New wave-powered system extends AUV mission duration
Divers and ocean researchers can benefit from longer AUV missions with reduced maintenance needs.
Researchers-students are currently developing autonomous underwater vehicles for a competition. The system uses an oscillating water column and a Wells turbine to convert wave energy into electricity. It was tested in controlled environments and showed potential for significant performance improvements. The design allows modular, scalable deployment, making it adaptable to various power requirements. From the paper: The project aims to develop a renewable energy solution for charging underwater vehicles (AUV’s) by harnessing ocean energy while satisfying the contest rules. During the previous CONCEPT phase, a prototype was created that used an Oscillating Water Column to generate power using waves. During the DEVELOP phase of the project our team aims to enhance the previous design of the Oscillating Water Column to generate more power while addressing key challenges such as material corrosion in marine environments. By optimizing the system, we seek to create a more reliable and sustainable solution for powering AUVs with minimal environmental impact and reduced maintenance needs.
- Researchers at California Polytechnic State University developed a wave-powered system to charge AUVs without manual battery replacement.
- The system uses a Wells turbine to convert wave-induced air motion into electrical power.
- Key improvements include a larger column diameter, flared inlet, and corrosion-resistant materials.
- Prototypes were tested in pools and lakes, generating 0.47 Wh per cycle with a PC-fan turbine.