CHENNAI, Jan 3: A data buoy installed in the Arabian sea, off the Goan coast, transmits various parameters via a two-way satellite, and if one visits the Science Exhibition being held in the city, one can actually see it.Among the interesting exhibits at the Science Congress is the model `wavescan' buoy and a monitor receiving and displaying the parameters from off Goa.
The Department of Ocean Development had signed an agreement with a Oceanographic Company of Norway to supply, install and maintain 15 data buoys, 12 of which are deployed in deep and shallow waters. The data collected from the buoys are transmitted by a two-way communication satellite to the shore station. The data is then disseminated to the user agencies on real-time basis, wherever and whenever required.
The first data buoy was launched in Chennai Port, in 1997, supported by the Indian Meteorological department, National Institute of Oceanography, ports, central and state fisheries and other scientific communities for the utilisationof data acquired through these buoys. The Coast Guard is ensuring the safety of the buoys.
The data collected include air pressure, air temperature, wind speed, wind direction, wave height, wave direction, current speed, current direction, sea surface temperature and conductivity. The data helps assess environmental impact, and is used for continuously monitoring coastal and marine environment. The real-time meteorological data obtained by these buoys is also vital to develop reliable operational weather forecasting model and alert the coastal population about impending natural disasters.Moreover, the sea surface temperature and water quality parameters obtained by moored buoys would be useful in identifying the potential fishing zones. The data are also used in navigation.
Rs 38 crore project proposed
An interesting concept presented at the exhibition is the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion programme (OCET).National Institute of Ocean Technology senior project manager Dr V Rajendran toldThe Indian Express that a Rs 38-crore one MW floating OTEC plant has been proposed, 35 kms off Kulasekharapatnam, Tamil Nadu, where the depth of water is 1,000 metres.
Explaining the concept, he said the sea acts as a huge solar collector and at the same time has enormous heat storage capacity, especially in tropical countries. The potential of a floating plant is direct production of electricity. In Hawaii, a land-based OCET is already being demonstrated, and energy is used for electrifying the adjoining campus, he said.
The project proposed would again be only a demonstration and not a commercial one, as it was more expensive than other energy resources being used at present. Optimisation of cost would also be looked into.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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