Portable Hybrid Wave and Current Energy Converter

Background

The combination of size concerns for solar panels and the inability of solar resources to provide continuous power calls for an alternative renewable energy source. The ocean is a potential goldmine for the generation of renewable energy. Unlike wind and solar power, power from ocean waves and currents is produced continuously around the clock. A light-weight, portable hybrid energy converter module that has the functions of power generation, power management, and energy storage will provide an excellent alternative to wave and current renewable energy options.

Innovation

• Hybrid MMR Design

• Portable and Inflatable Buoy Design

• Boat-shaped Buoy Optimization

• Implementation of Neural Network to Replace BEM Software

• Turbine Optimization

Approach

All of the proposed studies are investigated via 3 steps: system design, dynamic modeling, and prototyping and testing. System design and dynamic modeling are the current project stages

Achievement

• Reduced drag force on buoy by 68.7% and kept the same level of power absorbed from the wave

• Reduced computation time from 5-10 mins to milliseconds by replacing the BEM software with neural networks

• Designed inflatable buoy structure based on optimized buoy shape

• Developed generalized mode FSI model of inflatable buoy through use FEA and BEM

• Increased turbine efficiency from 15% to 37%