EPS@ISEP | The European Project Semester (EPS) at ISEP

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report [2013/06/12 00:38] – [2.5 Data Storage] team3report [2013/06/12 18:51] (current) – [Appendices] team3
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 === 2.5.2 Different types of data storage and their specifications === === 2.5.2 Different types of data storage and their specifications ===
-Secondary data can be stored in different ways. The most appropriate methods are:+Secondary storage can be realised in different ways. The most appropriate methods are:
  
   * __Hard Disk__   * __Hard Disk__
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 *An important remark to make is the fact that in this test the weight of the fibreglass hull has to be included. We placed the hull in the water were it will cause a force on the surface; then we added water into the hull to enlarge this force. 16,50 kg has to be added to the 2 results. *An important remark to make is the fact that in this test the weight of the fibreglass hull has to be included. We placed the hull in the water were it will cause a force on the surface; then we added water into the hull to enlarge this force. 16,50 kg has to be added to the 2 results.
  
-Because the results of the practical test differ from the results of the calculations, we can conclude that the shape of the hull is not a perfect hemisphere, it is bigger. Because we want to obtain the highest safety level as possible, we will make further calculations with the lowest masses: 56,00 kg and 88,30 kg.+Because the results of the practical test differ from the results of the calculations, we can conclude that the shape of the hull is not a perfect hemisphere, it is bigger. Because we want to obtain the highest safety level as possible, we will make further calculations with the lowest masses: 56,50 kg and 88,30 kg.
  
 Now we calculated the ultimate maximum mass that can be attached to the fibreglass hull, we will take a look to the loads: Now we calculated the ultimate maximum mass that can be attached to the fibreglass hull, we will take a look to the loads:
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 The total mass of the loads, placed in the water, will be 44,20 kg. These loads will cause a force equal to:\\ The total mass of the loads, placed in the water, will be 44,20 kg. These loads will cause a force equal to:\\
 {{:x7.png?|}}\\ {{:x7.png?|}}\\
-Out these calculations we can conclude that the buoy will be buoyant and that we can add an additional ballast with a mass of 11,80 kg. If we add this ballast, the fibreglass hull will be submerged until the water level is exactly underneath the ”Saturn-ring”. +Out these calculations we can conclude that the buoy will be buoyant and that we can add an additional ballast with a mass of 12,30 kg. If we add this ballast, the fibreglass hull will be submerged until the water level is exactly underneath the ”Saturn-ring”. 
  
 Another important factor of the buoyancy is the stability. An object can be buoyant, but if it is not stable it can turn over. A floating object is stable if it tends to restore itself to an equilibrium position after a small displacement. For example, floating objects will generally have vertical stability, as if the object is pushed down slightly, this will create a greater buoyancy force, which, unbalanced by the weight force, will push the object back up. Rotational stability is of great importance to floating vessels. Given a small angular displacement, for instance due to a wave, the vessel may return to its original position (stable), move away from its original position (unstable), or remain where it is (neutral). \\ Another important factor of the buoyancy is the stability. An object can be buoyant, but if it is not stable it can turn over. A floating object is stable if it tends to restore itself to an equilibrium position after a small displacement. For example, floating objects will generally have vertical stability, as if the object is pushed down slightly, this will create a greater buoyancy force, which, unbalanced by the weight force, will push the object back up. Rotational stability is of great importance to floating vessels. Given a small angular displacement, for instance due to a wave, the vessel may return to its original position (stable), move away from its original position (unstable), or remain where it is (neutral). \\
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 **Figure 6-11 Centre of buoyancy (56,5kg)** **Figure 6-11 Centre of buoyancy (56,5kg)**
  
-The symmetric stainless steel structure will clasp around the ”Saturn-ring”, so we can safely say that 3/8 of the mass of stainless steel is underneath the centre of buoyancy. Also the CTD, 1/4 of the fibreglass hull and the ballast will be under the centre of buoyancy.\\+The batteries and the case with the electronics will be situated around the point of buoyancy, therefore they can be neglected. The symmetric stainless steel structure will clasp around the ”Saturn-ring”, so we can safely say that 3/8 of the mass of stainless steel is underneath the centre of buoyancy. Also the CTD, 1/4 of the fibreglass hull and the ballast will be under the centre of buoyancy.\\
  
 **Table 6-5 Mass above the centre of buoyancy**\\ **Table 6-5 Mass above the centre of buoyancy**\\
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 **Table 6-6 Mass under the centre of buoyancy**\\ **Table 6-6 Mass under the centre of buoyancy**\\
-{{:table_6-6.png?200|}}+{{:table_6-6.png?200|}}\\
  
-We can conclude that, when we add a ballast of 11,80 kg, the point of gravity will be at the same height as the point of buoyancy, whereby we can say that the prototype will not be stable.+We can conclude that, when we add a ballast of 12,30 kg, the point of gravity will be at the same height as the point of buoyancy, whereby we can say that the prototype will not be stable.
  
 A solution for this problem is to add more ballast. When we add more ballast the fibreglass hull will submerge deeper. We can keep adding ballast until the water level is in the middle of the ”Saturn-ring” (the maximum mass we can add is 44,10 kg). The perfect balance between ballast and the depth of the buoy has to be determined with further tests. A solution for this problem is to add more ballast. When we add more ballast the fibreglass hull will submerge deeper. We can keep adding ballast until the water level is in the middle of the ”Saturn-ring” (the maximum mass we can add is 44,10 kg). The perfect balance between ballast and the depth of the buoy has to be determined with further tests.
  
 === 6.2.4 Water-resistance of the hull === === 6.2.4 Water-resistance of the hull ===
-The electronics will be placed in the interior. Therefore it is necessary to provide a waterproof environment. After recognising the imperfect condition of the existing rubber-tape at the clasp and the fact that the lid is not perfectly sealing, we started thinking of other possibilities to make the hull water-resistant. In addition, from day one the bolted connections were not waterproof and some threads were loose. In collaboration with “ALTO – Perfis Pultrudidos, Lda.” (ALTO Contact) or more precise, Mr. Mario Alvim, we discussed different solutions. +The electronics will be placed in the interior. Therefore it is necessary to provide a waterproof environment. After recognising the imperfect condition of the existing rubber-tape at the clasp and the fact that the lid is not perfectly sealed, we started thinking of other possibilities to make the hull water-resistant. In addition, from day one the bolted connections were not waterproof and some threads were loose. In collaboration with “ALTO – Perfis Pultrudidos, Lda.” (ALTO Contact) or more precise, Mr. Mario Alvim, we discussed different solutions. 
  
 {{:pd_6.2.3_figure_x-1_plastic_cover.png?200|}}\\ {{:pd_6.2.3_figure_x-1_plastic_cover.png?200|}}\\
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-=== 6.2.5 Lay out and guarantee of the electronic components in the inside ===+=== 6.2.5 Layout of the electronic components in the inside ===
  
 As mentioned above, batteries as well as all electronics like microcontroller, Wi-Fi module or GPS will be placed as low as possible in the interior of the hull. In order to protect them we came up with different ideas to ensure the safety of the components right from the start. One of the first ideas is shown in Figure 6-17. For a different project at “LSA” a self-made acrylic glass box protects the electronic components. The top of the box is detachable and a rubber layer between the lid and the main box provides a waterproof connection, if screws close it. As mentioned above, batteries as well as all electronics like microcontroller, Wi-Fi module or GPS will be placed as low as possible in the interior of the hull. In order to protect them we came up with different ideas to ensure the safety of the components right from the start. One of the first ideas is shown in Figure 6-17. For a different project at “LSA” a self-made acrylic glass box protects the electronic components. The top of the box is detachable and a rubber layer between the lid and the main box provides a waterproof connection, if screws close it.
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 **Figure 6-22 Template of the container in the extra tier** **Figure 6-22 Template of the container in the extra tier**
  
-For checking the space inside the boxes and comparing it with the necessary components, we draw template and placed microcontroller, SD-socket and GNSS module in there. As can be seen in Figure 6-23, the box has still enough space for an additional microcontroller as well as the WiFi module.+For checking the space inside the boxes and comparing it with the necessary components, we draw template and placed microcontroller, SD-socket and GNSS module in there. As can be seen in Figure 6-23, the box has still enough space for an additional microcontroller as well as for the Wi-Fi module.
  
 {{:pd_6.2.4_figure_x-12_template_with_electronics.png?200|}}\\ {{:pd_6.2.4_figure_x-12_template_with_electronics.png?200|}}\\
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 **Figure 6-24 Electronics architecture** **Figure 6-24 Electronics architecture**
  
-The first general concept was to create several different parts responsible for different tasks, such as: underwater measurements, on-surface measurements, data storage and transferring, and power supply. We started to improve and expand that idea what led us to the final solution of the electronic architecture shown in Figure 6-24. +The first general concept was to create several different parts responsible for different tasks, such as: underwater measurements, on-surface measurements, data storage and transferring, and power supply. We started to improve and expand that idea what led us to the final solution of the electronic architecture shown in Figure 6-24. \\
 On the top of the buoy, there will be a GNSS receiver (to define buoy location and synchronise actual time), place for a solar panel, blinking lamp and, the most important, a platform for sensors to measure conditions above the water surface (A). Data from these sensors will be sent via standard interfaces to the control unit (E). There will be also a second platform for sensors needed to be placed under water (B). All data will be collected in a data storage device (C) and then sent to the user using an antenna connected with wireless communication unit (D). The antenna might be placed either on the top or inside the hull which depends on needed signal strenght. Every component that needs electric energy will be supplied by rechargeable battery (F) which will be able to be connected to a solar panel in the future. Components C, D, E, and F (the grey area) will be placed inside the fibreglass hull and protected against water. On the top of the buoy, there will be a GNSS receiver (to define buoy location and synchronise actual time), place for a solar panel, blinking lamp and, the most important, a platform for sensors to measure conditions above the water surface (A). Data from these sensors will be sent via standard interfaces to the control unit (E). There will be also a second platform for sensors needed to be placed under water (B). All data will be collected in a data storage device (C) and then sent to the user using an antenna connected with wireless communication unit (D). The antenna might be placed either on the top or inside the hull which depends on needed signal strenght. Every component that needs electric energy will be supplied by rechargeable battery (F) which will be able to be connected to a solar panel in the future. Components C, D, E, and F (the grey area) will be placed inside the fibreglass hull and protected against water.
  
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 **Figure 6-26 Final signal schematic** **Figure 6-26 Final signal schematic**
  
 +The STM32F3 Discovery board supports many interfaces, but 2 of them (SPI and I2C) are already used for built-in peripherals (Gyroscope and E-compass). One SPI is used to connect a microSD card socket and the last one can be used to attach an additional sensor. Unfortunately, according to the MCU datasheet [57], all 3 SPIs cannot be used simultaneously with all USARTs and UARTs (which are necessary for RS232 connection). This is why only 3 RS232 can be mounted. Also the Wi-Fi module needs an UART interface what reduces the number of RS232 to 2. Wi-Fi however is supposed to be connected to the slave MCU only temporarily for tests. For the future development, when an appropriate master MCU has to be chosen, the Wi-Fi module can be removed from the slave. Why is there no master MCU included in this solution? This is because the master MCU has to be a proper controller, containing an operating system to manage complex functions. Choosing  one, would be too time consuming for this project.
  
-STM32F3 Discovery board supports many interfaces but 2 of them (SPI and I2C) are already used for built-in peripherals (Gyroscope and E-compass). One SPI is used to connect a microSD card socket and the last one can be used to attach additional sensor. Unfortunately, according to MCU datasheet [57], all 3 SPIs cannot be used simultaneously with all USARTs and UARTs (which are necessary for RS232 connection). This is why only 3 RS232 can be mounted. Also Wi-Fi module needs UART interface what reduces number of RS232 to 2. Wi-Fi however is supposed to be connected to the slave MCU only temporarily for tests. For the future development, when appropriate master MCU has to be chosen, Wi-Fi module can be removed from the slave. Why is there no master MCU included in this solution? This is because it has to be proper controller containing operating system to manage complex functions, choosing which is too time consuming for this project.\\ +The schematic presented on Figure 6 26 contains only data transferring lines, no electric lines are included there. Finally, the following interfaces are available: 3x RS232 (or 2, which depends on Wi-Fi) from which one is used for the CTD sensor; 1x CAN; 1x SPI; 1x RJ-11 which is used for the wind sensor; 1x USB which can be used either for connection with the second controller in the future or as free connector for any other device or sensor.
-Schematic presented on Figure 6-26 contains only data transferring lines, no electric lines are included there. Finally, the following interfaces are available: 3x RS232 (or 2, which depends on Wi-Fi) from which one is used for CTD sensor; 1x CAN; 1x SPI; 1x RJ-11 which is used for wind sensor; 1x USB which can be used either for connection with second controller in the future or as an free connector for any other device or sensor.\\+
  
 === 6.3.3 Power supply === === 6.3.3 Power supply ===
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   * 5V    - e.g. STM32F3 Discovery board,\\   * 5V    - e.g. STM32F3 Discovery board,\\
   * 3.3V  - e.g. microSD card socket, wind sensor.\\   * 3.3V  - e.g. microSD card socket, wind sensor.\\
-The first solution was to use a 12V battery supply as these batteries are very popular and easy to find. With that approach we would be able to power, for instance, a CTD sensor directly from the battery and we would need 2 voltage regulators to power 5V and 3.3V operating devices. In this case the energy losses spent on voltage conversion would be big because the voltage difference is at least 7V. This is why, after consultation with the supervisors, we decided to use 6V batteries. The voltage can be then converted from 6V to 5 and 3.3V what reduces the energy losses. However, the 12V supply is still needed. This can be resolved in 2 ways: 6V to 12V regulator may be used or additional 12V battery may be applied. We decided, for the best power efficiency, to use additional 12V battery (or serial connection of 2 6V batteries, which have to be used anyway). Finally, powering all components will be realized as it is shown on Figure 6-27.+The first solution was to use a 12V battery supply as these batteries are very popular and easy to find. With that approach we would be able to power, for instance, a CTD sensor directly from the battery and we would need 2 voltage regulators to power 5V and 3.3V operating devices. In this case the energy losses spent on voltage conversion would be big because the voltage difference is at least 7V. This is why, after consultation with the supervisors, we decided to use 6V batteries. The voltage can be then converted from 6V to 5 and 3.3V what reduces the energy losses. However, the 12V supply is still needed. This can be resolved in 2 ways: 6V to 12V regulator may be used or additional 12V battery may be applied. We decided, for the best power efficiency, to use additional 12V battery (or serial connection of 2 6V batteries, which have to be used anyway). Finally, powering all components will be realised as it is shown on Figure 6-27.
  
 {{:figure_6-27.png?200|}}\\ {{:figure_6-27.png?200|}}\\
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 {{:table_6-8.png?200|}} \\ {{:table_6-8.png?200|}} \\
  
-Each component has to be grounded to the common ground. Besides the powering wires of currently chosen components, there should be possibility of easily attaching voltage lines into not used interfaces, in order to provide voltage to sensors to be added in the future. This can be done by attaching parallel wires to already existing ones. Exemplary voltage lines are presented on Figure 6-27.\\ +Each component has to be grounded to the common ground. Besides the powering wires of currently chosen components, there should be possibility of easily attaching voltage lines into not used interfaces, in order to provide voltage to sensors to be added in the future. This can be done by attaching parallel wires to already existing ones. Exemplary voltage lines are presented on Figure 6-27. 
-To convert the voltage to needed levels we use linear regulators due to low price and availability at ISEP. \\ +To convert the voltage to needed levels we use linear regulators due to low price and availability at ISEP. 
-As it can be seen at the schematic, there are components named MAX232. These are voltage level converters. They change TTL standard level (used by output signals of almost every microcontroller) into RS232 standard level which uses wider voltage range. MAX232 converters also need external power supply.\\+As it can be seen at the schematic, there are components named MAX232. These are voltage level converters. They change TTL standard level (used by output signals of almost every microcontroller) into RS232 standard level which uses wider voltage range. MAX232 converters also need external power supply.
  
-In order to know the number of batteries needed for the system to be autonomous (for some period of time), power calculations had to be done. First, we calculated current and power consumption of each component. Sometimes each of these two values was given in device's datasheet, sometimes only one. If so, the second value could have been easily calculated from the following very simple formula:\\+In order to know the number of batteries needed for the system to be autonomous (for some period of time), power calculations had to be done. First, we calculated current and power consumption of each component. Sometimes each of these two values was given in device's datasheet, sometimes only one. If so, the second value could have been easily calculated from the following very simple formula:
  
 {{:bildschirmfoto_2013-06-11_um_14.54.38.png?200|//}}\\ {{:bildschirmfoto_2013-06-11_um_14.54.38.png?200|//}}\\
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 To estimate power demand of the whole system, also power dissipation of voltage regulators has to be taken into consideration. To calculate it, the following equation can be used: To estimate power demand of the whole system, also power dissipation of voltage regulators has to be taken into consideration. To calculate it, the following equation can be used:
  
-{{:bildschirmfoto_2013-06-11_um_14.51.51.png?200|}}\\+{{::power_dissipation.png|}}\\
 where\\ where\\
 P<sub>d</sub> - power dissipated [W],\\ P<sub>d</sub> - power dissipated [W],\\
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 === 6.3.4 Physical implementation === === 6.3.4 Physical implementation ===
  
-All electronic devices, except the CTD, blinking lamp, wind sensor and antennas, will be placed inside the white fibreglass hull. To make sure they will be protected against water, they can be put inside a small waterproof box (what was broadly described in section 6.2.4 Water-resistance of the hull). On the top of the box there will be two wholes: one for power wiring, second for signal wiring. Wires will be put together into a bigger cable which reduces number of needed wholes/connectors and protects them against water. One of these cables will go from an electronic box into a battery box and will contain three wires: 3.3V line, 5V line, GND line. In this case, to make the battery box easily removable form the hull, the cable has to be connected via waterproof connector, such as Bulgin [108]. Second of these cables will go from a battery box up to the interface panel on the upper side of the hull and will contain four wires: 3.3V line, 5V line, 12V line, GND line. It also has to be easily removable so the use of Bulgin connector is necessary. The last (third) cable will be linked between electronics box and interface panel. This one does not have to be easily removable (so use of special connector is not needed) but it has to be thick enough to collect at least 15 wires sending signals to all interfaces. \\+All electronic devices, except the CTD, blinking lamp, wind sensor and antennas, will be placed inside the white fibreglass hull. To make sure they will be protected against water, they can be put inside a small waterproof box (what was broadly described in section 6.2.4 Water-resistance of the hull). On the top of the box there will be two wholes: one for power wiring, second for signal wiring. Wires will be put together into a bigger cable which reduces number of needed wholes/connectors and protects them against water. One of these cables will go from an electronic box into a battery box and will contain three wires: 3.3V line, 5V line, GND line. In this case, to make the battery box easily removable form the hull, the cable has to be connected via waterproof connector, such as Bulgin [108]. The second of these cables will go from a battery box up to the interface panel on the upper side of the hull and will contain four wires: 3.3V line, 5V line, 12V line, GND line. It also has to be easily removable so the use of Bulgin connector is necessary. The last (third) cable will be linked between electronics box and interface panel. This one does not have to be easily removable (so use of special connector is not needed) but it has to be thick enough to collect at least 15 wires sending signals to all interfaces.  
 +
 The idea of having an interface panel on the hull is to make the buoy more reconfigurable. The panel will have all interfaces connectors (all of them waterproof) which are for this moment: 3x RS232, 1x CAN, 1x SPI, 1x USB, 1x RJ-11 (or equivalent pin-numbered connector), 1x MCX, 1x SMA. If any new sensor is needed to attach, the white hull does not have to be opened. The layout of this system is simply presented on Figure 6-28. The idea of having an interface panel on the hull is to make the buoy more reconfigurable. The panel will have all interfaces connectors (all of them waterproof) which are for this moment: 3x RS232, 1x CAN, 1x SPI, 1x USB, 1x RJ-11 (or equivalent pin-numbered connector), 1x MCX, 1x SMA. If any new sensor is needed to attach, the white hull does not have to be opened. The layout of this system is simply presented on Figure 6-28.
 +
  
 {{:figure_6-28.png?200|}}\\  {{:figure_6-28.png?200|}}\\ 
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 === 6.5.2 Planning ===  === 6.5.2 Planning === 
-At the beginning we started brainstorming. Focussing at the topic we did research regarding the project. In addition our client, “LSA”, expected us to develop a “storyboard” (Figure 6-41) which were supposed to have all types of necessary functions included. Because of the “storyboard”, it was possible to expand the former research as well as make them more specific. We used the elaborated information to allocate all possible tasks to single team members (Table 6-11). This task-allocation offered an overview but also helped every single team member for organising himself:+At the beginning we started brainstorming. Focussing at the topic we did research regarding the project. In addition our client, “LSA”, expected us to develop a “storyboard” (Figure 6-41) which was supposed to have all types of necessary functions included. Because of the “storyboard”, it was possible to expand the former researches as well as make them more specific. We used the elaborated information to allocate all possible tasks to single team members (Table 6-11). This task-allocation offered an overview but also helped every single team member for organising himself:
  
 {{:figure_6-41.png?|}}\\ {{:figure_6-41.png?|}}\\
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 {{:table_6-11.png?200|}}\\ {{:table_6-11.png?200|}}\\
  
-Based upon these facts and the given deadlines we created a “Gantt Chart”. As can be seen in Figure 6 42, the “Gantt” gives an overview on set milestones and linked activities/tasks which were supposed to be finished at specific dates. Specific dates were for example the “Interim Report Presentation”.\\ +Based upon these facts and the given deadlines we created a “Gantt Chart”. As can be seen in Figure 6-42, the “Gantt” gives an overview on set milestones and linked activities/tasks which were supposed to be finished at specific dates. Specific dates were for example the “Interim Report Presentation”.\\ 
-Creating the “Gantt Chart” at the beginning of a project may include changes during the project period. Because of missing experience, minor changes in our ´Gantt Chart´ had to be made. Some tasks needed more time, than expected. Also, tasks were more intensive than other ones.+Once created, “Gantt Chart” may be modified and updated during the project period. Because of missing experience, minor changes in our ´Gantt Chart´ had to be made. Some tasks needed more time, than expected. Also, some of them were more intensive than the other ones.
  
-In Figure 6 42 the final Gantt-chart of team three shown:\\+In Figure 6-42 the final Gantt-chart of team 3 is shown:\\
  
 {{:gantt_final_version_autonomous_bouy.png?200|}} \\ {{:gantt_final_version_autonomous_bouy.png?200|}} \\
-**Figure 6-42 Final gantt-chart team three**+**Figure 6-42 Final gantt-chart team 3**
  
 For more detailed planning we also used the “Scrum” model. For a two-week-period we developed “Sprints” which included specific, single tasks that were supposed to be easily handled by one team member. As a matter of fact, also during the single “Sprints” some activities were more intensive than others. Therefore, sometimes two members of the group were dedicated to one task. The model itself offers a perfect overview for all single tasks (Figure 6-43). For more detailed planning we also used the “Scrum” model. For a two-week-period we developed “Sprints” which included specific, single tasks that were supposed to be easily handled by one team member. As a matter of fact, also during the single “Sprints” some activities were more intensive than others. Therefore, sometimes two members of the group were dedicated to one task. The model itself offers a perfect overview for all single tasks (Figure 6-43).
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 ==== 7.1 Discussion ==== ==== 7.1 Discussion ====
-This project has proven to be exactly what we thought it would be: difficult and complex, yet interesting and educationally valuable. Before we even started the actual work, we first needed to learn a considerable amount about different types of buoys - what they consist of, and how they perform their functions. It took us quite a lot of time, but it allowed us to have a better view on how to get started and then proceed with further work. There were many things we needed to consider, discuss and decide on. This included, for example, the anchor, lamp, and microcontroller. The two tasks that took up a considerable amount of time and effort were the structure and programming. At this point we regret that we did not have more experience in these fields before beginning the project; perhaps then we could achieve more and with a better quality. Nevertheless, as a result of working on this project, we have all broadened our knowledge in many different ways: we know a lot about buoys, sensors, anchors, buoyancy etc.  In a general view, we believe the project was a success. First of all, we have managed to design and acquire the steel structure. With it, it is possible to make progress in other parts of the project such as mooring, and layout of components. Secondly, we have determined the buoy’s buoyancy, both on paper and in practice, and thus we have confirmed that it is certainly floatable. Thirdly, we have researched, selected and bought all the necessary parts that make up a complete mooring system. In this way we are sure that once the buoy is placed in the river, it will not run away. Thirdly, we have chosen a microcontroller that best suits the buoy, and partially programmed it so that it is possible to operate the wind direction sensor. Furthermore, we have the wind and CTD sensors, microcontroller, GNSS receiver, SD card socket, and lamp. Lastly, we have put a lot effort into the market analysis, ethics, and sustainability. Of course, it would not be possible to accomplish all of this individually. It took an organized and tuned team work to arrive to this point. However, we did not always cooperate perfectly; it was especially hard for us in the beginning when we barely knew one another. With time, however, we started displaying better and better team work qualities, e.g. we divided work between ourselves, and held frequent meetings at ISEP. As a result of the 4 month work we have definitely improved our teamwork skills. We know better how to cooperate, how to express and receive criticism, how to come to a mutual agreement etc. Nevertheless, we cannot consider our final work as a complete success as there are still many aspects of the buoy that need to be finished, as we discuss in section //7.2 Future Developments.//+This project has proven to be exactly what we thought it would be: difficult and complex, yet interesting and educationally valuable. Before we even started the actual work, we first needed to learn a considerable amount about different types of buoys - what they consist of, and how they perform their functions. It took us quite a lot of time, but it allowed us to have a better view on how to get started and then proceed with further work. There were many things we needed to consider, discuss and decide on. This included, for example, the anchor, lamp, and microcontroller. The two tasks that took up a considerable amount of time and effort were the structure and programming. At this point we regret that we did not have more experience in these fields before beginning the project; perhaps then we could achieve more and with a better quality. Nevertheless, as a result of working on this project, we have all broadened our knowledge in many different ways: we know a lot about buoys, sensors, anchors, buoyancy etc.  In a general view, we believe the project was a success. First of all, we have managed to design and acquire the steel structure. With it, it is possible to make progress in other parts of the project such as mooring, and layout of components. Secondly, we have determined the buoy’s buoyancy, both on paper and in practice, and thus we have confirmed that it is certainly floatable. Thirdly, we have researched, selected and bought all the necessary parts that make up a complete mooring system. In this way we are sure that once the buoy is placed in the river, it will not run away. Moreover, we have chosen a microcontroller that best suits the buoy, and partially programmed it so that it is possible to operate the wind direction sensor. Furthermore, we have the wind and CTD sensors, microcontroller, GNSS receiver, SD card socket, and lamp. Lastly, we have put a lot effort into the market analysis, ethics, and sustainability. Of course, it would not be possible to accomplish all of this individually. It took an organized and tuned team work to arrive to this point. However, we did not always cooperate perfectly; it was especially hard for us in the beginning when we barely knew one another. With time, however, we started displaying better and better team work qualities, e.g. we divided work between ourselves, and held frequent meetings at ISEP. As a result of the 4 month work we have definitely improved our teamwork skills. We know better how to cooperate, how to express and receive criticism, how to come to a mutual agreement etc. Nevertheless, we cannot consider our final work as a complete success as there are still many aspects of the buoy that need to be finished, as we discuss in section //7.2 Future Developments.//
 ==== 7.2 Future Developments ==== ==== 7.2 Future Developments ====
 Although we have already put much effort into the project, and a lot has already been accomplished, there are still many goals to achieve. Some of them are highly important and cannot be omitted if the buoy is ever to be placed on the river. On the other hand, some are just possible future additions that could make the buoy more functional. \\ Although we have already put much effort into the project, and a lot has already been accomplished, there are still many goals to achieve. Some of them are highly important and cannot be omitted if the buoy is ever to be placed on the river. On the other hand, some are just possible future additions that could make the buoy more functional. \\
-First of all, the fibreglass hull needs to be made completely watertight. Without this, there is a risk that water might get in and destroy the electronics, and maybe even cause the buoy to sink. The hull  can be made watertight by placing on it a “rubber skirt” (Figure 7 1) – a piece of rubber tape that is permanently attached to the cover’s outer surface, near its bottom edge, so that when the cover is in place, the tape can create a tight connection with the hull body’s outer surface, thus preventing the access of water.+First of all, the fibreglass hull needs to be made completely watertight. Without this, there is a risk that water might get in and destroy the electronics, and maybe even cause the buoy to sink. The hull  can be made watertight by placing on it a “rubber skirt” (Figure 7-1) – a piece of rubber tape that is permanently attached to the cover’s outer surface, near its bottom edge, so that when the cover is in place, the tape can create a tight connection with the hull body’s outer surface, thus preventing the access of water.
  
 {{:figure_7-1.png?200|}}\\ {{:figure_7-1.png?200|}}\\
 **Figure 7-1 "Rubber skirt"**  **Figure 7-1 "Rubber skirt"** 
  
-Another method that can be applied is to duct tape the groove between the cover and the hull body. However, it has three disadvantages: it is time-consuming, unprofessional, and most importantly - uncertain, once it might work, and once not. The best solution, but also most radical, would be to create another fibreglass hull whose cover would have a different geometry and features. As far as water tightness is concerned, it is also necessary to acquire appropriate watertight connectors for the interfaces. Secondly, the remaining components, i.e. communication module, GNSS antenna, batteries, communication module, and box for the hardware, need to be acquired. Once all these components are present, they must be somehow arranged, some inside the hull and some on the steel structure, and connected. Moreover, it is necessary to finalize the software and set it running. In this way the buoy will be able to perform its primary purpose: collect, store and send data. Another important feature that is needed to be added is a fibreglass cover for the lower part of the steel structure, as seen in Figure 7 2. Its purpose is to surround the ballast, and space around the tubes so as to protect the CTD and prevent things from deposing on the ballast. Of course, before putting the buoy in the river, some tests would need to be carried out to check if all these modifications are in working order.+Another method that can be applied is to duct tape the groove between the cover and the hull body. However, it has three disadvantages: it is time-consuming, unprofessional, and most importantly - uncertain, once it might work, and once not. The best solution, but also most radical, would be to create another fibreglass hull whose cover would have a different geometry and features. As far as water tightness is concerned, it is also necessary to acquire appropriate watertight connectors for the interfaces. Secondly, the remaining components, i.e. communication module, GNSS antenna, batteries and box for the hardware, need to be acquired. Once all these components are present, they must be somehow arranged, some inside the hull and some on the steel structure, and connected. Moreover, it is necessary to finalize the software and set it running. In this way the buoy will be able to perform its primary purpose: collect, store and send data. Another important feature that is needed to be added is a fibreglass cover for the lower part of the steel structure, as seen in Figure 7-2. Its purpose is to surround the ballast, and space around the tubes so as to protect the CTD and prevent things from deposing on the ballast. Of course, before putting the buoy in the river, some tests would need to be carried out to check if all these modifications are in working order.
  
 {{:figure_7-2.png?200|}}\\ {{:figure_7-2.png?200|}}\\
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-[111] STMicroelectronics, „STM32F3 Discovery kit firmware package,” 2013. [Online]. Available: http://www.st.com/web/en/catalog/tools/PF258154. [Geopend 04 June 2013].\\ +[111] STMicroelectronics, „STM32F3 Discovery kit firmware package,” 2013. [Online]. Available: http://www.st.com/web/en/catalog/tools/PF258154. [Accessed 04 June 2013].\\ 
-[112] Davis, „Davis Anemometer documentation,” 2013. [Online]. Available: http://www.davisnet.com/weather/products/wx_product_docs.asp?pnum=07911. [Geopend 12 June 2013].\\+[112] Davis, „Davis Anemometer documentation,” 2013. [Online]. Available: http://www.davisnet.com/weather/products/wx_product_docs.asp?pnum=07911. [Accessed 12 June 2013].\\
 [113] The Free Dictionary, “Anchor,” 2013. [Online]. Available: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/anchor. [Accessed 3 April 2013].\\ [113] The Free Dictionary, “Anchor,” 2013. [Online]. Available: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/anchor. [Accessed 3 April 2013].\\
 [114] The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed., “Anchor,” 2013. [Online]. Available: http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/anchor.aspx. [Accessed 2 April 2013].\\ [114] The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed., “Anchor,” 2013. [Online]. Available: http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/anchor.aspx. [Accessed 2 April 2013].\\
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