Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (OPT) "Distributed Buoy Vessel Detection System" addresses the need for a forward-deployed buoy system to detect and track non-cooperative vessels. OPT proposes a network of proprietary passive acoustic sensors and COTS communication equipment, all powered by OPT's proprietary Autonomous PowerBuoyTM. The PowerBuoy can efficiently convert ocean wave energy to useable electricity to provide renewable energy power to the system for extended, unattended deployments. The acoustic sensor array will be developed by Lockheed Martin Undersea Systems and Sensors as a subcontractor to OPT. For the passive acoustic sensor array, two alternatives are presented, a bottom mounted array and a mid-water array. The radio communications link is comprised of COTS equipment, and four specific variations of the communication link are presented in this proposal. Because OPT and Lockheed both have extensive in-ocean experience in this area, the work to be carried out under a Phase I contract would focus on selecting, refining, optimizing and leveraging proven technologies for this application, rather than developing new sensor, power generation, and communication technologies. Phase II will involve an ocean demonstration of a complete prototype system leading subsequently to the full commercialization of the distributed buoy vessel detection system.
