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Hurricane Isaac no problem to solar powered wave glider

Solar Powered Wave Glider Survives Hurricane Isaac by Energy Matters, Sept 2 A Wave Glider located in the Gulf of Mexico is alive and well after staring down Hurricane Isaac. Manufactured by California company Liquid Robotics, the Wave Glider is an unmanned marine vehicle (UMV) made up of a buoyant platform and a submerged glider with wing-shaped panels that convert the motion of waves into forward thrust.  The Wave Glider’s navigation, control, and communications systems are powered by two solar panels; which also power sensor payloads.
G2, a Wave Glider collecting ocean chemistry data in the Gulf, was in the process of scooting out of Isaac’s projected path when the hurricane changed direction and bore down on the robot.

G2 continued operating in sustained winds of 40 knots (74 kmh), with gusts up to 74 knots (137 km/h) and in the process delivered new insights into the hurricane via its sensors measuring water temperature, wind speeds, barometric pressure and air temperature….  http://www.energymatters.com.au/index.php?main_page=news_article&article_id=3363

September 3, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | general