Trident sensors
a knowledge exchange case study
Research was to develop a modular subsystem that would result in a new float for RAPID and Argo scientists to monitor the thermohaline circulation. The product needed to integrate an iridium satellite communication, to be able to go to 4,000m below the ocean surface, and incorporate a new high quality float. During the project, a new GPS-Iridium linked transceiver was developed and has now been commercialised - this is the Helix board set.
Main user of the research:
The UK Met Office is using Trident Sensors' Helix systems to transmit data from their ocean buoy network, with the housing and interfaces made to their specification.
Trident has supplied deep-sea antenna for pop-up seismometers deployed off Thailand (tsunami early warning systems).
Other users include:
- CEFAS
- BAE Systems
- Bluefin Robotics
- Sonardyne
RNLI has tested the product in its new lifeboats.
Trident Sensors Ltd has been working with Offshore Challenges Group to develop a tracking device for yacht racing. A unit was installed on 'B&Q' (Ellen MacArthur's yacht) in January 2006 and was successfully used to track it during the voyage from Cowes to Hong Kong.
The research was funded under the Small Business Research Initiative. NERC participated in this scheme by running an annual competition between 2000 and 2005.