Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/Z503940/1
Miniature and Multiparameter Sensor for Autonomy (SixSense)
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Dr A Morris, National Oceanography Centre, Science and Technology
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor M Mowlem, National Oceanography Centre, Science and Technology
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor H Morgan, University of Southampton, Sch of Electronics and Computer Sci
- Grant held at:
- National Oceanography Centre, Science and Technology
- Science Area:
- None
- Overall Classification:
- Unknown
- ENRIs:
- None
- Science Topics:
- None
- Abstract:
- SixSense will deliver a miniature and multiparameter sensor for autonomy capable of completing co-located and complimentary measurements of (1) conductivity, (2) temperature, (3) dissolved oxygen and (4) pressure. The project will also incorporate the means to undertake (5) pH measurements into the system and include developments from an already funded and co-running EU project delivering a (6) Eh (Redox) sensor. Together SixSense parameters encompass the highest priority biogeochemical essential ocean variable (oxygen), a priority carbonate system parameter (pH), and important physical and environmental parameters (temperature, salinity, depth) that are essential for contextualising the environment. SixSense is a solid-state and reagent-less sensor that consumes low amounts of power, is small in size and is fast at reacting to its environment. Multiple SixSense sensors will be integrated onto AutoSub Long Range (ALR), demonstrating simultaneous operation in a flooded payload bay, in-line with pumped sample lines and placed proud of the submersibles fairing in free water. In addition, two Slocum gliders will be fitted with SixSense systems within their science bays and sampling external waters. Through these integrations, and subsequent trials, SixSense systems will run alongside larger- and single-parameter but proven and analogous sensors, providing the best possible verification and validation. The utility of SixSense systems in larger autonomy, freeing up resource for additional sensors would be proven. Also, SixSense represents a data rich option for smaller and resource limited platforms, which would be translatable across multiple platforms of autonomy (e.g. micro submersibles and profiling floats). SixSense will be fully compatible with the power and communication requirements of the National Marine Equipment Pool (NMEP) assets, specifically interfacing through machine readable data using the RS232 protocol. Future maintenance and installation will be possible by non-specialists with calibration of the separate parameters able to be performed by independent calibration facilities using equipment and methods common to the industry. The work under this call will benefit future operations of the ALR and Slocum glider, lowering the threshold for multiparameter and autonomous studies across biogeochemistry and increasing options in how researchers commit resource. It is also expected SixSense will provide a benefit to the increasing trends of smaller, swarm platforms within marine autonomy that are well suited for targeting societal impactful applications around monitoring, survey and inspection. This project also represents the commitment of UKRI to technology development, having previously supported projects whilst the underpinning technology was at a lower technology maturity level. It is now possible to translate that support to a capability strongly aligned with Future Marine Research Infrastructure (FMRI) goals and delivering UKRI priorities.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/Z503940/1
- Grant Stage:
- Awaiting Start Confirmation
- Scheme:
- Research Grants
- Grant Status:
- Accepted
- Programme:
- FMRI
This grant award has a total value of £387,029
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Exception - Equipment |
|---|
| £387,029 |
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