Iterative Design of a Point Absorber Wave Energy Converter to Provide Power to Aquafarms

Aquafarms, often located in remote areas, face challenges accessing reliable power sources. Existing renewable solutions, such as wind and solar, are heavily limited by unpredictable weather conditions and can only be used in some scenarios. However, a more predictable energy resource exists in ocean wave energy. Addressing this, our research aimed to design a wave energy converter meeting specific criteria: producing at least 100 W on average, storing electricity, integrating with existing infrastructure, and being effective in calm wave conditions. A point absorber wave energy converter (WEC) emerged as the optimal solution through ideation and simulations, focusing on capturing heave and surge motion for power generation. The chosen concept, a buoy equipped with a helix design moving along a rail, was initially prototyped for wave flume testing at a small scale. While successful, improvements were identified-increasing the height-to-width ratio and minimizing friction in the mechanism. Iteratively, a larger prototype incorporating a gearbox for enhanced speed was developed and tested, demonstrating proof of concept. Producing up to 3 watts per kg of moving mass in laboratory testing, our innovative approach shows promise in providing sustainable and reliable power solutions for remote aquafarms.