Infrastructure Systems: Smart, Resilient, Energy Systems

REU Scholars: Shania Ziegler, Irem Ider

REU Scholar Home Institutions: Brigham Young University, University of Florida

REU Mentor: Dr. Yufei Tang

Marine Energy Prototype Development: From Wave Energy Conversion to Ocean Current Turbine Design

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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.