Horizontal ADCP for Remote Mapping of Currents

The objective is to develop a horizontal ADCP (HADCP) for mapping horizontal flow structure in channels, harbors, and ports. This would be useful in areas where currents pose a threat to safe boat navigation. The Challenge for such a system is to measure flow even though bottom and surface returns could contaminate the profiles. Phase 2 will develop a long range HADCP using a frequency of approximately 150kHz. The HADCP must possess three critical features. First of all, the unit should be modestly priced. In situations where a single unit is sufficient, only one need be purchased. In more difficult regions, multiple units will still be very competitive with other higher cost technologies(such as the phased array sonar developed by Japan). Secondly, the unit must have low side lobes. Thirdly, it is vital to implement the signal processing algorithms developed during Phase 1 into the firmware of the sonar to enable real-time data quality assessment.