The FLiDAR (Floating Light Detection and Ranging) buoy was deployed on November 2nd, 2022. The buoy is equipped with NOMAD (Navy Oceanographic Meteorological Automatic Device) hull with a multitude of wind, wave, and current sensors. These sensors are powered by a 1 kW wind turbine, two 200 kW solar panels, and a diesel generator. The FLiDAR measures a slew of metocean parameters, namely offshore wind, waves, and currents, and is moored to the seafloor with a specialized mooring and a 5-tonne anchor.
During the 7 months the buoy was deployed, a few issues arose with the diesel generator working intermittently and limited power being generated from the wind turbines and solar panels. As a result, on June 6th, 2023, Salish Sea Industries was contracted to recover the FLiDAR buoy at Trial Island; they were accompanied by PRIMED staff member Jackie and AXYS Technology technicians Randy and Dave.
With the buoy onshore, five AXYS technicians were able to complete the necessary repairs to have the buoy working and ready for redeployment. To generate more power, the older turbine was replaced with a new Superwind turbine, and two additional solar panels were installed on the starboard and stern sides of the buoy. In addition, the malfunctioning diesel generator was removed and replaced with a new diesel generator.
Randy, an AXYS technician, inspected the mooring and anchor to ensure there was no wear or damage and that it would be suitable for redeployment.
After a couple of weeks of work, the FLiDAR was ready for deployment. Two Salish Sea Industry tug boats, a barge, a crane, AXYS Technology technicians Randy and Neil, PRIMED staff Jackie and Rezvan, and a Ph.D. student from Huddersfield University, Emily, redeployed the FLiDAR on July 14th, 2023. The buoy is intended for collecting data and ironing out any kinks for approximately 6-months before it is shipped to Haida Gwaii for deployment in Spring 2024.