Submerged Position Monitoring for Tidal & Wave Energy
Review underwater position feedback for tidal and wave energy maintenance locks, auxiliary actuators and deployment mechanisms.
Tidal and wave energy devices contain different types of submerged mechanisms, so the sensing requirement begins with the equipment design. Local switches may be relevant to maintenance locks, auxiliary actuators or deployment arrangements with defined end positions.
This scope concerns discrete mechanical feedback and its electrical connection. It does not cover generator performance, power export or continuous motion control. DepthLink can review a sensing assembly around the target, exposure and connection requirements supplied by the equipment designer.
Choose the feedback your equipment needs.
For tidal & wave energy equipment, start with the task below. These routes narrow the product search; the final configuration is reviewed against your installation and operating conditions.
Confirm a defined position
Review non-contact proximity switching for an open, closed, home or engaged indication.
Resolve together: Target geometry, sensing gap, mounting and required contact state.
Compare proximity switches ↗Follow the cylinder stroke
Review linear position feedback when the controller needs more than an end-position signal. The output follows travel in steps.
Resolve together: Stroke, resolution, output, magnet arrangement and installation envelope.
Explore linear position sensing ↗Connect the sensing point
Define the lead between the sensor and equipment interface, including any movement and maintenance access.
Resolve together: Mating parts, pin allocation, cable length, routing and end termination.
Explore cable assemblies ↗Where each component fits.
Detect the defined mechanical position.
Include cyclic loading, target alignment and vibration at the chosen mounting point. Define what the controller should infer from the switching state.
- Maintenance locks
- Auxiliary actuators
- Deployment equipment
Make the service interface practical.
Identify the module interface and recovery procedure. Mating requirements depend on whether the connection is made underwater or after recovery.
- Exact mating reference and pin allocation
- Connection and disconnection conditions
- Access for inspection and replacement
Protect the route back to control.
Distinguish fixed instrumentation wiring from repeatedly flexing cable. Describe flow exposure, clamping and handling during maintenance.
- Installed route and required length
- Fixed or moving duty
- Materials, restraints and termination details
A maintenance lock on a recoverable module
A sensor can observe the locking target while a local harness connects to the module controller. The review should include structural movement, service access and how the cable is protected during recovery and redeployment.
Contact us ↗From the equipment to the input.
A typical functional path. The final arrangement depends on the equipment and project specification.
- 01
Moving equipment
Detect a specified locking member position.
- 02
Target & switch
The target reaches the defined detection point.
- 03
Cable assembly
A specified connection carries the switch state.
- 04
Control input
The equipment controller interprets the agreed contact logic.
The details to resolve together.
Device design determines suitability
There is no single sensing arrangement shared by all tidal and wave energy machines.
Keep instrumentation and power separate
Signal assemblies need their own specification and do not substitute for export-power cable systems.
Define verification early
Provide required environmental tests, operating cycles and documentation with the enquiry.
Bring the installation into the brief.
Share what you have. A drawing, an existing part reference or a description of the operating requirement is a useful starting point.
Contact us ↗- Equipment drawing and required switching positions
- Maximum immersion pressure, duration, temperature and media
- Target geometry, mounting space and electrical input
- Cable route, mating connector and maintenance method
Application examples describe potential arrangements, not installed DepthLink case studies. Final suitability, ratings and test requirements are agreed for the selected assembly.
What needs to be confirmed?
Maintenance locks
Detect a specified locking member position.
Auxiliary actuators
Indicate an end point on a mechanism suited to local switching.
Deployment equipment
Report deployed or stowed positions on a defined target arrangement.
Before you specify.
Can a switch monitor wave-device motion continuously?
A discrete switch identifies a defined point or state. Continuous motion feedback requires an appropriate measurement system.
Are these assemblies for turbine power export?
This application covers local position signals and instrumentation interfaces. Power export is a separate specialist cable and connection scope.
See the complete connection.
Explore how DepthLink position switches, underwater cable assemblies and custom equipment interfaces work together. Contact our team to discuss your installation.
Explore system engineering ↗
