ASME Early Career Technical Journal

2011 ASME Early Career Technical Conference, ASME ECTC

November 4 5, Atlanta, Georgia USA

OCEAN WAVE
ENERGY GENERATOR
Francis S. Fernandez
Florida International University
Miami, Florida, USA

Bader Ale
Florida International University
Miami, Florida, USA

Alfonso Parra
Florida International University
Miami, Florida, USA

Sabri Tosunoglu
Florida International University
Miami, Florida, USA

ABSTRACT
Fossil fuels have been a popular source of energy for a
long time. Some of the more prominent drawbacks are its finite
life and toxic byproducts. Newer technologies have risen to
solve this problem. Currently, technologies being researched
include devices to harness solar and wind energy. Existing
wave-generating units are usually around 12 feet high and are
designed with the intent of operating in active wave-rich waters
with average wave heights of 8 to 10 ft. These units can
produce as much as 10 kW of power. Along with a smallerscale design this team explores cost-effective alternatives which
could potentially allow smaller buoys to produce less power in
coasts averaging 2-to-6-foot-high waves. The project also puts
to use basic laws of electromagnetism, such as Faradays Law
of Induction and Amperes Law.
INTRODUCTION
The harnessing of energy is one of the most critical
challenges at the forefront of all of humanitys concerns. It
affects societies in almost all aspects including economic,
political, military, and technological venues. In recent years
renewable energy has become a pressing matter for the latest
generation of engineers and researchers. They are confronted
with the responsibility of designing environmentally safe
products which require less conventional energy or that run on
cleaner renewable fuel. This teams design project is a
commitment to further realize these efforts by researching and
developing current ocean wave energy technology for the
benefit of all humanity. One of the goals is to achieve the
development of small buoy units that are capable of harnessing
energy from ocean waves specific to low-wave-height coastal
areas such as Florida and Georgia.
Among other alternatives there have been advancements
promoting the use of solar, electrical, bio-fuel, and wind energy.
But in order to keep up with the demands of today more
progress is needed. Fossil fuels will not last indefinitely and it

ASME 2011 Early Career Technical Journal - Vol. 10

quickly becomes imperative that alternatives be developed to

the point that they become viable and readily available for all
people and societies to use. The team considers harnessing and
using ocean wave energy which can potentially and in the long
run alleviate the current dependence on conventional fuels.
LITERATURE SURVEY
Traditional sources of energy have helped propel the
worlds economy and technology in insurmountable ways.
Some of the greatest advancements are not only due to fossil
fuels, but also greatly depend on them. Additionally, there are
serious challenges and consequences associated with their use
such as pollution, ecological disasters, and addicting economic,
political and social dependences. Research and development is
being made on fields related to the advancement of alternative
fuel options. These fields extend to solar, wind, electric, biofuel, and most recently, ocean wave energy [3].

Figure 1 - Components of a Water Wave [6]

Figure 1 shows the components that make up a standard

ocean wave. The approaches used in the development of wave
technology are float or pitching devices, oscillating water
columns, and wave surge or focusing devices. Additional
considerations need to be made, such as how far off-shore
should actual structures stand. The closer to land, the easier it
becomes to maintain and service these devices. While the
further away these structures can provide a greater potential for

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energy collection. Near-shore devices are generally situated

between 30 and 75 feet away from land.
A long-standing benefit of wave energy generation
includes the ability to produce essentially free energy and
requires no additional fuel to operate. Additionally, the costs to
maintain energy-generating buoys are on the low end. Also,
depending on the location, it can be a major contributor of
renewable energy. There are also disadvantages which include
the cost it takes to develop worthwhile technology. The variable
nature of wave frequency and height also makes the energytransfer rates unpredictable. It can also disrupt or alter marine
life in the vicinity. Deciding how and where these structures
will be most beneficial becomes a critical part of the decisionmaking process.

Figure 2 - U.S. and FL Coastline Wave Heights (7/24/11) [7]

The main challenge when making considerations

pertaining to wave-harnessing is how these waves affect and
interact with the local environment. In this case, there is the
incorporation of unique features added which would allow an
existing working design to become more efficient in harnessing
less-powerful waves in states such as Florida. The east coast of
the United States is the weaker of the coasts when it comes to
wave height and strengths, thus smaller and more energysensitive design alternatives are preferred. Figure 2 provides a
recent snapshot of the wave heights (in feet) for the United
States and Florida coastlines, respectively.

Figure 3 - Magnetic Induction Wave Energy Design [2]

Another technological concept is developed by SIE-CAT

which employs a system of buoys configured in a linear fashion
to compress air and eventually lead it to a main reservoir tank
at the bottom of the ocean. Each buoy is attached to a cylinder
and is used to pressurize the air that is being sucked in through
an intake valve at the surface. With the help of the undulating
behavior of waves the buoy rises to the crest of the wave,
creating a partial vacuum in the cylinder. The wave eventually
lowers the buoy once it reaches the trough. This is similar to the
behavior of an internal combustion engine. Each consecutive
buoy, compressing the air ever so slightly is further compressed
by successive buoys. The final pressure buildup in the reservoir
tank can then be used to power a turbine to generate electricity.
Figure 4 below illustrates a simplified representation on how
the technology works [4].

EXISTING TECHNOLOGY
There are many designs which prove to be very promising
for a research project of this scope. One popular design
alternative initially developed in Oregon State University
(OSU) primarily involves the use of Faradays Law of
Induction. The end design is large, bulky, and efficient which
enables it to fully take advantage of the wave heights readily
available in the western coast of the U.S. Figure 3 shows a
conceptual schematic outlining the main features of a wave
park. OSUs project is comprised of a multidisciplinary
research team that works closely with the Oregon Department
of Energy [2].

ASME 2011 Early Career Technical Journal - Vol. 10

Figure 4 - SIECAT Compressed Air Energy Design [4]

There are other devices known as Pelamis Wave Energy

Converters which work by making use of cylindrical pontoons
that are able to float and move about hinge joints such as those
illustrated in Figure 5. The Pelamis converters have an energy
output rating of approximately 15 kW/m per year. They have
also been noted for their performance, cost, design, and overall

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efficiency [1]. The Pelamis generators are currently located in

Edinburgh, Scotland and Povoa de Varzim, Portugal.

However, it allows the engineering team to construct and

evaluate parameters critical to the success of the project.
The primary components of the wave power buoy are
solenoid, neodymium magnet, and float. The solenoid is
designed approximately 1 ft in length and 5 inches in diameter.
Two magnets are mated to form one magnet 4 inches in
diameter and 4 inches in length. The industry field strength is
rated in terms of a hybrid N42-N52. At the surface (2 inches
from the center) the magnetic field strength is rated at
approximately 2,500 Gauss. At 4 inches from the center the
magnetic field rating is approximately 700 Gauss. Magnetic
field ratings are usually obtained empirically (through
experimentation). However, the mathematical model is based
on the equation

Figure 5 - Pelamis Wave Energy Converter [8]

Two prototypes are considered for the final design. Massproducing a product facilitates and in most cases, justifies the
high cost of the development and design of molds. In the case
of this project, purchasing a mold at a high cost for the
production of a single prototype does not justify its price.
However, it must be noted that if this teams product were put
into high volume production the thought process would be
different. Therefore a distinction must be made between the
conceptual prototype, the prototype that would be designed
with the intention of mass-production and high durability in
mind, and the modified prototype, or the low-cost alternative
designed to survive project testing and experimental analysis. A
comparison between both prototypes is shown in Figure 6. As
can be noted there are visual differences that set both models
apart. However, in terms of actual components they remain
very closely related.

(1)

In this equation B is the magnetic field and s represents the

closed surface area of the system. Using empirical methods the
strengths are determined by extrapolation using the results from
Figure 7.

Field Strength vs Length

Magnetic Field (Gauss)

PROPOSED DESIGN

=0

6000
5000
4000
3000

At Surface (4in Diameter)

2000
1000
0
0

Length of Magnet (in)

Figure 7 - N42 Magnetic Field Strength at Surface Area

It should be noted that at the surface the magnetic field

strength decreases with increasing length of the magnet while at
a distance outside of the magnetic surface the field actually
increases with increasing length of the magnet. Figure 8 shows
the relationship between magnetic field strength and increasing
magnet length 2 away from the surface of the 4 diameter
magnet.
Figure 6 - Proposed Conceptual and Modified Prototypes

The designs mainly differ in areas where it becomes

extremely expensive and difficult to manufacture parts. The
conceptual prototype is the ideology and thought process used
in developing a quality product able to withstand long-term
environmental hostilities of the ocean. Its parts and
functionalities are analyzed without experimental testing. The
modified prototype is built based on readily available
alternatives which jeopardize the life and durability of the buoy.

ASME 2011 Early Career Technical Journal - Vol. 10

For the conceptual design the float is approximately 2 feet

in diameter and constructed from industrial insulation
Styrofoam and nylon. The surface finish is protected with
fiberglass resin in order to increase its durability. The case
containing the magnetic core is anchored from the bottom to
the sea floor and thus, remains relatively stationary. The
solenoid is attached to the float and as waves produce a
difference in height relative to the core it is free to move in a
vertical fashion. The change in magnetic field relative to the
solenoid is what causes a flow of current in the solenoid. This

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current will then travel outside the solenoid through a secured

water-proof outlet and into a battery located nearby.

700

Table 1 - Power Potential per Wave Height

600
500
400

4"-Diameter, 2
Inches From
Surface

300
200
100
0
0

Length of Magnet (in)

Figure 8 - N42 Magnetic Field Strength 2 from Surface

PROPOSED DESIGN
Ideally the capture of wave energy is desired in offshore
locations, where it is not only more productive, but can also be
technologically feasible. Even though wave energy can be
considered a form of continuous source since it is constantly
being generated it is also highly variable. This is not to say that
the output cannot be accurately predicted, as with the help of
meteorological advances it has become scientifically and
reliably possible to determine the size and intensity of ocean
waves within monitored coasts [5].
The equation most often employed to determine the
amount of power generated by coastal waves is given by
=

64

(2)

In this equation, P is the generated power. The variable is the

density of seawater, 1,025 kg/m3. The variable H represents the
wave height, in meters. Variable T is the length period of the
wave, in seconds. Finally, g is the gravitational acceleration, 9.8
m/s2. Equation (2) can be reduced to the following.
0.5

(3)

Knowing that a few miles off the coast of Florida the

waves reach an average of approximately 3 ft. (~1 m) with a
period of approximately 8 seconds, equation (3) yields 4 kW
per meter or 1.79 hp per foot of Florida coastline. It should be
noted that this is the potential power and that the amount
harnessed, depending on the method used, can be substantially
less. Additionally, in coasts where the wave heights are much
higher, such as in the western coast of the United States, the
power potential can be as high as 16 hp per foot of coastline.

Wave Height
(m)

Wave
Height (ft)

Power
(kW/m)

Power
(hp/ft)

0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4

0
1.5
3
4.5
6
7.5
9
10.5
12

0
1
4
9
16
25
36
49
64

0.0
0.4
1.8
4.0
7.1
11.2
16.1
21.9
28.6

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Additionally, by using equation (2) it is possible to develop

a graphic interpretation illustrating the amount of power that is
potentially generated versus the wave height. In the graph
shown in Figure 9 periods of 7, 8, and 9 seconds are used in
order to draw a comparison between the power generation and
wave height differentiated by the length of time it takes
between wave crests. However, it should be noted that the
period can be adjusted depending on the location of the wave
energy-generating device. As previously mentioned, the
intensity and frequency of waves in the western coast are much
more pronounced.

Power Potential per Meter Coastline

(kW/m)

Magnetic Field (Gauss)

Field Strength vs Length

kilowatts per meter and horsepower per ft. As noted earlier,

these values represent only the amount of power that could
potentially be harnessed by technologically feasible means. As
science advances the efficiency with which this power can be
harnessed is improved.

80
70
60
50

At 8 s Period

40

At 7 s Period

30

At 9 s Period

20
10
0
0

Wave Height (m)

Figure 9 - Power Potential vs. Wave Height

Table 1 shows a comparison between the wave heights in

both, meters and feet, and the potential power generated in

ASME 2011 Early Career Technical Journal - Vol. 10

145

BUOY DESIGN AND ANALYSIS

Engineering evaluations are performed before the
construction and testing of the modified prototype. These
analyses entail the relevant mechanical engineering theories
that help drive the overall success of the research and design
project. For all finite element tests a mesh size of
approximately 0.5 inches is used. Figure 10 contains additional
details and properties specific to the mesh size.

Figure 11 - Magnet and Solenoid Case Temperature Gradient

Distribution (1 BTU)

The deflection temperatures of schedule-40 PVC are

illustrated in Table 2. The average oceanic temperature near the
coast of Miami Beach, Florida is 78 F, with the yearly
temperatures fluctuating between 71 and 86 F. Considering the
heat factor alone, PVC is able to withstand these temperatures
all year round since the load on the buoy due to the buoyancy
effect does not exceed 40 lbs. These values do not take into
consideration the tidal and rip current effects that add to the
buoy load.
Table 2 - Deflection Temperatures of Schedule-40 PVC

Figure 10 - System Element Properties

Pressure (psi)

Deflection
Temperature (F)

66

167

246

125

The engineering analyses were mostly performed using

SolidWorks and ANSYS software and included the following:

Thermal
Kinematic
Dynamic

Electromagnetic
Buoyancy
Force and Stress

ELECTROMAGNETIC ANALYSIS
Fluid Mechanics
Fatigue
Coastal

Some of these evaluations are outlined in the following

sections of this report. To see a complete report of all these
studies contact Florida International University, Mechanical
and Materials Engineering Department, or Francis S. Fernandez
at ffern007@fiu.edu.

The current produced in an environment such as the ocean

and with the equipment being used is of the alternating type
(AC). This is important because in order to produce useful
energy the buoy requires that the AC current is converted into
DC with one of the many available market products. Since the
teams goal is to generate 12 volts, the current quantity has not
been set as one of the primary objectives.
The calculations for the magnetic field analysis are
managed by using Amperes Law, equation (4):

THERMAL ANALYSIS
In terms of thermal properties PVC is a poor conductor of
heat and thus, the analysis and results are consistently
monotonous. The results for the magnet and solenoid case
temperature gradient distributions are shown in Figure 11.

ASME 2011 Early Career Technical Journal - Vol. 10

(4)

Since testing magnetic fields require experimental analyses

application software aids in determining the values of magnetic
fields at different distances from a given magnet. In this case a
magnetic calculator is used provided by the manufacturer of the
magnet. Imported magnets are rigorously tested to match the
results predicted by field-calculating software. For example, a
magnetic field strength of 2743 Gauss is recorded at the surface
for a magnet of grade N42 and dimensions 4 (diameter) and 3
(length).

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As shown in Figure 12, the magnetic strength decreases

from 2743 Gauss to 613.3 Gauss when the distance is increased
from 0 (at the surface) to 2 inches from the surface (4 inches
from the center of the magnet). This is a significant decrease
that would have a tremendous impact on results when designing
a buoy that must allow for a medium (water) to flow through it.

The density can now be found by using the relationship

=

0.826
0.571
= 1.447
/
=

The density of seawater is

1.988

(9)

(10)

When comparing this value to the density of the magnet case it

is observed that the density of water is greater than that of the
case. Therefore, if fully submerged the magnet case floats.
PROTOTYPE CONSTRUCTION

Figure 12 - Magnetic Strength 2 Inches from the Surface

BUOYANCY ANALYSIS
Ensuring that the system remains buoyant is critical to the
success of the buoy. The main components, the magnet case
and solenoid case, are analyzed and tested for buoyancy. The
equation for the buoyancy force is
=

The team first tests the prototype under a controlled

environment. The buoy is taken to one of the team members
house pool. This way the size of the waves and frequency can
be controlled. The buoy is safely monitored and minor
adjustments are made accordingly. The buoy is also taken to be
tested in the ocean. Figure 13 shows the team preparing to
deploy the buoy at Biscayne Bay, Florida.

(5)

For equation (5) is the density of the submerged mass, g is the

gravitational acceleration, and V is the volume displaced by the
submerged mass. This equation is also known as Archimedess
Principle. In order to calculate the buoyancy of the magnetic
case, the volume is determined by using

0.375
4

5.17 = 0.571

(6)

For equation (6) V is the volume, D is the diameter of the pipe,

and L is the length of the pipe. The gravitational acceleration
constant is given as

Figure 13 From Left: Dr. Tansel, Alfonso, Bader, Francis

The buoy results are given in terms of voltage and current

output. Additionally, the wave frequency is adjusted to simulate
ocean water conditions. Buoyancy and ability to stand are
monitored and analyzed.

(7)

= 32.2

Also, the mass of the submerged body is needed. In this case

this can be found by weighing the body and dividing the result
by the gravitational constant
=

26.6
32.2 /

= 0.826

ASME 2011 Early Career Technical Journal - Vol. 10

(8)
Figure 14 - 2011 Biscayne Bay Buoy Launch

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The energy output during the bay testing was less than 3
volts for all results recorded. However, had the buoy been
properly positioned and anchored at the correct level the
voltage could have been more in line with the results obtained
from the pool, where the buoy was properly anchored and
positioned. Once the tests are completed the team heads back to
shore. The original intent was to generate 5 W with a larger
magnet. The results of these tests are listed in Table 3. The
average power generation is approximately 0.093 Watts.

environments with low wave heights, such as the eastern coast

of the United States.
It is important that research is made with interdisciplinary
teams, including expert areas in electrical engineering and
marine sciences. The success of follow-up work requires that
such teams maintain technical communication so that the
performance of power buoys is maximized.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The team acknowledges and thanks the following persons
and organizations for their contribution to this project:

Table 3 - Prototype Test Results

Voltage (V)

Current (mA)

1.8

0.575

12

1.36

0.557

10

1.087

12

1.891

11

1.02

10

1.61

10

0.752

10

0.93

CONCLUSION
This research highlights the benefits that current
technologies are able to bring into mainstream along with new
challenges that are presented. One of the main focuses is to
encourage the use of renewable resources that are currently
available and in abundance. This team remains hopeful that
further studies and developments are made in the fields of wave
energy harnessing in the future. FIUs team construction and
testing of the prototype proves that there is plenty of room for
improvement in the energy field. Examples of future work
required include automatic depth adjusters to account for tidal
effects and minimization of environmental hazards to and from
the buoy system.
The overall goal, research the generation of energy through
natural means, such as undulation of ocean waves, has been
accomplished with mixed success. The overall experimentation
of energy production is low. And indeed much more work is
needed to further advance the research in this area. However,
the theory is sound and with future tweaks and improvements it
is possible to generate a significant proportion of energy in this
manner. In order to continue building on this research, it is
recommended that the buoy be able to efficiently operate in

ASME 2011 Early Career Technical Journal - Vol. 10

Dr. Ibrahim Tansel

Rick Zicarelli
International Hurricane Research Center (IHRC)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA)

REFERENCES
[1] Bedard, R., Hagerman, G., Previsic, M., Siddiqui, O.,
Thresher, R., & Ram, B, 2005, Final Summary Report,
Project Definition Study, Offshore Wave Power Feasibility
Demonstration Project. EPRI Global.
[2] Brekken, T., & von Jouanne, A., 2008, Overview of Wave
Energy Activities at Oregon State University. Oregon State
University.
[3] Elwood, D., Yim, S., Amon, E., von Jouanne, A., &
Brekken, T. (n.d.), 2008, Experimental force
characterization and numerical modeling of a taut-moored
dual-body wave energy conversion system. Journal of
Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering , 132.
[4] SIE-CAT, 2010, The energy of the future is here. One wave
at a time. Retrieved July 24, 2011, from www.waveenergy-accumulator.com:
http://www.wave-energyaccumulator.com.
[5] U.S. Department of the Interior, 2006, OCS Alternative
Energy and Alternate Use Programmatic EIS Information
Center. Retrieved 2011, from www.ocsenergy.anl.gov:
http://www.ocsenergy.anl.gov/documents/docs/OCS_EIS_
WhitePaper_Wave.pdf.
[6] Adhikary, K., 2010, Environmental Systems.
[7] NOAA. National Digital Forecast Database, 2011, NDFD
Graphics.
[8] Pelamis Wave Energy Converter, 2009, Changing Ideas:
Pelamis-Wave-Energy-Converter/Electricity.

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