy are only a part of the overall project, with the durability of the design and construction, as well as the location choice for mooring all being pertinent factors.