WaveChaser

WaveChaser is a tabletop-scale wave energy conversion (WEC) system designed to demonstrate hydrokinetic power generation using controlled wave simulation. The system converts vertical oscillatory wave motion into rotational mechanical energy using a rack-and-pinion mechanism. A floating buoy attached to the rack, which is submerged in the water, responds to wave motion inside a wave tank, driving a linear rack. The rack rotates a pinion gear connected to a mechanical rectification system that ensures unidirectional shaft rotation regardless of the phase the wave is in. This rotational motion drives a generator, which we chose to use a stepper motor for, to produce electrical power. The project integrates mechanical concepts from offshore wave energy systems with the structural simplicity of dock-mounted onshore designs. By mounting the mechanical drivetrain above the waterline, the design reduces corrosion risk, simplifies maintenance, and improves reliability. Additionally, the WaveChaser product will be both scalable, and extremely affordable to make in comparison to the WEC systems currently in the market. A paddle-style wavemaker is used to generate repeatable, controlled waves inside a 52-inch long storage container which we will use as a tank to simulate ocean conditions. The system aims to produce measurable electrical output in the range of 0.1–0.8 watts in the low end under controlled laboratory conditions. The output of the energy generated from the WaveChaser will be measured through a Raspberry PI and displayed on an LCD. The LCD will generate live data of voltage readings as well as the sinusoidal waves that the float is responding to. Additionally, there will be an external website that will show history of data logs, progressions, and under what conditions WaveChaser performs best at.