Their device (patent pending by UMass Dartmouth) provides an efficient and lightweight way to stabilize a wave energy power take off (PTO) unit. The system provides translational motion between the spar of the system and the buoy, allowing for energy capture. The PTO will be housed between the tethered ballast and the buoy and consist of shafts, gearboxes, generators, and batteries. It will effectively translate the oscillating linear motion into a smooth rotational motion to the generators to create electrical energy. This energy will be stored in the batteries to provide a constant supply of power available at any moment. The primary market for this device will be related to using the stored power to recharge ocean surveillance vehicles such as Autonomous underwater Vehicles (AUV) and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV).

We have capitalized on their conceptual design in order to bring their ideas to fruition. Parts have been ordered, and the MADWEC system has been constructed. Our team is actively working on performing tests on this prototype, in order to ensure that the system functions as designed. After performing these tests, our team will compare our data to last years’ team, ensuring it’s as they intended. Taking another step further, our team will evaluate this data and come up with ways to improve the original design, so next years’ team can alter it and perform wet tests. The testing method that the MADWEC system will undergo is a Horizontal Dry Lab test. This will incorporate a table, which the system will be constrained to a variable speed winch, various pulleys, load cell, and tachometer. All of this will allow for data logging, relative to the amount of electricity that the system could produce. This is in regards to wave heights, ranging from 1-2 meters.