We are always keen to highlight other applications for the SunPower flexible solar panels that help highlight they're a great choice for solar power in more difficult environments. SeaPicket is an energy-harvesting, autonomous, long-dwell (up to six years), persistent surveillance platform integrating acoustic, radar/EW, video and AIS sensors. Developed by industry leader ThayerMahan the buoy is connected to many sub-sea sensors that then communicate that data back to the control center. The 4x100W SunPower E-flex solar panels you can see on the buoy help power these devices.
SeaPicket buoys have many applications including: Port Security, Military & Whale monitoring
Helping to prevent whale strikes
Of particular interest is the use of SeaPicket in helping protect whales from ship strikes. Whales often frequent shipping lanes, creating a heightened risk of ship strikes on endangered animals.
The SeaPicket system uses passive acoustic arrays to detect whales, identify what kind of whales they are, and determine if they are near a dangerous area. The system's passive sonar array optimizes detection range and enables whale localization. The sonar array is anchored in a safe location on the seabed and is connected via tether to a floating buoy which uses SunPower solar panels to power the system with green energy and transmits information about whales in real-time.
Software allows the company to determine what kind of whale the system has detected. They can then also use AI to find 'quiet' whales in 'loud' areas (lots of shipping) and predict where the whales might be going. The SeaPicket buoys comply with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972) and help provide effective detection, classification, localization and tracking of marine mammals....
North Atlantic Right Whale - critically endangered
In the USA there is a great concern for the North Atlantic right whale and NOAA has a great article about 'Reducing Vessel Strikes to North Atlantic Right Whales' - a critically endangered species with fewer than 360 remaining. Vessel strikes are one of two primary threats to the species’ existence, along with accidental entanglements in commercial fishing gear. Take the image below that shows a whale (red dot) traveling north along the Mid-Atlantic coast, overlapping with heavy vessel traffic (blue dots) and busy port entrances.
Migratory path of a 1-year-old right whale in March 2021
We have a great concern for the North Atlantic right whale. Our technology protects whales and other marine life while maintaining efficient commercial shipping," said Michael Connor, Chairman & CEO of ThayerMahan.
Have any questions about how the SunPower E-flex panels could be used for your application don't hesitate to get in touch.
Comments