Measure waves and currents from one buoy! The TRIAXYS™ Directional Wave Buoy with Currents measuring capability was developed to meet the demand for a combined wave and current measuring device that avoids the problems associated with seabed-mounted instrumentation. This dual function buoy measures directional waves and 3D currents accurately and precisely. Power comes from 4 lead acid rechargeable batteries connected to solar panels. A range of radio, cellular and satellite telemetry options exist to send data back to shore. Various mooring designs are available as are buoy training, commissioning and deployment services.

This buoy is based on the proven TRIAXYS™ Buoy platform but has been modified to allow the integration of a Current Profiler through the hull in a downward facing configuration. The Nortek Aquadopp ADP and the Teledyne RDI Monitor ADCP are both available as current profilers. Other profilers can also be integrated into this product line. The TRIAXYS™ with Currents works in both typical ocean surface water and in the high sediment suspensions found near the coast or in rivers. A variety of head designs ensure optimal measurement conditions, regardless of deployment surroundings. Specifically, the Aquadopp Profiler provides current speed and direction in up to 128 different layers or ‘bins’ of the water column. The system electronics integrates Doppler velocity with temperature, pressure, tilt, and compass sensors – all standard with each instrument.

The TRIAXYS™ wave sensor unit is comprised of three accelerometers, three rate gyros, a fluxgate compass, and the proprietary TRIAXYS™ Processor. The TRIAXYS™ Sensor has recently been upgraded with new features and now provides continuous wave sampling, support for any telemetry, up to 50 Hz motion sampling and up to 32GB (>5 years) of data logging capacity. The "next wave" of the TRIAXYS™ Sensor also uses the WatchMan500™ controller, which is the core technology used in other AXYS monitoring systems. The WatchMan500™ processor integrates sensor systems and provides onboard data processing, data logging, telemetry, and diagnostic/set-up routines.

A variety of telemetry options are available, including VHF, Inmarsat D+, Iridium, GPRS, and CDMA. The data transmitted from the buoy include wave statistics, HNE (Heave, North and East Displacements), MeanDir (Wave Direction and energy as a function of frequency), directional and non-directional wave spectra, buoy configuration, status data, position, and WatchCircle™ alarm messages.

Please see our TRIAXYS™ Mooring Requirements Page for information, calculations and recommendations on moorings for TRIAXYS™ Wave and Current Buoys.

Learn more about using a TRIAXYS with Currents buoy for an offshore renewable energy project.

Product Documentation

TRIAXYS with Currents (PDF, 142 KB)

Offshore Renewable Energy Assessment & Monitoring Systems (PDF 464Kb)

Technical Paper compares the performance of the TRIAXYS with Currents buoy to a bottom-mounted ADCP system (PDF, 1.5 MB)

Watch a video of the TRIAXYS being deployed