Date of Award
2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Ocean Engineering
Department
Ocean Engineering
First Advisor
Jason Dahl
Abstract
Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs), which operate in uncertain and irregular sea states, face challenges such as unpredictable loading and unloading of the structure, potentially reducing their operational lifespan. As the offshore wind energy industry moves farther from shore to access stronger wind resources, there is a growing need for reliable remote sensing methods for measuring wave elevations, to ensure the stability and longevity of these floating turbines. This thesis investigates the potential of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology as a reliable method for near-field ocean surface elevation measurements. A series of controlled laboratory experiments and field tests conducted at the Narragansett Bay Campus Pier were preformed with a scanning LiDAR system to validate its potential as a high-resolution ocean surface monitoring sensor. The experiments focused on optimizing LiDAR configurations, including signal multipliers and incidence angles, to improve the reliability of surface elevation measurements. The results indicate that LiDAR can effectively capture surface returns and determine surface elevation trends. Comparisons with wave gauge data demonstrated strong agreement in spectral characteristics and significant wave heights, with discrepancies under 3 millimeters. These findings highlight LiDAR's promise for oceanographic research, coastal monitoring, and integration with floating offshore wind turbine systems.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Gimple, Megan, "LIDAR SENSING SYSTEMS: A VIABLE APPROACH TO NEAR-FIELD WAVE ELEVATION MEASUREMENTS" (2024). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 2552.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/2552
