One of the most difficult aspect of this project is deploying the device at sea. The water is not very kind to the device and it will swallow the platform into the depths of the sea.
I planned to go to the beach to test the device, but as most plan go, there are complications. Every time I want to go to the beach it always rains and when it rains, the waves are raging. Its rainy season in my place in this time of the year.
Not to mention the logistical challenges in going to the beach. I live inland and it will cost me transportation. I set aside some funds for going to the beach but conditions are not favorable every time. Flooding occurs here during heavy rain and roads are inaccessible during those times
Luckily, the river is nearby. I brought the platform to see if it will hold in the side of the river. The current of the river is always strong because after the rain, the water slides down from the mountains into the city’s river.
I first removed the electronics in my first attempt to put it into the water. I anchored the platform to keep it from floating away. As expected, the platform floats. Now the challenge is testing the platform while the electronics are inside. As I place the device into the water, things were a bit suspicious. I was not confident in letting it go and risk submerging the device. Then critical flaw happened in the platform
As the water pushes against the platform, the water bottles acting as floaters became loose and won’t hold unto the platform. This stability issue almost cause me my electronic components.
The flaw in the designed can be mitigated however by reinforcing and supporting the water bottle from breaking off the platform.
No wonder why there is little development when it comes to developing floating devices out at sea. The cost and maintenance are astounding. The troubles at sea has given me major setbacks in testing and development.