Mini-DAQ: A lightweight, low-cost, high resolution, data acquisition system for wave energy converter testing

Abstract

As part of the development process, scaled testing of wave energy converter devices are necessary to prove a concept, study hydrodynamics, and validate control system approaches. Creating a low-cost, small, lightweight data acquisition system suitable for scaled testing is often a barrier for wave energy converter developers’ ability to test such devices. This paper outlines an open-source solution to these issues, which can be customized based on specific needs. This will help developers with limited resources along a path toward commercialization.

Keywords

• System monitoring
• Data logging
• Open hardware
• EtherCAT
• Renewable energy
• Energy