Open Ocean C - Development of miniature conductivity sensor (and low-cost, open-source, ...)

The “CTD” is a sensor system that measures Conductivity, Temperature and pressure (Depth), from which we compute ocean Salinity,  It is fundamental quantity for assessing the state of our changing oceans and climate.   Through this project we will design and build the next generation of miniature conductivity sensor, test, fabricate and document its construction, capabilities and stability.   

Objectives


Research current sensor offerings.  Design and fabricate a prototype.   There could be two teams: (1) to design and build the probe itself, and (2) to design, fabricate and program the electronics.  These two teams would have to work together in the end to determine the probe precision and stability. 

Motivations


It is (1) the workhorse for international, coordinated cross-basin surveys (https://www.go-ship.org/), (2) the core measurement in the global drifter program (https://argo.ucsd.edu/), and (3) the most essential tool for assessing climate model  predictions and uncertainties.  Commercial CTD sensors are widely available but are expensive, partly because they need to be accurate (precise and stable), and partly because there are a limited number of manufacturers.  However, as we increase our sampling of the global oceans, they are greatly in demand.  However, because of their cost, it is often prohibitively expensive for those in less affluent nations to obtain these devices.  An inexpensive, open-source conductivity sensor is in high demand. 

Qualifications


Minimum Qualifications:
None Listed

Preferred Qualifications:
None Listed


Details


Project Partner:

Jonathan Nash

NDA/IPA:

No Agreement Required

Number Groups:

2

Project Status:

Accepting Applicants

Website:
https://ceoas.oregonstate.edu/directory/jonathan-nash
Keywords:
PCB Designsensor systemsenvironmental sensing
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