Wave Energy Converter for Marine Vessels and Isolated Communities

Author(s) Information

Leo Kirshenbaum, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Owen Pyle, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Gage Howard, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Charlie Camilli, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Jonathan Ma, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Emigdio Islas, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Joseph Bonafede, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow

College - Author 1

College of Engineering

Department - Author 1

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 2

College of Engineering

Department - Author 2

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 2

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 3

College of Engineering

Department - Author 3

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 3

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 4

College of Engineering

Department - Author 4

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 4

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Date

6-2023

Primary Advisor

Peter Schuster, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department

Additional Advisors

Vladimir Prodanov, College of Engineering, Electrical Engineering Department

Abstract/Summary

California Polytechnic State University’s 2023 Marine Energy Collegiate Competition team, Surf Supply, has developed a floating dock that transduces wave energy into electricity. The following report aligns with MECC requirements, and our design changes since CDR are present in the User Manual in Appendix F. Our primary market research of the Blue Economy identified electric marine vessel charging and isolated communities as early adopters that could benefit most from the first generation of our wave energy converter (WEC). Surf Supply’s design concept provides a reliable, affordable, and renewable energy source that reduces dependency on conventional fossil fuels, allowing blue economy industries to have increased energy independence.

Our design uses a winch mechanism to generate rotational mechanical power from swells, that, when coupled with a generator, produces electricity. The electrical energy is stored in an on-board battery, so power can be supplied to end users on demand. A key advantage of Surf Supply’s WEC is its small, modular design, which allows for operation in low-energy sea states and ease of scalability. Further, the design maximizes use of commercial, off-the-shelf parts, minimizing the costs associated with custom manufacturing. Through our participation in the Build and Test challenge, we were able to test the mechanical and electrical system designs and identify areas for improvement. With continued development, a commercial-ready product promises to increase Surf Supply’s early adopter market share, eventually expanding into adjacent markets such as desalination. We feel confident that Surf Supply’s wave energy concept could prove to be competitive in the market and experience sustained growth as the demand for clean, independent energy rises.

URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mesp/704