Overview
The AWAC 400 kHz ADCP has become the standard reference technology in submerged wave-measurement applications. Thousands of these ADCPs have been deployed to capture the full wave spectrum, in combination with current profiles. With a 100 m maximum range for wave measurements, 1.5 Hz sampling of the surface elevation and onboard wave processing for real-time applications, the AWAC 400 kHz is the optimal tool for deeper-water current and wave measurements.
The AWAC 2 design offers future-proof electronics, better performance and easier instrument maintenance.
See the details of the Generation 2 AWAC updates in the release notes here.
- Currents
- Waves
Highlights
-
Real-time current profiles and waves to 100 m range
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Acoustic surface tracking (AST) with vertical beam
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Can be used both with fixed frames and subsurface buoys
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Onboard wave processing for real-time applications.
Usage
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Online measurements of currents and waves at long ranges
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Site studies for offshore wind platforms
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Measurement campaigns where the full wave spectrum is needed
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Monitoring of transient waves for channel wall protection
Setup
Designed for straightforward and reliable current and wave measurements in up to 100m of water, the AWAC 400kHz is configured using the AWAC deployment software before installation. The 400kHz AWAC’s wave measurement range is the longest of the AWAC family.
Deployment
AWACs are often bottom-mounted and/or implemented as part of real-time wave monitoring systems. Leading industry partners offer bespoke frames and buoys for the AWAC.
Data
Optional onboard wave processing allows real-time streaming of wave parameters to users onshore. Nortek’s SUV processing method (exclusive to AWACs and Signatures) enables quality wave measurements from a moving subsurface buoy. Nortek postprocessing software and/or display software is available for review or visualization of data, after deployment or in real time.
Maximum profiling range |
100 m |
Cell size |
1.0-8.0 m |
Number of cells |
200 |
Velocity range |
±10 m/s horizontal, ±20 m/s upon request |
Accuracy |
±1% of measured value ±0.5 cm/s |
Velocity precision |
Consult instrument software |
Maximum output rate |
1 Hz or 2 Hz |
Internal sampling rate |
4 Hz |
Sampling |
Same as velocity |
Resolution |
0.5 dB |
Dynamic range |
90 dB |
Transducer acoustic frequency |
400 kHz, 600 kHz for vertical beam |
Number of beams |
3 beams 120° apart, one vertical beam, (90° apart, one at 5° for platform mount) |
Beam width |
1.18 (2,36° total) |
Beam width vertical beam |
1.93° total |
Maximum depth |
100 m |
Data types |
Pressure, one velocity along each beam, AST |
Max. Sampling Rate (output) |
2Hz |
No. of samples per burst |
512, 1024 or 2048 (Contact Nortek for other burst configurations) |
Range |
-15 to 15 m |
Accuracy/resolution (Hs) |
< 1% of measured value / 1 cm |
Accuracy/resolution (Dir) |
2° / 0.2° |
Period range |
TBC |
Cut-off period (Hs) |
20 m depth: 0.9 sec, 60 m depth: 1.5 sec, 100 m depth: 2 sec |
Cut-off period (dir) |
20 m depth: 3.1 sec, 60 m depth: 5.5 sec, 100 m depth: 7.1 sec |
Temperature: |
Thermistor in head (sampled at meas. rate) |
Temp. range |
-4 to +40 °C |
Temp. accuracy/resolution |
0.1 °C/0.01 °C |
Temp. time response |
2 min |
Compass: |
Solid State magnetometer (max 1 Hz sample rate) |
Accuracy/resolution |
2° for tilt < 30°/0.01° |
Tilt: |
Solid State accelerometer (max 1 Hz sample rate) |
Accuracy/resolution |
0.2° for tilt < 30°/0.01° |
Maximum tilt |
Full 3D |
Up or Down |
Automatic detect |
Pressure: |
Piezoresistive (sampled at meas. rate) |
Range |
0-100 m (inquire for options) |
Accuracy / Precision |
0.1% FS / Better than 0.002% of full scale |
Capacity |
16 GB, 64 GB or 128 GB (inquire for larger capacity) |
Data record |
Consult instrument software |
Mode |
Stop when full |
Accuracy |
±1 min/year |
Clock retention in absence of external power |
1 year. Rechargeable backup battery |
Ethernet |
10/100 Mbits Auto MDI-X, TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTTP protocols, Fixed IP / DHCP client /Auto IP address assignment, UPnP and Nortek proprietary instrument, discovery over Ethernet |
Serial |
Configurable RS-232/RS-422 300-1250000 bps |
Recorder download baud rate |
20 Mbit/s (Ethernet only) - 1 GB in 6 minutes |
Controller interface |
ASCII command interface over Telnet and serial |
Standard |
MCBH6F (Ethernet) + MCBH8F (serial and/or battery) |
Optional |
MCBH6F (Ethernet) + Souriau M-series metal connector for online use (10M) + MCBH2F (battery) |
Functions |
Deployment planning, instrument configuration, data retrieval and conversion (for Windows®) |
DC input |
12-48 V DC |
Maximum peak current |
1.5 A |
Max. average consumption at 1 Hz |
8 W at 1 Hz, Ethernet adds 0.75 W |
Typical average consumption |
15 mW |
Sleep consumption |
100 μA, power depending on supply voltage |
Transmit power per beam |
0.3-30 W, adjustable levels |
Ping sequence |
Parallel |
Operating temperature |
-4 to +40 °C |
Storage temperature |
-20 to +60 °C |
Vibration |
IEC60068-2-64 |
EMC approval |
IEC/EN 61000-6-2, 61000-6-3 |
Depth rating |
300 m |
Standard model |
POM with titanium fasteners |
Maximum diameter |
306 mm |
Maximum length |
203 mm |
Weight in air |
TBC |
Weight in water |
TBC |
Polyurethane jacket, Shore D hardness, 13mm in diameter, max 500m. Inquire for longer cables |
External |
540Wh (alkaline) or 1800 W (lithium) |
The standard deployment software for Nortek Aquadopp, Aquadopp Profiler and AWAC instruments purchased after October 2023.
The software can be launched from your web browser, installed from Microsoft Store or downloaded as an offline installer file.
Post-processing software for Aquadopp Generation 2, AWAC Generation 2, and Signature series instruments.
Battery, 18 V - 540 Wh, alkaline
The standard battery for Signature & Generation 2 AWAC instruments.
Battery pack, 10-pack, 18 V - 540 Wh, alkaline
The standard battery for Signature & Generation 2 AWAC instruments.
Battery pack, 5-pack, 18 V - 540 Wh, alkaline
The standard battery for Signature & Generation 2 AWAC instruments.
Battery, 19 V - 1800 Wh, lithium
An optional high-capacity lithium battery for Signature & Generation 2 AWAC instruments.
Cable, 10 m Ethernet cable with 6-pin
Cable, 10 m serial cable with 8-pin w/RS485 trigger
Battery canister, aluminium for 2*36*D pack w/cable to Signature / Gen 2 AWAC, 2-pin Inline (500m rating)
Battery canister, aluminium for 2*36*D pack w/cable to Signature / Gen 2 AWAC, 8-pin Inline (500m rating)
Battery canister, aluminium for 36*D pack w/cable to Signature / Gen 2 AWAC, 2-pin Inline (500m rating)
