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.

Baja SAE is not just a club activity. It is an intercollegiate design competition run by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Teams of students from universities all over the world design and build small off-road vehicles. With the same engines, success is not dependent on engine size or tuning, but rather overall design.

There are multiple dynamic events including a hill climb, maneuverability test, and suspension test as well as a single four-hour endurance race that pushes the vehicle. Teams are also assessed in static events such as ergonomics, functionality, cost, and manufacturability of their designs in a business and marketing presentation.

Students involved with the project will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real world, hands-on design. Projects like these enable senior students to learn the necessary skills that will help them become successful engineers in their future careers.

While the current design performs well, Pilleve is looking at new concept designs for their product that can improve cost, simplicity, and accuracy.

Our task is to come up with a design that significantly reduces the chances for jamming and other failed-dispenses while maintaining the simplicity and ergonomics of the current design.

Robert Hamilton

Using COMSOL and SolidWorks, models and simulations were made to start the process of building and designing the test. The team collaborated to fabricate a reliable testing system for a drop test comprised of two parts: a tank and dropping mechanism. Once completed, the team was able to record preliminary results and compare the falling time difference between a superhydrophobic-coated and non-coated sphere of the same size and material. Using a variety of methods, the results were tabulated and prepared for our sponsor’s research on the topic.

Our team has been brought on to design and manufacture a new machine which will take in Fabreeka’s rubber pads and cut them down into strips. The machine will accomplish this task by driving the rubber pads by a series of rollers through a fixed blade. These rollers and blades will be adjustable to accommodate different thicknesses of materials, and different sizes of cuts, respectively. Along with the manufacturing of the machine, our team developed a comprehensive user repair and operations manual. This manual outlines the proper use of the device, as well as the needed information for any repairs or replacements.

Luis De Jesus