Project
Marine Energy Prototype Development: From Wave Energy Conversion to Ocean Current Turbine Design
REU Scholar: Shania Ziegler, Irem Ider
REU Scholar Home Institution: Brigham Young University, University of 吃瓜网
REU Mentor: Dr. Yufei Tang
Marine renewable energy offers significant potential for supporting future sustainable and resilient energy systems; however, efficient energy conversion and practical device implementation remain important engineering challenges. This REU project focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of two marine energy technologies: an Oscillating Surge Wave Energy Converter (OSWEC) and an Ocean Current Turbine (OCT). For the OSWEC, an existing prototype was improved through mechanical and electrical modifications, including a chain-and-sprocket power take-off system and bridge rectifier, followed by experimental testing and comparison with WEC-Sim simulations. The results demonstrated successful electrical generation and highlighted the importance of matching device design and operating conditions to local wave resources. For the OCT, a scaled dual-rotor turbine concept was developed through literature review, generator selection, mechanical integration, rotor blade design, and CAD modeling. The resulting design incorporates a direct-drive frameless generator, bearing-supported shaft, and three-blade rotor and is ready for future fabrication and experimental validation. Together, these projects advance the development of practical marine renewable energy systems while providing hands-on experience in mechanical and electrical integration, modeling and simulation, CAD design, prototyping, and experimental testing.
Slide Presentation
For a downloadable version of this presentation, email I-SENSE@FAU.
Video Presentation