Design Proposal and Feasibility Analysis for a Near-Surface Wave-Powered Profiling Float

Abstract

We propose a design for a float capable of harvesting wave energy while fully submerged. The proposed design could theoretically operate indefinitely without ever breaching the surface. We developed and validated design guidelines for the proposed float through a combination of tank testing and simulation. These design insights could be employed to build an operational float. Our final proposed design utilizes a 1.13m heave-plate and six 0.28m turbines to generate 10 W across a range of simulated conditions.

Keywords

• marine buoy
• wave energy
• energy capture
• power take-off
• renewable energy