A Modular Water Quality Observation System to Accelerate the Blue Economy

Swift Engineering proposes to provide a high quality, affordable, Internet of Things (IoT) enabled Multi-functional, water sensor solution called “Kelp.” An affordable and self-powered buoy platform, Kelp will be adaptable to changing needs of the global blue economy market. The first generation of this product specifically targets emerging markets in Estuarine Environmental Monitoring, Dam and Large-Scale Water Storage facilities, Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) Monitoring, and Sewage and Chemical Outfall Monitoring. Each of these markets presents a unique need to monitor multiple water quality parameters with high resolution and near real time data collection, which Kelp is uniquely designed to provide. To serve the needs of these market, Swift will develop several key features of the Kelp system. Swift will develop software and hardware layouts to turn Kelp into a modular system that allows for the addition of custom 3rd party sensors. Kelp will also be developed with readily available materials and electronic components. This approach ensures that Kelp units will be affordable, with the ability to undercut competitors by at least 50%. Development also aims to provide more categories of data than any competitors, and new sensors will be integrated in addition to the various water quality parameters already offered by current Kelp systems (pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Water Temperature, Salinity) To manage multiple data channels, Kelp development will produce a configuration and data display dashboard accessible via a laptop or smart phone. Deployment of Kelp units themselves only requires a single person. To ensure reliable data transmission, development will also preserve Kelp’s existing communications versatility. Kelp units will be able to transmit data and be controlled over WiFi, Lora, and Satellite communication. Swift will follow a thorough program plan to integrate these features into its existing Kelp system. Swift will conduct a size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) analysis to determine program risk associated with integrating each sensor into the Kelp platform. Comparing the SWaP-C against market potential studies conducted for each category of sensor enables Swift to determine which sensors can be integrated and commercialized with the lowest amount of program risk. After selecting the sensors with the highest potential for program success, Swift carries out hardware and software development to integrate sensors into the Kelp platform. Swift will also carry out development to integrate the entire Kelp platform into existing satellite communication networks. These offer global coverage and will enable Kelp systems to transmit data in real time from any location on Earth. To complete this Phase I, Swift will produce prototype Kelp buoys to field test the specialized Kelp product and deploy with beta customers. The information gained from field deployments and customer experience will position Swift to efficiently develop and commercialize Kelp and serve more customers in a Phase II.