ACEP at Work: VDOS Project Update

Project Description: The Video Debris Observation System (VDOS) consists of the design, construction and testing of a remote video observation system for detecting river debris to protect hydrokinetic turbines.

Progress Update:
8/22/2014

The VDOS has been completed and is ready to be deployed at the Tanana River Test Site.

Final work was completed to install and test the PLC (programmable logic controller).  A voltage sensor was installed to monitor battery voltage and to turn on the generator to charge the batteries when the voltage drops to 10.  A current transformer was also installed to monitor the current traveling into the batteries.  When the current drops below 5A the batteries are charged and a signal is sent to the PLC to turn off the generator.  Once all the components and wiring for the PLC were installed the system was successfully tested. The system will be delivered to the test site the week of August 24th and will be set up to monitor debris around the debris diverter and barge.

Project Lead: Marc Mueller-Stoffels, mmuellerstoffels@alaska.edu
Project Engineer: Nicholas Konefal
Project Funding: Alaska Energy Authority

Photo: Completed Video Debris Observation System. Photo courtesy NKonefal, ACEP/UAF.