On Thursday, we conducted dry testing of the WET-NZ and Ocean Sentinel to validate the integrated system performance.  Led by Ean Amon and Terrie Lettenmaier, the NNMREC-OSU technical team assessed the performance of both the operations and safety systems during the testing.  After connecting the WET-NZ to the Ocean Sentinel via the umbilical cable, the team conducted basic systems and safety checks to ensure the devices were properly connected and operating.

The Port of Toledo crane was used to actuate the WET-NZ float (i.e., move it up and down) to simulate the effect of passing waves.  As expected, the WET-NZ produced a small amount of voltage, the current was transmitted through the umbilical cable to the Ocean Sentinel, and the power was dissipated in the load bank.  With the dry tests successfully completed, we're one step closer to deployment!

Most of the coast is experiencing southerly winds between 10 - 15 knots, 5 - 6 foot swells and relatively cool temperatures, due to a strong upper level ridge of high pressure centered over the eastern Pacific Ocean. Southerly winds should continue through Sunday, with both wind speed and swell size decreasing. A low pressure circulation just off the Southern Central California coast is also influencing conditions on the Oregon Coast. This low generally blocks the progression of other systems, and its track and position will influence the weather for the next 4 - 5 days so we'll be keeping a close eye on it.  Special thanks to Phil Barbour at OSU's College of Earth Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences for putting together a coastal weather outlook for us.