Mechanical / DAQ / 2024-2025

Wave Energy Converter

Led a team prototype for a 3D-printed crank-driven wave energy converter that translated vertical wave motion into electrical output using a rotor/stator generator, Arduino DAQ, MATLAB analysis, and pool testing.

Crank-driven wave-energy prototype with rotor/stator generator hardware, hand-wound coils, N52 magnets, wiring, DAQ, and pool testing.

Role
Research team lead
Status
Validated
Tools
SolidWorks3D printingArduino DAQMATLABTest plans
Wave energy converter prototype during pool testing
Pool-side test setup for the wave-energy converter prototype.

Problem

Design and test a small wave-energy harvesting prototype that could convert vertical wave motion into measurable electrical output, with a long-term vision for offshore oil rigs, islands, and coastal communities.

What I built

  • Led a four-person team through concept selection, SolidWorks design, fabrication, pool testing, and iteration.
  • Built the mechanical generator around PLA-printed parts, a crank mechanism, aligned rotor magnets, hand-wound stator coils, bearings, and support structure.
  • Wired the electrical side with rectifier diodes, capacitors, XT60 connector, voltmeter, silicone wire, and Arduino DAQ for measured testing.

Engineering notes

  • Coils used the same winding direction; rotor magnets were mounted in alternating polarity and aligned on the shaft.
  • Higher-grade magnets increased expected output; N52 20x10x5 mm magnets were used.
  • Coil sizing had to stay within the printed template so the rotor/stator clearance remained usable.

Result

  • Converted vertical wave-driven motion into measured electrical output during pool testing.
  • Improved measured output by 15% through mechanical/electrical iteration.
  • Finished with CAD, fabrication, generator assembly, wiring, DAQ, MATLAB analysis, and technical documentation.

Media

Front view of the finalized wave energy converter mechanism
Final mechanism view showing the stator, rotor, crank, and support structure used for testing.
Early stator/rotor prototype showing the crank mechanism in motion.