Omni-direction Omni-frequency Wave Energy Converter

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Overview

This wave energy converter is designed to harvest ocean waves kinetic energy from all directions using an oscillating weight inspired by the way an automatic watch harvests the kinetic energy of arm movements.

  • Omni-direction Omni-frequency Wave Energy Converter 0
  • Omni-direction Omni-frequency Wave Energy Converter 1
  • Omni-direction Omni-frequency Wave Energy Converter 2
  • Omni-direction Omni-frequency Wave Energy Converter 3
Research completion
2023
Commercialisation opportunities
Technology licensing agreement
Problem addressed

Wave energy converters (WECs) are adopted far less worldwide when compared to solar panels or wind turbines. However, for places where land supply is a problem (e.g., Hong Kong), land-based solar and wind farms cannot usually be adopted. As a result, offshore solar and wind farms are considered, however, the costs involved in building such facilities are comparable or costlier than WEC farms. For this reason, we designed a WEC that could overcome the existing challenges by having simply designed, yet sophisticated components that allow the wave energy converter to work in nearshore environments exposed to low frequency water waves.

Innovation
  • The WEC absorbs the kinetic energy from waves through an oscillating weight that moves with every tilting or horizontal motion of the hull.
  • The rotors can move with the movement of the hull due to the interconnection between the oscillating weight and the rotors.
  • The movement of the rotor induces friction between the dielectric film and the metal electrodes. This friction charges the dielectric film causing electrons of one metal electrode to flow to another electrode along the load circuit via electrostatic induction and electron flow from one metal electrode to another induces the current flow in the opposite direction, hence, electricity generation.
Key impact
  • Omnidirectional wave energy harvesting ability
  • Symmetrical hull shape
  • Mooring -if required - is based on site location, the array could be fixed to stationary structures above sea level (e.g., bridge piers)
  • Proven scalable by increasing the number of units
Award
  • 48th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG) - Gold Medal
Application
  • Electrical energy generation for direct connection to electrical grid
  • Electrical energy generation for offshore oil platforms
  • Power source for battery charging
  • Power source for green hydrogen production

Patent

  • PWG/PA/1360/10/2022 (USA) Patent number: 63/437,440 (USA)
City University of Hong Kong (CityU)

As one of the fastest growing universities in the world over the past decade, City University of Hong Kong (CityU) is recognised as a hub for innovation in research and professional education. CityU identifies solutions to critical global challenges by extending the frontiers of knowledge both within and beyond existing research paradigms.

The University’s highly qualified academics are drawn from all over the world, not only bringing a wealth of research and professional experience to the teaching programmes, but also contributing to the knowledge and technology advancement.

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